Austin DWI Defense Attorney
Your attorney used to be the officer on the other side of the traffic stop. He knows how DWI cases are built — the training, the procedures, the shortcuts — and he knows exactly where they break down.
A Former Police Officer Who Now Fights DWI Cases from the Other Side
Most DWI attorneys learned about field sobriety tests from a manual. Steve Bowling learned them by administering them on the side of the road at 2 AM.
As a former law enforcement officer and military veteran, the lead attorney at Texas Defense Team’s Austin office has a perspective on DWI defense that most attorneys simply don’t have. He’s been through the same DWI detection training that the officer who arrested you went through. He knows the 24-step protocol for administering the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test. He knows the 8 clues officers are trained to look for on the Walk-and-Turn. And he knows that most officers don’t follow these protocols perfectly — because he’s seen it from the inside.
That law enforcement background changes everything about how your DWI case is defended. It’s not about finding technicalities. It’s about knowing the standard the officer was supposed to meet, and holding them to it.
⏱ 15-Day Deadline: After a DWI arrest in Texas, you have only 15 days to request an ALR hearing to fight your automatic license suspension. If you miss this deadline, your license is suspended regardless of your criminal case. Call (512) 991-1111 now — we answer 24/7.
How a Former Officer Attacks DWI Evidence
Every piece of DWI evidence has a protocol. When the protocol isn’t followed perfectly, the evidence can be challenged. Here’s what a law enforcement background reveals about each type of evidence used against you.
The Traffic Stop
Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs)
Breath Testing (Intoxilyzer)
Blood Draws
Dashcam & Body Camera
Officer Testimony
Texas DWI Penalties: What You’re Facing
Texas DWI penalties escalate quickly. Understanding what’s at stake is the first step toward building your defense.
| Offense | Classification | Jail Time | Fine | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DWI | Class B Misdemeanor | 72 hrs – 180 days | Up to $2,000 | 90 days – 1 year |
| 1st DWI (BAC ≥ 0.15) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $4,000 | 90 days – 1 year |
| 2nd DWI | Class A Misdemeanor | 30 days – 1 year | Up to $4,000 | 180 days – 2 years |
| 3rd DWI | 3rd Degree Felony | 2 – 10 years (prison) | Up to $10,000 | 180 days – 2 years |
| DWI with Child Passenger | State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years | Up to $10,000 | 180 days |
| Intoxication Assault | 3rd Degree Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $10,000 | 90 days – 1 year |
| Intoxication Manslaughter | 2nd Degree Felony | 2 – 20 years | Up to $10,000 | 180 days – 2 years |
Beyond criminal penalties: A DWI conviction in Texas also triggers surcharges of $1,000–$2,000/year for three years, mandatory SR-22 insurance (which can double or triple your premiums), potential ignition interlock requirements, and a permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks for employment, housing, and professional licensing.
What to Do After a DWI Arrest in Austin
The decisions you make in the first hours and days after a DWI arrest can determine the outcome of your case. Here’s the timeline that matters.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
You are not required to answer questions about where you were, how much you drank, or where you’re coming from. Politely decline. Everything you say is being recorded and will be used against you.
Call a DWI Attorney
Call (512) 991-1111 — Sarah, our 24/7 lifelike receptionist, will connect you with the Austin office immediately. Even at 3 AM. Especially at 3 AM.
Request Your ALR Hearing
Your attorney will file the ALR hearing request to fight your license suspension. This also gives us the chance to cross-examine the arresting officer under oath — before the criminal trial. Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended.
Evidence Preservation & Investigation
Your attorney will subpoena dashcam/body camera footage, breath test maintenance records, blood test chain of custody documents, officer training records, and dispatch logs. Evidence can disappear — the sooner we start, the more we have to work with.
Build Your Defense
Every piece of evidence gets scrutinized against the protocols the officer was supposed to follow. Your attorney — a former officer who knows these protocols firsthand — builds the defense strategy around the specific weaknesses in your case.
Related Austin Criminal Defense Services
Arrested for DWI in Austin? The Clock Is Ticking.
You have 15 days to save your license. Call now for a free, confidential consultation with a former police officer turned DWI defense attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin DWI Cases
What happens after a DWI arrest in Austin?
After a DWI arrest in Austin, you’ll be booked at the Travis County Jail and your driver’s license will be confiscated. You have only 15 days to request an ALR hearing to fight the automatic suspension of your license. Missing this deadline means an automatic suspension — regardless of what happens in your criminal case. Call a DWI attorney immediately.
Can a DWI be dismissed in Travis County?
Yes. DWI cases get dismissed when the evidence doesn’t hold up. Common grounds include improper traffic stops, incorrectly administered field sobriety tests, equipment calibration failures on the Intoxilyzer 9000, contaminated blood samples, and constitutional violations during the arrest. A former police officer turned defense attorney knows exactly where to look for these issues.
What are the penalties for a first DWI in Texas?
A first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor: 72 hours to 180 days in jail, up to $2,000 in fines, and 90 days to 1 year license suspension. If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor with up to $4,000 in fines and up to 1 year in jail. Beyond criminal penalties, expect surcharges of $1,000–$2,000/year for three years, SR-22 insurance requirements, and a permanent criminal record.
Should I refuse a breathalyzer in Texas?
Texas has an implied consent law — refusing triggers an automatic 180-day license suspension (2 years for subsequent refusals). However, the officer can still get a warrant for a blood draw. This is a complicated decision that depends on your specific circumstances. If you’ve already been arrested, call an attorney at (512) 991-1111 rather than trying to make this decision alone.
What is an ALR hearing and why do I only have 15 days?
An ALR (Administrative License Revocation) hearing is a separate proceeding from your criminal case that determines whether your license gets suspended. You have only 15 days from arrest to request it. Missing the deadline means automatic suspension. But the ALR hearing is also a strategic opportunity — your attorney can cross-examine the arresting officer under oath, revealing weaknesses before the criminal trial even begins.
How much does a DWI lawyer cost in Austin?
DWI defense fees vary based on whether it’s a first or subsequent offense, BAC level, whether an accident was involved, and case complexity. The initial consultation at the Austin office is always free. Call (512) 991-1111 to discuss your specific situation — you’ll get a clear understanding of costs before making any decisions.