If you were arrested for DWI in Sugar Land, your driver’s license, your record, and your reputation may all be on the line. Texas prosecutors take driving while intoxicated offenses seriously, and so does our defense team at Lance Kennedy Law. We bring years of courtroom experience and insider knowledge to every DWI case we handle in Fort Bend County. Our firm is led by Attorney Lance Kennedy, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and former Assistant District Attorney who understands how the State builds DWI cases and how to challenge them effectively.
When you hire us to defend your DWI case, you benefit from:
Former prosecutor insight into how DWI cases are investigated and prosecuted
Trial experience in Texas state and federal courts
Immediate action to protect your driver’s license if possible
Thorough review of traffic stops, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing
Strategic, personalized defense planning
Call us at (737) 324-7540 immediately to learn how to protect your rights and license during a FREE initial case review.
Potential Penalties for a DWI Conviction in Texas
A DWI conviction in Texas can carry serious legal consequences, even for a first offense. Beyond the courtroom penalties, a conviction can follow you for years and impact your personal and professional life.
Official penalties if you are convicted of a DWI may include:
DWI First Offense (Class B Misdemeanor):
Up to 180 days in county jail
Fine of up to $2,000
Driver’s license suspension
Annual surcharges and court costs
Mandatory DWI education program
DWI Second Offense (Class A Misdemeanor):
Up to 1 year in county jail
Fine of up to $4,000
Longer driver’s license suspension
Installation of an ignition interlock device (in many cases)
DWI Third Offense and Beyond (Third-Degree Felony):
2 to 10 years in prison
Fine of up to $10,000
Extended license suspension
Mandatory ignition interlock requirements
DWI with a Child Passenger (State Jail Felony):
180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility
Fine of up to $10,000
Additional long-term consequences
In addition to these formal penalties issued by the court, you may also face serious unofficial consequences, such as:
Job loss or difficulty finding employment
Professional license suspension
Increased auto insurance rates
Damage to your reputation
Travel restrictions
Strain on personal and family relationships
15-Day Deadline to Protect Your Driver’s License
After a DWI arrest in Texas, you have only 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. If you do not request this hearing within that window, your license may be automatically suspended.
This administrative process is separate from your criminal case. Even if your criminal charge is still pending, the Texas Department of Public Safety can move forward with suspending your driving privileges unless a timely hearing is requested. Many people are unaware of this deadline until it is too late, so please be aware of it now and take action.
When you hire us quickly, we can:
Request your ALR hearing before the 15-day deadline
Represent you at the administrative hearing
Cross-examine the arresting officer under oath
Review whether proper procedures were followed
Challenge the basis for the traffic stop or arrest
The ALR hearing can also provide valuable insight into the State’s evidence, giving us an early opportunity to evaluate testimony and identify weaknesses that may later benefit your criminal defense.
I appreciate his compassion and proactive strategy that got my son the best possible outcome.
“Lance took the time to talk to me explained the process and scenarios, he answered all my questions I felt completely confident he was the one we needed to represent my son.”
- Jenny B.
I highly recommend Lance for your legal needs.
“Lance Kennedy Law provided excellent service when I needed legal representation for a family member. Their communication was prompt, keeping me up to date on our case.”
- Sandy S.
All in all, I’d give him a 10/10! Great job!
“He was very professional, answered all my questions in a timely matter. Even on the same day”
Every DWI case is unique, so we can’t guarantee what defense strategies will be used or end up effective in your case. But we can say that our approach usually begins with a detailed review of the facts, the arrest report, and all available evidence. We look closely at whether law enforcement complied with constitutional and procedural requirements, and then start to think of what defense tactics may apply.
Depending on the circumstances, potential defense strategies may include:
Challenging the legality of the initial traffic stop
Questioning the administration or reliability of field sobriety tests
Examining the calibration and maintenance records of breath or blood testing equipment
Investigating whether proper blood draw procedures were followed
Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
Evaluating whether your rights were violated during questioning
Again, we do not make promises or guarantees. Instead, we focus on building a disciplined, evidence-based defense designed to protect your rights and pursue the most favorable outcome possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas DWI Charges
1. Will I automatically lose my license after a DWI arrest? Not automatically, but you must act quickly. You have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing. If no hearing is requested, your license may be suspended by default.
2. Is a first-time DWI really that serious? Yes. Even a first DWI offense can result in jail time, fines, and a suspended license. It can also create a permanent criminal record that affects employment and insurance rates.
3. Should I just plead guilty to move on? Before making any decision in a DWI case, you should fully understand the evidence against you and the long-term consequences of a conviction. In some cases, weaknesses in the State’s case may exist. Consulting with an experienced DWI defense lawyer allows you to make an informed choice.
Start Your DWI Defense Today
A DWI arrest in Sugar Land does not define your future, but how you respond to it just might. We are prepared to step in immediately, protect your driving privileges, and begin preparing your DWI defense with the seriousness your case deserves. Time is critical, especially with the 15-day license deadline, so please talk to our team now.
If you were arrested for DWI, our firm can help you build a strategic defense to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Some common legal strategies include:
Unlawful traffic stops. Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, such as speeding or swerving. If the DWI stop was unlawful, we can challenge the evidence against you and fight for dismissed or reduced charges.
Lack of probable cause. Law enforcement must have probable cause to arrest you for DWI. If the officer arrested you without sufficient evidence of intoxication, we can file a motion to suppress all evidence gathered after the arrest.
Improper field sobriety tests. Standardized tests like the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand are frequently used to establish probable cause, but are often subjective and influenced by outside factors. We challenge the administration and accuracy of FSTs to prove they were improperly conducted or inconclusive.
Inaccurate chemical test results. Breath and blood tests can be inaccurate due to improper calibration or operator error. Medical conditions like diabetes and acid reflux can also mimic intoxication and cause false positives. We can identify any testing errors to dismiss inadmissible evidence from your case.
If you were charged with DWI on I-610, your driver’s license may be suspended unless you request an administrative license revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of your arrest. ALR cases are separate civil proceedings handled by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe can result in automatic license suspension, making it crucial to consult a knowledgeable DIW defense lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers can request an ALR hearing on your behalf and work tirelessly to restore your driving privileges.
No. While an aggravated DWI is not always a felony, it can elevate standard charges to a higher misdemeanor class or felony, depending on the specific aggravating factor involved.
We understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful. As dedicated federal criminal defense attorney with years of experience, I am committed to providing personalized legal counsel for your defense. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you have an ally to help get your life back.
1
Get a Free Case Review
Let’s discuss your case, your goals, and what strategies are right for you.
2
Resolve Your Case
I will lead you every step of the way. Together, we will fight for a dismissal.
3
Get Your Life Back
Work to get the best results possible so you can get your life back.
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in Austin is an important decision. At Lance Kennedy Law, our criminal defense attorneys understand the weight of this choice and the trust you place in your legal representative. Our promise to you goes beyond just words, it’s a tangible commitment to excellence, transparency, and relentless advocacy as we navigate your case together.
