Fight DWI Charges and Protect Your License

A DWI arrest in Austin, San Antonio, or the surrounding Central Texas area often triggers two separate legal processes at the same time: a criminal case in court and an administrative action with the Texas Department of Public Safety that can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license. In most situations, you have fifteen days from the date of arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. If that request is not made within the required timeframe, you may lose the opportunity to challenge the license suspension. The Law Office of Scot Courtney represents clients in both the criminal proceeding and the ALR process, working to address the potential impact on driving privileges and criminal records.

DWI defense typically begins with a close review of the initial traffic stop to determine whether the officer had a lawful reason to pull the vehicle over. The process may also include evaluating field sobriety tests for possible procedural errors and examining breath or blood test results for compliance with Texas testing standards. In many cases, issues such as improper testing procedures, calibration problems with equipment, or failures to follow required observation periods can affect the reliability of the evidence. Whether the charge involves a first-time DWI or a repeat allegation, the defense approach focuses on the specific facts surrounding the stop, the evidence collected, and the legal options available.

If you were arrested for DWI in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Seguin, Lockhart, Luling, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, or nearby areas and want someone to review the traffic stop and testing procedures, contact The Law Office of Scot Courtney to discuss your situation and potential next steps.

DWI defense cases in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Seguin, Lockhart, Luling, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, and the surrounding areas often begin with obtaining and reviewing the key records connected to the arrest, including the police report, dash camera footage, and any breath or blood test documentation. This review focuses on whether the officer had lawful grounds to initiate the traffic stop, whether field sobriety tests were conducted according to proper procedures, and whether the breath testing equipment was properly maintained and calibrated. In many DWI cases, problems with the initial stop or errors in testing procedures can significantly affect the strength of the prosecution’s case.

Once representation begins, you gain a clearer understanding of what the state must prove to obtain a conviction and where potential weaknesses in the case may exist. This includes examining whether the required fifteen-minute observation period was followed before administering a breath test, whether the DIC-24 warnings were properly given, and whether any blood draw was conducted in accordance with Texas legal requirements. You will also receive guidance about the options available if the evidence appears strong, as well as possible defense strategies if questions arise about how the evidence was obtained.

Representation may also include appearing at the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing, where the goal is to challenge or delay the suspension of your driver’s license. This proceeding is separate from the criminal case and can provide an early opportunity to question the arresting officer under oath. In some situations, weaknesses in the evidence can lead to reduced charges or other resolutions. In other cases, preparing for trial becomes necessary when the prosecution cannot establish intoxication or when legal or constitutional issues are involved. The defense approach is shaped by the evidence, your driving history, and the outcome you are seeking, while helping address the questions that often arise when someone moves forward with a DWI defense.