DWI/DUI
Providing the Defense You Need
Midland DWI Lawyers
Texas harshly punishes driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. In 2021, Texas law officers arrested over 60,000 drivers on these charges—and this was a relatively down year. In comparison, over 73,000 drivers were arrested for DWI offenses in 2018.
What is a DWI?
DWI stands for "driving while intoxicated," which is a criminal offense that occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In most jurisdictions, a person is considered intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above a certain legal limit, which is typically 0.08%.
However, even if a person's BAC is below the legal limit, they can still be charged with DWI if their ability to operate a vehicle is impaired due to alcohol or drugs.
The penalties for a DWI conviction vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case but can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time, especially for repeat offenders or cases involving serious injury or death.
DWI laws are intended to deter people from driving under the influence and to protect the public from the dangers of impaired driving.
Anyone pulled over and found to be intoxicated by either alcohol or drugs can face serious legal consequences that go far beyond simple fines.
Depending on the specific circumstances of your arrest, legal penalties for DWI and DUI convictions could include:
- Loss of your driver’s license
- Jail time
- Steep fines
- Restitution (if applicable)
- Installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
- Court-ordered alcohol/drug education or treatment programs
- Community service
At Wolf, Stallings & Mayo, we recognize how serious these punishments and the other long-term consequences of DWI and DUI arrests are. That’s why we strive to provide every one of our clients with informed legal advice that is tailored to their specific situations. Since 2018, our attorneys have built a strong track record of successfully representing Texans facing DWI charges in Midland-Odessa and the surrounding areas. We handle each case with compassion and will use our available resources to secure the justice you deserve.
Call (432) 237-3530 to request a free consultation with one of our DWI attorneys in Midland, TX.
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If you need a good criminal attorney I would definitely look into hiring Wolf, Stallings & Mayo.
John and Andrew's hard work spared us the trauma, time, humiliations and yes, money, that a trial would have brought. They are still doing some work on expungement for me on my case, and there is absolutely nobody I would trust more.
- Kristy M. -
I'm glad I chose them to help me with my case!
Andrew van der Hoeven is such an awesome attorney! He helped me get my brother-in-law's case done in less than a month. He is an awesome person, he is patient with you, he works with you, and he explains what's going on.
- Gelasia M. -
I recommend this firm to anyone, regardless how big or small your case is.
Nothing serious, just a traffic ticket but as a CDL holder it was worth it to fight the ticket. Tyler Mayo did an exceptional job and I was found Not Guilty!
- Rodney S.
Drunk Driving and DUI Charges in Midland-Odessa
Texas lawmakers and law officers take DWI offenses extremely seriously. The TX Department of Public Safety reported 83,088 DWI charges in 2022 alone. Texas law defines “driving while intoxicated” as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by either alcohol or drugs, regardless of whether the drugs are prescription or illegal substances. Officers may use a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test to determine alcohol impairment, but they may also arrest you without one of these tests if they have reason to believe that you are impaired (at their discretion). It’s important to note that Texas issues “driving under the influence” charges to minors under 21 who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The punishments for DWI and DUI convictions vary based on several factors, such as a prior criminal history and other extenuating circumstances. A first-time DWI offense may carry 3 days incarceration (at a minimum), 2 years of community service hours, license suspension of up to 90 days, and fines ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 (depending on BAC level). Prior DWI convictions, a BAC level of .15% or higher, or other circumstances could cause a court to significantly enhance charges and legal penalties. For example, people caught driving while intoxicated with a minor under 15 in the vehicle could face felony charges. The same goes for anyone who causes a fatal or traumatic injury while drunk driving.
Fighting DWI Charges in West Texas
Fortunately, DWI cases do not always end in a guilty verdict or (if they do) in the harshest penalties allowed under the law. Experienced lawyers may be able to fight your charges and have them reduced or dismissed, or secure lighter penalties, all depending on the circumstances of your DWI or DUI arrest. Wolf, Stallings & will do all we can to achieve the best possible resolution for your case, whether that calls for challenging the validity of breathalyzer readings and the procedures followed by the arresting officer or for negotiating your sentence with prosecutors. Our team has experience in local and federal law enforcement, in district attorney’s offices (including in Midland County), and in the courtroom. With this background, you can be sure we have what it takes to effectively represent your interests and advocate for justice on your behalf, no matter what obstacles stand in your way.
Contact our office to discuss your case with our Midland DWI lawyers. We serve Midland-Odessa and Howard, Reagan, Upton, Winkler, Martin, and Ward Counties.
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