A drunk driving arrest is often a person’s first and only encounter with the criminal justice system — and the consequences can be staggering. In Texas, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) carries automatic license consequences, mandatory surcharges, ignition interlock requirements, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment for years. At the Law Office of David Lanehart, we represent drivers throughout Lubbock and the surrounding region in DWI cases at every level.
Understanding Texas DWI Law
Texas DWI offenses are governed by Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code. The offense applies when a driver operates a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated — defined as either lacking the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs, or having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. Each element of the offense is open to challenge, and the strongest defenses are built around the specific facts of the stop, the arrest, and the testing procedures.
DWI Cases We Handle
Our defense practice covers every type of impaired-driving allegation, including:
- First-offense DWI under Section 49.04
- Second, third, and felony repeat-offense DWI charges
- DWI with a child passenger under Section 49.045
- Intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter
- DWI involving drugs, including marijuana and prescription medications
- Underage DWI and zero-tolerance violations
- Refusal of breath or blood testing
- Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearings at the Texas Department of Public Safety
- Occupational driver’s license applications
- Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) cases
- Out-of-state drivers facing Texas DWI charges
Each case turns on the specific facts of the stop, the officer’s observations, and how the evidence was gathered.
How the Law Office of David Lanehart Can Help
We challenge the legality of the initial traffic stop, attack improperly administered field sobriety tests, scrutinize breath and blood test procedures, and identify medical conditions or other factors that can mimic signs of impairment. We also handle the parallel ALR license suspension proceeding, because winning the criminal case but losing your license is not really winning.
Contact the Law Office of David Lanehart Today
If you have been arrested for DWI in Lubbock or anywhere in the surrounding region, contact the Law Office of David Lanehart right away. The 15-day window to request an ALR hearing moves quickly, and early action gives us the most room to protect your driving privileges and your record.