Austin DWI Lawyer – Aggressive DUI Defense for Travis County

When you hire a DWI defense lawyer in Austin, you’re hiring more than legal advice — you’re hiring local knowledge, a deep understanding of Texas DWI laws, and the kind of aggressive strategy that can keep you out of jail and on the road.

We don’t do cookie-cutter defense. We don’t churn clients through for a quick plea deal. Every client gets a strategy tailored to their unique facts, the local judge, and the specific prosecutor’s habits. We’ve built relationships inside Travis County courts, and we know what works.What Sets Our Austin DWI Attorneys Apart

• Decades of combined DWI defense experience in Austin, Travis County, and Central Texas.
• Hundreds of successful case results — dismissals, not guilty verdicts, charge reductions.
• Local insight into how prosecutors build and break down DWI cases.
• Aggressive defense strategies for first-time DWIs, repeat DWIs, felony DWIs, CDL driver cases, and underage DUI.
• Full-service representation — from ALR hearings to occupational licenses.
• Compassionate, judgment-free guidance from the moment you call us.

No two DWI cases are the same. That’s why we customize your defense plan to fit your life, your record, and your goals.

If you want to know what really happens after a DWI arrest, read our guide on What Happens After a DWI Conviction in Texas.

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Texas DWI laws are some of the strictest in the country. Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, you can be charged with DWI if your BAC is 0.08% or higher OR if you’ve lost the normal use of your mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination.

Many people ask, “What’s the difference between DWI vs. DUI in Texas?”
Here’s the deal: DWI is the charge for adults 21 and older with BAC of 0.08% or more. DUI typically applies to minors under 21 with ANY detectable amount of alcohol — a strict zero-tolerance policy.

Texas DWI penalties can include:

• For a first offense: Up to $2,000 fine, 3–180 days in jail, license suspension up to a year.
• For a second offense: Up to $4,000 fine, up to a year in jail, license suspension up to two years.
• For a third offense: A felony charge with up to $10,000 fine, 2–10 years in prison, permanent felony record.
• Special circumstances: DWI with a child passenger, accidents causing injuries, or a BAC of 0.15% or higher can increase penalties.

But these maximums are NOT automatic — they’re worst-case scenarios. A good Austin DWI lawyer works to reduce or avoid them entirely.

Learn the details in our Texas DWI Laws guide.

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So many Austin drivers type “DUI lawyer Austin” or “DWI attorney near me” without realizing Texas law makes a key distinction.

• DWI: Driving While Intoxicated — applies to adults driving with BAC over 0.08% or impaired by drugs/alcohol.
• DUI: Driving Under the Influence — usually a zero-tolerance charge for minors under 21 with any detectable alcohol.

A zero-tolerance DUI charge may sound minor, but it can damage college admissions, scholarships, and professional licenses down the road. That’s why our team takes underage DUI defense seriously — helping students and young adults keep their records clean whenever possible.

If you’re a parent searching for help after your child’s arrest, read our Underage DWI Defense Guide.

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First-time offenders have the best chance of avoiding a permanent conviction. But a single mistake can snowball if you don’t act fast. Prosecutors may push for probation, fines, community service, or an ignition interlock device — even for a first offense.

Your best defense for a first DWI:

• Challenge the traffic stop — was it legal?
• Attack the field sobriety tests — were they done correctly?
• Investigate BAC testing — breathalyzers break, lab tests get contaminated.
• Protect your license — don’t miss your ALR hearing deadline.

We’ve helped hundreds of Austin residents get first-time DWI charges dismissed, reduced, or deferred. Protect your clean record — start with our First-Time DWI Defense guide.

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If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License, a DWI conviction can end your career. CDL holders are held to stricter standards — even a first offense can mean automatic suspension.

Out-of-state visitors arrested for DWI in Austin face extra complications too: missed court dates can lead to warrants, and you can lose your license back home. We handle every detail so you can keep your job, stay compliant, and avoid surprises.

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You don’t have to guess at what’s coming next. Get answers in our DWI FAQ.

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Our legal team proudly serves clients throughout Central Texas. DWI charges aren’t just limited to Austin, and we regularly represent clients in surrounding cities and counties. We know the local courts, judges, and prosecutors in these areas, giving our clients a distinct advantage. Whether you're in downtown Austin or a rural area outside of Travis County, we’re ready to fight for you. Each jurisdiction has unique court procedures and local practices. We tailor our defense strategies to meet those regional expectations while protecting your legal rights with aggressive representation.

• Areas We Serve

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