DWI

DWI Attorneys in Galveston County

Fighting Your DWI Charges Just Got Simpler

At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, we defend those who have been arrested for driving while intoxicated. Our Galveston County DWI attorneys give your legal situation the attention it deserves and build an effective defense strategy to help you overcome your charges.

We focus on providing you with a current and comprehensive understanding of DWI laws, which is crucial in navigating the complexities of the legal system. This includes not only understanding relevant statutes but also recent case law and rulings that could impact your defense.

If you are facing DWI charges, call (832) 900-9867 or fill out this online form to get the legal protection you need from our DWI attorney.

What Constitutes a DWI in Galveston County

In Texas, it is illegal for a driver to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08% or higher (or 0.02% for underage drivers). If found to be driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, the charges and penalties will vary based on the specific circumstances of your situation.

Understanding the administrative and criminal processes involved in a DWI charge is essential for a structured defense approach, as it can affect your driving privileges and criminal record in the long term.

Some relevant factors to your DWI case include your age and your license type. Other factors, which often lead to harsher penalties, include DWI with passengers in the vehicle or a DWI accident that severely injures or kills someone else. Being aware of these aggravating factors allows us to strategically plan how to mitigate the potential consequences you face.

A conviction for DWI could result in a variety of consequences, including:

Imprisonment
License suspension or revocation
Fines
DWI education/intervention classes
Higher auto insurance rates
Community service
A criminal record

Penalties for DWI Convictions

1st DWI (Class B Misdemeanor) – 3 days to 180 days in jail; fines up to $2,000; license suspension for 90 days to 1 year.
2nd DWI (Class A Misdemeanor) – 30 days to 1 year in jail; fines up to $4,000; license suspension up to 2 years.
3rd DWI (Third-Degree Felony) – 2 to 10 years in state prison; fines up to $10,000; license suspension up to 2 years.

Understanding DWI Laws with a Galveston County DWI Lawyer

In Galveston County, local law enforcement takes a stringent approach to DWI offenses. Understanding your rights when pulled over is critical, including your right to remain silent and to refuse certain sobriety tests. Local checkpoints and patrols are often heightened during holidays and local events, leading to higher arrest rates during these times. Being aware of these factors can help prepare individuals for possible interactions with law enforcement.

The legal team at Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez stays updated on changes to local DWI regulations, which can influence strategies in court. Knowing the tendencies of local judges and prosecutors allows us to navigate each legal situation thoughtfully, seeking the most advantageous outcomes for our clients. This focus ensures that our clients are equipped with the knowledge needed to understand and actively participate in their defense.

Why Choose the Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez

When you face the severity of a DWI in Texas, you need a defense team that leverages both legal expertise and local knowledge.

Former Prosecutor Advantage: We are former prosecutors. We know the exact training the police receive for SFSTs and DWI investigations. Our insight allows us to quickly spot the procedural flaws and scientific weaknesses that lead to suppression and dismissal.
Bilingual Expertise for Clarity: We offer bilingual services (English/Spanish), ensuring every client fully understands the intricate process and evidence involved in their case, eliminating any possibility of a defense-harming misunderstanding.
ALR Hearing and Occupational License: We manage both the criminal case and the separate Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing, fighting to keep your driver's license from being suspended and assisting with securing an Occupational Driver's License if necessary.

Trust a strategic Brazoria County DWI lawyer to protect your driving record and your freedom.

Secure a powerful Brazoria County DWI lawyer with the experience of a former prosecutor. Call our firm at (832) 900-9867 or reach out online for your consultation immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If I Am Pulled Over for a DWI in Galveston County?

If law enforcement pulls you over under suspicion of DWI in Galveston County, remain calm and comply with their requests for identification and vehicle documents. You have the right to remain silent and can exercise this right until you consult a lawyer. You can refuse field sobriety tests, which are voluntary and often subjective. Refusing a blood or breath test, however, may trigger an automatic license suspension under Texas implied consent law.

How Can a DWI Lawyer in Galveston County Help?

A DWI defense attorney from Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez investigates the circumstances of your arrest, reviews the evidence, and looks for procedural errors. Our attorneys seek any violation of your rights that could help get charges reduced or dismissed. They can also negotiate on your behalf for plea agreements or alternative sentencing options to lessen the impact of a DWI prosecution. This advocacy matters because DWI convictions can make future employment and other opportunities more difficult far beyond paying fines.

Can I Lose My License Even Before My DWI Case Is Resolved?

Yes. Under Texas’ Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process, your driver’s license may be suspended soon after your arrest if you fail or refuse a chemical test. You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing to challenge the suspension. An attorney can represent you at this hearing to fight for your driving privileges.

What Happens If I Have Prior DWI Convictions?

Repeat DWI offenses in Texas carry much harsher penalties. A second DWI is a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail, while a third DWI becomes a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Prior convictions can also lead to longer license suspensions, higher fines, and mandatory ignition interlock installation.

Can I Get a DWI Expunged or Sealed in Texas?

In most cases, DWI convictions cannot be expunged in Texas. However, if your case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you successfully completed deferred adjudication (for certain eligible offenses), you may be able to seek an expunction or nondisclosure order to limit public access to your record. A DWI lawyer can help determine if you qualify.

Are There Alternatives to Jail for a DWI Conviction?

Yes. Depending on your case, you may qualify for probation, community service, alcohol treatment programs, or the use of an ignition interlock device instead of jail time. Courts in Galveston County may consider alternative sentencing for first-time offenders who demonstrate responsibility and commitment to rehabilitation.

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Our Comprehensive Strategy: Attacking the Evidence

Most people believe that a positive breath or blood test means the case is over. We know that the evidence is frequently flawed and subject to suppression or challenge in court. Our firm's defense is built on challenging the four pillars of the State’s case:

1. Challenging the Traffic Stop and Arrest (Constitutional Violations)

Lack of Reasonable Suspicion: We scrutinize police reports and dashcam footage to determine if the officer had a legal, justifiable reason (reasonable suspicion) to initiate the traffic stop. If not, the stop was illegal, and all evidence gathered afterward (SFSTs, breath/blood tests) must be suppressed under the Fourth Amendment.
Lack of Probable Cause: We challenge whether the officer had sufficient probable cause to make the arrest for DWI.

2. Attacking Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs)

Improper Administration: SFSTs must be administered according to NHTSA guidelines. We use our specialized training to show that the officer administered the tests incorrectly, compromising the results.
Subjectivity and Physical Factors: We argue that factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, age, weight, poor lighting, or slick roads contributed to poor performance, rendering the officer's subjective observations unreliable.

3. Suppressing Scientific Evidence (Breath and Blood Tests)

Breathalyzer (Intoxilyzer): We investigate maintenance logs and calibration records to prove the machine was faulty. We also challenge whether the 15-minute observation period required by state protocol was properly followed.
Blood Tests (Felony Cases): In Brazoria County, blood tests are common, especially in felony cases. We challenge:
- The legality of the blood draw warrant (lack of probable cause in the affidavit).
- The Chain of Custody (gaps in evidence handling and storage).
- Lab Errors or contamination that may have led to an inaccurate BAC reading. Our firm is prepared to work with forensic scientists to counter the State’s claims.

Legal Counsel from a DWI Attorney in Galveston County

DWI charges should be taken seriously. It is crucial to have an experienced DWI lawyer on your side who has a proven track record for reducing charges and getting outcomes that align with client needs. Our knowledge of local court systems and familiarity with judges and prosecutors in Galveston County can often be advantageous when negotiating plea deals or navigating trial proceedings effectively.

The Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez is the firm you'll want to work with. Our Galveston County DWI attorneys can help you take the necessary steps to ensure a fair outcome in your legal situation. The sooner you take action, the sooner we can get to work building you a strong defense!

Get in touch with us today at (832) 900-9867 to schedule an appointment with our skilled criminal defense attorneys. Don't wait to protect your future.

Put Experience On Your Side

Why Choose Us?

More than 5,000 Clients Helped Since Start of the Firm
Serving Spanish-Speaking Clients
Certified in Breath Tests, Blood Tests and SFSTs

Former Brazoria County Assistant District Attorney
Aggressive & Passionate Legal Representation
Over 32 Years Representing The Accused

A Reputation of Excellence

Hear What Our Satisfied Clients Have To Say

"Steve is an absolute beast in the courtroom!"
Steve will go to war for you. He is an absolute beast in the courtroom. He was very passionate, and caring and kept me well informed.

- David
"Best Lawyer hands down"
They were always in court on time and kept me informed throughout my 3-year process with Steve and his partner Kristina.

- Former Client
"Fantastic & Professional!"
Hands down, these folks are the best in the business! Thanks to Steve, KK, and the rest of the crew at the firm, I can now rest at ease after getting the case dismissed.

- Chad
"I highly recommend Steve and this team"
After going through the system once I pray, I never be in that situation again, I am glad I found an attorney that suited my needs.

- Kooffreh
"During the entire process, Kristi was an exceptional guide"
I feel truly fortunate to have had such an amazing lawyer on my side, and I will forever be grateful.

- Former Client
"Phenomenal Attorney"
Steve and his team consistently go above and beyond for their clients. They definitely live up to their reputation as the fierce defenders.

- Clayton
"Exceptional defense attorney!"
You will not find a better defense team to represent you! Steve and KK are exceptional and extremely passionate about what they do.

- Billy
"Outstanding Attorney"
They showed genuine empathy for my situation. It is easy to see why The Gonzalez Law Firm is such a huge success.

- Gwen