DWI & DUI

Dallas DWI Lawyer & DUI Defense Attorney in Dallas, TX

Dallas DWI Lawyer & DUI Defense Attorney in Dallas, TX

Facing a DWI or DUI charge in Dalla? If you are, this can be a frightening and life-altering situation to deal with. You might be worried about jail time, fines, losing your driver’s license, and the impact on your future. At the Law Offices of Robert Gregg, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help. Led by Attorney Robert S. Gregg – an award-winning Dallas DWI lawyer with over 33 years of experience– our firm provides skilled, aggressive defense for individuals charged with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and DUI in the Dallas area. We combine formal legal skills with a compassionate, reassuring approach, guiding you through the legal process and fighting to protect your rights at every step.

Our Dallas DWI & DUI defense service is built on a strong track record of successful outcomes. Mr. Gregg has handled thousands of cases in his career, with many DWI charges reduced or dismissed entirely. In fact, our team’s focus is on achieving dismissals or “not guilty” results whenever possible – keeping convictions off your record and safeguarding your future. When you work with us, you work directly with Attorney Gregg (not a junior associate), ensuring personal attention from a seasoned trial lawyer who knows how to challenge the evidence and build a powerful defense. We are a local firm that prides itself on aggressive representation in Texas courts and client-centered service – available 24/7 (se hablaEspañol) to answer your call for help.

Understanding DWI & DUI Laws in Texas

Texas DWI law is strict, and a DWI charge can carry serious consequences. “DWI” stands for Driving While Intoxicated, which under Texas law means operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs regardless of BAC. Importantly, you can be charged with DWI even if you’re below 0.08% if an officer believes your driving is impaired. Texas also has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 – commonly referred to as “DUI” (Driving Under the Influence) for minors. If you are under age 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in your system is illegal and can lead to a DUI charge. In short, DWI usually refers to adult drunk driving offenses, while DUI in Texas typically involves underage drivers. Both are serious offenses that can affect your freedom and future.

DWI penalties in Texas depend on the specifics of the case, such as prior offenses and the presence of any aggravating factors. Even a first-time DWI can lead to harsh punishment. Below is a brief overview of the typical penalties for DWI convictions in Texas:

  1. First DWI Offense (Class B Misdemeanor)Up to $2,000 fine, 3 to 180 days in jail, and up to a 1-year driver’s license suspension. (If your BAC was 0.15% or above, the charge can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor, with up to 1 year in jail and $4,000 fine.) You may also be required to attend a DWI education program and face annual surcharge fees to keep your license.
  2. Second DWI Offense (Class A Misdemeanor)Up to $4,000 fine, 30 days to 1 year in jail, and up to a 2-year license suspension. Judges often impose stricter conditions on second offenders, such as longer community service and mandatory ignition interlock devices on your vehicle.
  3. Third DWI Offense (Third-Degree Felony)Up to $10,000 fine, 2 to 10 years in state prison, and up to a 2-year license suspension. A third DWI conviction is a felony, which has life-altering consequences including a permanent felony record.
  4. DWI with Aggravating Factors (Felony DWI) – Certain DWI situations are charged as felonies even if it’s your first offense. For example, DWI with a child passenger (under 15 years old) is a state jail felony, and a DWI that causes an accident with serious injury or death can lead to felony charges like intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter, with penalties even more severe (multi-year prison sentences and long-term license revocations).


Additional consequences: Beyond the fines, jail, and license suspensions listed above, a DWI arrest or conviction can trigger other far-reaching consequences. You could face administrative license revocation even before any criminal conviction – in Texas, you only have 15 days after a DWI arrest to request a hearing to contest your driver’s license suspension. Failure to act in time will result in an automatic suspension of your license. Our Dallas DWI attorney can help you immediately file for this hearing and fight to save your driving privileges.

A DWI conviction will also leave you with a criminal record, which can impact employment opportunities and professional licenses, and lead to skyrocketing insurance premiums or even policy cancellation. You may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your car or attend alcohol education and community service as part of probation. If an accident was involved, you might face civil lawsuits for damages on top of the criminal case. In summary, the stakes are high, and it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer explain your rights and options under Texas law. We take the time to clearly explain the DWI/DUI laws and potential consequences so you know what to expect and how we can help.

Why Choose Robert Gregg for Your DWI Defense?

Experience and Proven Success: Robert Gregg has been practicing law in Texas since 1990 and has over 33 years of legal experience in criminal defense. As a seasoned Dallas DWI attorney, he has literally seen it all – from first-time DWI arrests to complex intoxication manslaughter cases. His extensive trial experience and deep knowledge of Texas DWI laws equip him to find the best defense strategy for your situation. Over the decades, Mr. Gregg has earned a reputation as a formidable trial lawyer who will not hesitate to challenge the prosecution at every turn. He understands the inner workings of the Dallas County courts and has experience dealing with local prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement, which can be a significant advantage in crafting an effective defense.

Proven Track Record of Success:

When your future is on the line, you want a DWI lawyer with a history of winning cases. Robert Gregg has successfully handled thousands of criminal cases, and our firm has achieved over 10,000 case victories for clients across Texas. This includes numerous DWI case wins – from cases that were dismissed before trial to not-guilty verdicts and favorable plea agreements that avoided jail time. Our philosophy is simple: we strive to get your charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible, keeping a conviction off your record. In fact, our focus is on dismissals – we aim for “no criminal conviction on record” for our clients whenever the facts allow. Every DWI case is different, but we bring the same level of dedication and tenacity to each one, fighting for the best possible outcome.

Awards and Recognition

Robert Gregg’s skill and dedication have been recognized by clients and the legal community. He was voted among the “10 Best Attorneys” in client satisfaction by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys in 2022 and was featured in the Top Attorneys of North America 2025-2026 edition. He has also earned a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo and has been honored as a Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney by a national legal publication. These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence in DWI defense. More importantly, they show that you can trust our credibility and professionalism when we represent you.

Personalized, Compassionate Service

At our firm, you are not just a case number – you are a client who deserves attention, respect, and honest communication. When you choose Robert Gregg as your DWI defense lawyer, you will work directly with him from start to finish. Unlike some larger firms, we won’t hand your case off to a junior associate. Mr. Gregg takes a hands-on approach to every case, thoroughly reviewing the evidence (police reports, breathalyzer results, body-cam footage, etc.) and identifying the best defenses. We make sure you stay informed about your case status and understand your options at every stage. Our team knows that facing a DWI is stressful, so we take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns promptly. We combine formal legal knowledge with a friendly, conversational approach, so you feel comfortable discussing anything with us. Our goal is to not only be your lawyer, but also to be a source of reassurance and support during a tough time.

Aggressive Defense Strategy

DWI cases can be highly technical – from the legality of the traffic stop to the science behind field sobriety and breath tests. Robert Gregg is known for his aggressive defense strategies and willingness to challenge the evidence. He will examine every facet of your DWI case to see if the police violated any of your rights or procedures. For example, was the traffic stop legal? Did the officer have reasonable suspicion to pull you over? Were the field sobriety tests conducted properly? Was the breathalyzer or blood test administered according to protocol and are the results reliable? If any mistakes were made by law enforcement – if your rights were not respected or proper procedure wasn’t followed – we will leverage those issues to seek a reduction or dismissal of your charges. Attorney Gregg’s background in negotiation and litigation means he can deftly handle discussions with prosecutors, but he’s also fully prepared to take your case to trial if that’s in your best interest. Simply put, we leave no stone unturned in building your defense. Our client-focused, results-driven approach has helped many clients in Dallas avoid convictions or harsh penalties, and we stand ready to do the same for you.

Accessible and Committed

A DWI arrest can happen at any hour, and you need a lawyer who is there when you need help. Our firm offers free consultations 24/7, and we make it a point to be available around the clock for emergencies. You can call us anytime, day or night, and you’ll be able to speak to someone who can start helping immediately. We also know that many in the Dallas community prefer to speak in Spanish, so hablamosEspañol – our staff can assist you in English or Spanish as needed. From the moment you reach out to us, we work quickly to relieve your stress and start crafting a plan of action. Time is critical in DWI cases (remember the 15-day deadline for license hearings!), so we act with urgency to protect your rights. This level of commitment and availability is one of the reasons so many clients choose Robert Gregg when they need a Dallas DWI defense attorney they can rely on.

Take Action: Get a Free Consultation with a Dallas DWI Lawyer Today

Facing a DWI/DUI charge in Dallas is a serious matter – but you don’t have to face it alone. The sooner you have a trusted DWI defense attorney on your side, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Put our experience to work for you: reach out to the Law Offices of Robert S. Gregg for immediate help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your case and explain your options. Call us 24/7 at 214-559-3444 to speak directly with our team. You can also contact us online to schedule your consultation. Don’t wait – evidence can fade and deadlines (like the 15-day license hearing request) can be missed if you delay. By contacting us now, you’ll get the information and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your DWI case.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about DWIs in Texas

In Texas, DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) usually refers to drunk or impaired driving charges for adults. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) typically refers to offenses by drivers under the legal drinking age of 21. Texas is a zero-tolerance state for underage drinking and driving, meaning if you’re under 21 and have any detectable alcohol in your system, you can be charged with a DUI (also called DUIA – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor). For drivers 21 and over, the charge will be DWI if your BAC is 0.08% or above, or if you are impaired by alcohol and/or drugs while driving. In everyday conversation, people often use “DUI” to refer to drunk driving in general, but the correct term for most adult cases in Texas is DWI. Both DWI and DUI charges are serious, but DUI (underage) typically carries lighter penalties than an adult DWI. Regardless of age, if you’re arrested for alcohol-related driving in Dallas, you should consult a defense attorney right away to protect your rights.

You can lose your license, but it’s not automatic if you take quick action. After a DWI arrest in Texas, there is a separate administrative process called Administrative License Revocation (ALR). The officer will usually confiscate your physical license and issue a temporary driving permit. You then have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing to contest the license suspension. If you request a hearing in time, you’ll typically be able to continue driving until the hearing date. At the hearing, your attorney can challenge whether the officer had legal reason to stop and arrest you, and whether you refused or failed a breath/blood test under proper conditions. If you win the ALR hearing, your license will not be suspended (or the suspension might be lifted). If you do nothing or lose the hearing, your license will be suspended – even if your criminal DWI case is still pending. For a failed BAC test, a first-offense suspension is often 90 days; for a refusal, it’s 180 days or more, though specifics can vary. During a suspension, you might be eligible for an occupational driver’s license (an essential need license) that allows limited driving to work, school, and household duties. It’s crucial to involve a DWI lawyer quickly to handle the ALR process. Our firm will immediately file the paperwork to request your hearing and fight the suspension, aiming to keep you on the road if at all possible. Remember, the criminal case and the license suspension are separate matters – we will guide you through both.

A first-time DWI is usually charged as a Class B misdemeanor (unless there are aggravating factors like a high BAC or an accident). The maximum penalties for a first DWI can include: up to 180 days in jail, up to a $2,000 fine, and up to a one-year driver’s license suspension. There is also a minimum confinement of 72 hours in jail, but in practice, many first-offenders receive probation instead of jail time, especially if there was no accident or prior criminal history. Probation (community supervision) for a first DWI typically involves a suspended jail sentence, meaning you don’t serve time as long as you comply with terms like community service, attending a 12-hour DWI education class, possible alcohol counseling, and not committing new offenses. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle if your BAC was 0.15 or higher, or as a condition of probation in some counties. In addition to fines, Texas charges annual surcharges (administrative fees) to keep your license after a DWI, though recent law changes converted some of these fees into simply higher reinstatement fees and court costs.