El Paso DWI Lawyer in TX

Facing a DWI charge can upend your life. At The Law Office of Romero & Warrick, we understand how a single arrest can threaten your driving privileges, employment and reputation. Our goal is to achieve the best possible result for clients facing DWI charges. 

Our trial attorneys, Kristin Romero and Melissa Warrick, have defended hundreds of DWI cases in El Paso County. We have extensive experience in developing robust and aggressive defense strategies. We are familiar with the tactics that local prosecutors employ, and we utilize our expertise to challenge breath and blood test results, field sobriety procedures, and arrest protocols.

When you contact our office, you will receive prompt, personal attention. We listen carefully to your concerns, explain the administrative and criminal processes you face and map out a strategy that fits your needs. Whether you need representation at an administrative license suspension hearing or you require full criminal defense in court, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences of a DWI charge. 

Contact The Law Office of Romero & Warrick today by completing our website contact form or calling us at (915) 206-5681 to schedule a comprehensive case evaluation and secure the defense and guidance you need to protect your driving privileges and future.

The Law Office of Romero & Warrick is built on a foundation of direct, experienced representation. You will always work with Kristin Romero or Melissa Warrick, both of whom are former felony prosecutors and federally licensed trial attorneys. Together, they bring more than 40 years of courtroom experience to every case in El Paso County, committed to achieving a favorable outcome for their clients.

We keep our caseloads small so that each client receives the attention and responsiveness they deserve. From your first call through the resolution of your case, you will speak directly with your attorney. We answer questions in plain language and explain each step of the administrative and criminal process.

Having defended hundreds of DWI cases, we know how local judges and prosecutors operate. Our extensive experience handling DWI cases ensures that we construct a robust and aggressive defense strategy. Our trial focus gives you the ability to negotiate from a position of strength, whether the goal is to avoid suspension of your driver’s license or to reduce or dismiss criminal charges. We handle all filings, hearings and negotiations so you can focus on everyday life while we protect your rights.

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What Is Considered a DWI in Texas?

Under Texas law, a driving while intoxicated charge applies when you operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. “Intoxicated” is defined as not having the normal use of your physical or mental faculties due to the introduction of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Even if you appear sober, a chemical test showing a BAC at or above the legal limit will support a DWI charge.

A “public place” includes streets, highways, parking lots, or any location accessible to the public. Texas also recognizes aggravated DWI offenses in certain circumstances, such as driving with a child passenger younger than 15 years old, crashing into another vehicle causing serious injury or death, or having a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher. Operating a watercraft, an aircraft, or an amusement ride while intoxicated may lead to similar charges under state law. Understanding these definitions is the first step in mounting an effective defense. Being convicted of a DWI can lead to serious consequences, including significant penalties, civil liabilities, and substantial impacts on personal and professional life.

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Penalties for DWI in Texas

DWI charges in Texas carry both administrative and criminal penalties. You can face an automatic driver’s license suspension and possible jail time, fines, and other court-ordered consequences. Securing a dismissal for DWI charges is crucial to avoid these severe penalties.

Administrative License Suspension

After a DWI arrest, the Department of Public Safety may suspend your driver’s license through an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process. If you fail or refuse a breath or blood test, DPS will send a Notice of Suspension. You have 15 days from the date of service to request an ALR hearing. If you miss that deadline, your license will be suspended on the 40th day after service. A first refusal triggers a 180-day suspension, whereas a first test failure leads to a 90-day suspension. Subsequent refusals or failures carry longer suspensions.

Criminal Penalties

Criminal punishment depends on whether the charged offense is a misdemeanor or felony and on any prior convictions or aggravating factors:

• First Offense (Class B misdemeanor)
  
  • Fines up to $2,000
  • Jail sentence from 3 to 180 days
  • Driver’s license suspension for up to one year
  • Possible alcohol education or treatment programs
• Second Offense (Class A misdemeanor)
  
  • Fines up to $4,000
  • Jail sentence from one month to one year
  • Driver’s license suspension for up to two years
• Third Offense within 10 years (State Jail felony)
  
  • Fines up to $10,000
  • State jail term from 180 days to two years
  • Driver’s license suspension for up to two years
• Aggravated DWI (Felony)
  
  • Charged when a DWI causes serious bodily injury or death, or if you are legally intoxicated with a child under 15 in the vehicle
  • Prison term from two to twenty years
  • Fines up to $10,000
  • Driver’s license suspension for up to two years

In some cases, DWI probation may be an alternative to jail time, allowing individuals to serve their sentence under supervision instead of incarceration.

Additional Consequences

Beyond fines and jail, a DWI conviction can lead to installation of an ignition interlock device, higher insurance premiums, and a permanent criminal record that may affect employment and housing opportunities.

Navigating these penalties requires an attorney who knows how to challenge evidence, negotiate reductions, and pursue alternatives to jail or driver’s license loss. The Law Office of Romero & Warrick has the experience to help minimize both administrative and criminal consequences of a DWI charge in El Paso.

DWI defense is a specialized area of criminal law that requires extensive knowledge and experience. In El Paso County, DWI laws are strictly enforced, and the consequences of a DWI arrest can be severe. At The Law Office of Romero & Warrick, our El Paso DWI lawyers have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against DWI charges. 

We understand the complexities of DWI laws and the importance of hiring an experienced attorney to handle your case. Our team of former prosecutors and assistant district attorneys is well-versed in the legal system and is equipped to aggressively defend your rights. If you’re facing a DWI charge in El Paso County, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

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What To Do After Receiving a DWI

Facing a DWI arrest can be overwhelming. Taking prompt, informed steps will help protect your rights and build a strong defense:

1. Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney - Call The Law Office of Romero & Warrick immediately. Early involvement lets us review arrest records, chemical test results, and field sobriety reports. We can advise you on both the administrative and criminal aspects of your case. The influence of skilled legal representation can significantly affect the potential outcomes of your DWI case, from employment issues to insurance complications.
2. Limit What You Say - Exercise your right to remain silent. Avoid discussing the arrest with police, prosecutors, or on social media until you have legal representation. Anything you say may be used against you in court.
3. Gather Witness Information - If there were passengers or bystanders who observed the stop or arrest, collect their names and contact information. Witness testimony can prove crucial in disputing the circumstances of your detention.
4. Attend All Hearings and Appointments - Make sure you appear at your ALR hearing, bond hearing, and any court dates set in your case. Missing a scheduled appearance can lead to automatic license suspension or a warrant for your arrest.

By following these steps and working with a qualified DWI attorney, you maximize your chances of retaining your driving privileges and reducing or dismissing criminal charges. Contact The Law Office of Romero & Warrick at (915) 206-5681 to schedule your comprehensive case evaluation today.

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Why You Need a DWI Attorney in El Paso, TX

Texas DWI laws are complex and carry both criminal and administrative consequences. The necessity of hiring quality legal representation to navigate these complexities cannot be overstated. You may face a license suspension from the Department of Public Safety, as well as fines or jail time in criminal court. An attorney who understands both tracks can coordinate your defense and protect your driving privileges and freedom.

Local judges and prosecutors in El Paso County each have their own procedures and expectations. A lawyer who practices here regularly knows how to present your case most effectively, whether negotiating a plea or preparing to challenge evidence in court. Critical issues such as breath-test calibration, chemical-test refusals, and field sobriety methods require detailed review and skilled cross-examination.

By hiring The Law Office of Romero & Warrick, you benefit from:

• Insight into El Paso courtrooms and DPS procedures
• Aggressive challenges to improper stops and unreliable test results
• Strategic negotiation aimed at reducing or dismissing charges

Expert representation helps you avoid costly mistakes, meet all deadlines and secure the best possible outcome in your DWI case. Our firm is committed to achieving the best outcome for our clients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The police took my driver’s license. Is my license now suspended?

Not immediately. You have 15 days from the date you are served a Notice of Suspension to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Department of Public Safety. If you miss that deadline, your license will be suspended on the 40th day after service. Refusal of a blood or breath test triggers a 180-day suspension, while failure of a test leads to a 90-day suspension.

What happens with a first DWI in Texas?

A first DWI involves both an administrative process for your license and criminal charges. If DPS finds you were lawfully arrested and failed or refused a chemical test, you face a 90-day or 180-day license suspension. Criminal penalties may include a fine up to $2,000, jail time from three to 180 days, and license suspension for up to one year.

How bad is a second DWI?

License suspension for a second DWI typically ranges from 180 days to two years, depending on your prior offenses and whether you refused or failed the breath or blood test. If you failed the test on your first DWI, your license was suspended for one year; a refusal on your second DWI carries a two-year administrative suspension. Criminally, a second DWI is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to $4,000 in fines, jail time between one month and one year, and a separate criminal license suspension that can last up to two years.

Will I go to jail for a DWI conviction?

Possible jail time depends on the offense level and your history. A first DWI carries three to 180 days in county jail. A second DWI carries one month to one year. Felony and aggravated DWI offenses carry state jail or prison time. An experienced attorney can work to reduce or avoid incarceration through negotiation or alternative programs. Establishing reasonable doubt is crucial in defending against DWI charges, as it can lead to reductions or dismissals of charges.

Can a DWI conviction affect my employment?

Yes. A DWI on your criminal record may show up in background checks and impact job prospects, especially for positions requiring driving or a clean record. Some employers may also increase your insurance costs or decline coverage for work-related travel.

Can I request an ignition interlock device instead of suspension?

For a second DWI, installing an ignition interlock device (IID) is mandatory as a condition of bond and/or probation. The IID prevents your vehicle from starting unless you pass a breath test, and once installed, it can sometimes allow you to maintain limited driving privileges during your suspension period. Eligibility rules, program length, and any associated costs vary by county and your prior history, so it is important to understand local requirements before enrolling in an IID program.

How soon should I hire an attorney after a DWI arrest?

As soon as possible. Early intervention lets your attorney request the ALR hearing in time, collect evidence before it is lost, and begin building a strategy for both the administrative and criminal aspects of your case.

For answers specific to your situation, contact The Law Office of Romero & Warrick at (915) 206-5681. Our El Paso attorneys are ready to guide you through every step.

Protecting your driving privileges and your future begins with a comprehensive case evaluation at The Law Office of Romero & Warrick. When you hire our firm, you work with former prosecutors who have extensive knowledge of El Paso courts. You receive direct access to your trial attorneys and benefit from proven strategies for challenging breath and blood test results. We develop a personalized defense plan designed to minimize both administrative and criminal consequences. Early action is critical, so contact us now to ensure all deadlines are met and to give your case the skilled advocacy it needs. Contact Jones today for immediate legal assistance.

At the Law Office of Romero & Warrick, we primarily serve the areas of El Paso, Midland, Odessa, and other areas around Texas. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Your path to a strong defense begins here.