A DWI charge in Texas is a serious matter with the potential to affect your finances, freedom, and future. Being charged with a DWI does not necessarily lead to a conviction. With the right DWI defense strategies, it’s possible to reduce the charges—or have them dismissed entirely.
At the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall, we’ve helped countless clients navigate DWI cases with aggressive and strategic legal defense. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most successful strategies for beating a DWI charge and why experienced legal representation makes all the difference.
1. Challenging the Traffic Stop
Every DWI case starts with a traffic stop, and if law enforcement did not have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, the entire case could be thrown out. For example, swerving within your lane or driving late at night isn’t enough to justify a stop on its own.
If the stop was illegal, any evidence collected afterward—such as breath tests or field sobriety tests—may be deemed inadmissible in court.
2. Questioning Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are notoriously unreliable. Physical or medical conditions, anxiety, poor instructions from the officer, or even uneven road surfaces can cause a person to “fail” these tests.
We analyze the bodycam footage, police reports, and other documentation to determine whether your performance on FSTs truly indicated impairment—or if it was misinterpreted or unfairly evaluated.
3. Disputing Breath or Blood Test Results
Breathalyzers and blood tests must be conducted according to strict procedures. Any calibration issues, contamination, delays in testing, or improper handling of samples can call the results into question.
Our firm investigates whether:
- The machine was properly maintained and calibrated
- The officer administering the test was certified
- The chain of custody for the blood sample was correctly preserved throughout the process.
Even a small error in the testing process can be enough to challenge the results and weaken the prosecution’s case.
4. Arguing Lack of Probable Cause for Arrest
Before you can be arrested for DWI, the officer must have probable cause to believe you were impaired. If this determination was based solely on subjective observations—like bloodshot eyes, nervousness, or the smell of alcohol—your attorney can argue that the arrest was unjustified.
5. Highlighting Alternative Explanations for Symptoms
Many symptoms associated with intoxication—slurred speech, unsteady balance, red eyes—can have innocent explanations, including:
- Fatigue
- Allergies
- Medical conditions
- Prescription medications
By presenting alternative causes for these symptoms, we can create reasonable doubt about whether you were truly impaired.
6. Scrutinizing Officer Conduct and Police Procedures
Law enforcement officers must adhere to strict protocols during a DWI investigation. If they failed to read you your Miranda rights, improperly administered sobriety tests, or failed to document key evidence, this can be used to challenge the integrity of the case.
Our legal team thoroughly reviews dashcam and bodycam footage to uncover any procedural errors or misconduct.
7. Seeking a Reduction or Dismissal of Charges
In some cases, the best strategy is to negotiate with the prosecution for a reduction in charges—such as reckless driving—or a dismissal if the evidence is weak. An experienced DWI defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the state’s case and use them as leverage in negotiations.
8. Building a Strong Legal Defense Early
The sooner you involve an attorney, the more time you have to prepare an effective defense. At the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall, we move quickly to:
- Preserve evidence
- Identify witnesses
- Challenge the legality of your arrest
- Explore all possible defenses tailored to your case
Contact the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall Today
Facing a DWI charge doesn’t mean you’re out of options. With the right legal strategy, you may be able to protect your license, avoid jail time, and even walk away with a clean record.
📞 Call the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward defending your rights and future.
