DWI Defense

DWI Defense in Lake Jackson

Former Prosecutor Insight for Your DWI Defense

A DWI allegation can affect a person’s license, employment, family responsibilities, and criminal record. We examine the evidence and explain the separate proceedings that may follow, including allegations involving alcohol or drugs.

At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, our defense draws on former prosecutor experience and technical training in breath, blood, and field sobriety testing. We represent people in Lake Jackson and offer service in English and Spanish.

Call (832) 900-9867 to discuss your Lake Jackson DWI allegation and any approaching deadlines.

Deadlines After a Lake Jackson DWI Arrest

A DWI charge can lead to a criminal case and a separate Administrative License Revocation (ALR) proceeding. Through this process, the Texas Department of Public Safety addresses a possible license suspension after a failed or refused breath or blood test. The license proceeding doesn’t determine guilt in the criminal case.

Two deadlines are especially important:

A driver generally has 15 days from service of the suspension notice to request an ALR hearing.
If no hearing is requested within that period, the suspension begins on the 40th day after the notice.

We address both the criminal charge and the license issue, giving each proceeding focused attention.

Former Prosecutor Experience in DWI Defense

Steve Gonzalez previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in Brazoria County, where Lake Jackson cases proceed. That background informs how we evaluate the prosecution’s allegations, identify disputed evidence, and prepare for each stage of a criminal case.

Our firm has represented DWI defendants since 1997. Our attorneys have more than 42 years of combined experience, and we’ve helped over 5,000 clients navigate the legal system.

How Lake Jackson DWI Cases Proceed

Cases arising in Lake Jackson proceed through the Brazoria County Courthouse. Our representation can extend from the first appearance through pretrial negotiations and trial. At each stage, we consider the alleged conduct, available evidence, the client’s circumstances, and the potential legal and personal consequences.

We protect our clients’ legal rights and challenge allegations or evidence when the facts support doing so. Our approach is persistent and direct, particularly in cases involving disputed testing or serious charges.

Discuss Your DWI Charge with Our Firm

You can contact us by phone or through our contact form to discuss the allegation and your legal options. Our bilingual service allows clients to ask questions and address sensitive details in English or Spanish.

Call (832) 900-9867 to speak with us about the next steps in your Lake Jackson DWI case.

Texas Penalties for a First DWI

Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, driving while intoxicated generally involves operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. A first DWI is generally a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum confinement term of 72 hours and a fine of up to $2,000. The classification and potential penalties can change based on the alleged facts and testing results.

Circumstances that can increase the penalties include:

Open container: An open container in the person’s immediate possession raises the minimum confinement term to six days.
Alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more: The charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

Breath, Blood & Field Sobriety Test Evidence

Testing evidence can play a central role in a DWI prosecution. We handle cases involving breath tests, blood tests, and standardized field sobriety tests. We examine how each test was conducted and how the results were developed and reported.

Steve Gonzalez holds certifications in breath test administration and scoring, Intoxilyzer 5000 maintenance and operation, and forensic blood and urine analysis. We apply that technical training when evaluating test results and identifying grounds for a challenge.

DWI Allegations with Additional Legal Stakes

Prior allegations, injuries, age, and license type can change the legal issues a defense must address. We handle DWI matters involving circumstances beyond a basic misdemeanor allegation.

Our DWI defense work includes:

Multiple DWI allegations
Felony DWI allegations
Intoxication assault
Intoxication manslaughter
Underage DUI
Commercial driver’s license DWI matters

These cases may involve different evidence, procedures, and potential consequences. We assess the specific facts of each allegation rather than treating the charges as interchangeable.

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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 42 Years Representing The Accused

A Reputation of Excellence

Hear What Our Satisfied Clients Have To Say

"They were professional, knowledgeable and genuinely committed"
I can’t recommend this DWI lawyer highly enough. From the very first consultation, they were professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to helping me understand my options. They explained the legal process

- Former Client
"Top Level Experience"
One of the most professional women in law I have been around. Start to finish, the experience was top-level, and she is extremely experienced and knowledgeable in her field. I couldn’t ask for better representation.

- Joseph
"Family"
Steve was very professional and helpful with my case... He made me feel more than just a client... He showed and treated me like family... I'm forever grateful, Thank You!

- Former Client
"Case Dismissed!"
As a mother and wife I knew I needed the best defense as my future was at stake with 15yrs on the line.

- Brittany
"I am forever grateful to them for how they handled my case."
I am 67years old and never been in trouble with the law. I was going through some medical issues with my husband along with some living issues. I did something I knew better than doing. With so much on my mind, I didn't think of the consequences. Steve Gonzalez was recommended to me by a friend. I have never met someone that took the time to take care of me and my case and was able to plead my defense with a positive outcome. I am so relieved he was recommended to me, and I chose to accept him as my attorney. I highly recommend him and his wife KK. I am forever grateful to them for how they handled my case.

- Lynn A.
"Extremely equipped and prepared to fight for me"
I cannot recommend Kristi at Attorney Steve O. Gonzalez enough. She was incredibly smart, well-equipped, and thoroughly prepared throughout every stage of my case. From the beginning, she guided me through every step and every challenge with professionalism, strategy, and compassion. Her attention to detail, knowledge of the law, and ability to remain calm and focused under pressure gave me confidence during an extremely difficult time. Thanks to her hard work and dedication, my case was successfully dismissed. I am beyond grateful for her advocacy and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney who is not only highly competent, but truly committed to her clients.

- Vikki C.
"The best lawyer you can ever get!!!"
Steve was able to get me the BEST DEAL in my case. He made magic happen, and because of that, he will forever be my lawyer!!!!!

- Otto
"His awesome lawyer I do recommend him 100%"
I had an excellent experience working with my attorney, and I truly couldn’t be more grateful. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and always took the time to explain every step of my case clearly. He showed real dedication, confidence, and strong legal skills throughout the entire process. Thanks to his hard work and commitment, my case was successfully won. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an honest, reliable, and highly effective lawyer who truly cares about his clients and their results.

- Leno