Dallas County DWI Lawyer
DWI defense in the Dallas County courts, from our office in downtown Dallas.
In short: A DWI charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony, even without a prior DWI conviction. The alleged facts and qualifying prior convictions determine the offense level under Penal Code Chapter 49. Misdemeanors, including misdemeanor DWI, are heard in the Dallas County Criminal Courts. Felonies are heard in the Dallas County Criminal District Courts. The separate ALR deadline depends on how DPS serves the suspension notice; check the notice immediately.
Our office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street. We handle cases in the Dallas County courts in Dallas.
Where will my Dallas County DWI case be heard?
Misdemeanors, including misdemeanor DWI, are heard in the Dallas County Criminal Courts. Felonies are heard in the Dallas County Criminal District Courts. Address: Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas.
Who prosecutes DWI cases in Dallas County?
The Dallas County District Attorney's Office prosecutes both misdemeanors and felonies.
The Dallas County District Attorney's Office runs pretrial diversion and specialty court programs, including the DIVERT substance-use court. Eligibility is decided case by case by the DA's office and the court.
Can a first DWI be a felony?
Yes. A standard DWI under Penal Code 49.04 is generally a Class B misdemeanor; a qualifying alcohol test result of 0.15 or more makes it Class A. But DWI with a passenger younger than 15 is a state jail felony under 49.045. Section 49.04(e) also makes DWI in a school crossing zone a state jail felony when the reduced speed limit applies. Qualifying prior convictions can increase the offense level under 49.09. Check the actual charging document before assuming a first or second arrest is a misdemeanor.
When must I request an ALR hearing?
The criminal case and driver-license case are separate. Texas DPS explains the notice deadlines: 15 days after a notice is served, or 20 days after DPS mails a suspension notice following blood-test results. Keep the notice and envelope and act promptly; do not calculate the deadline from the court date.
Are DWI penalties different in Dallas County?
State law sets the penalties, so they do not change by county. Our Texas DWI defense page has the penalty table, license rules and defenses; see also first DWI and ALR hearings.
Which parts of Dallas County do you cover?
We handle DWI cases from Dallas, Irving, Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrollton, DeSoto, Duncanville, Lancaster, Rowlett, Cedar Hill, and the rest of the county, including stops on I-35E, I-30, I-45, I-635, US-75 and the Dallas North Tollway. Use the county and court listed on your charging and bond papers to confirm where the case is filed; city names and roads may cross county lines.
Where are people booked after a Dallas County DWI arrest?
Most DWI arrests in Dallas County are booked at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center in downtown Dallas. The arrested person must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay and no later than 48 hours after arrest (Code of Criminal Procedure 15.17). The magistrate explains the rights and addresses bail if allowed by law. This appearance deadline does not guarantee release within 48 hours.
Where is the ALR license hearing for a Dallas County arrest?
The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) hears it, not the county court. For Dallas County, SOAH's primary contact for driver's license hearings is the SOAH Dallas office, 8700 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 126, Dallas 75247. Use the deadline on your notice: generally 15 days after service, or 20 days after DPS mails a suspension notice following blood-test results.
Is there a DWI court or program in Dallas County?
Dallas County has specialty DWI programs run with the county supervision department (CSCD). The Misdemeanor DWI Court is designed for alcohol-dependent participants with, for example, a pending second DWI, multiple pending DWIs, a test result above 0.15 or a DWI involving an accident. The Felony DWI Court is for people charged with a third DWI and is probated in the 363rd District Court; prosecutors decide eligibility. Participation is voluntary and comes with intensive supervision and treatment.
The Office of Court Administration's specialty court registry (October 1, 2026) lists both of these Dallas County programs, the Misdemeanor DWI Court and the Felony DWI Court. The District Attorney's general felony pretrial diversion program excludes felony intoxication offenses, so a third DWI is not a diversion case.
For what police can and cannot do with breath and blood specimens, see DWI breath and blood tests in Texas.
How do I get started?
Criminal defense consultations are free. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat.
Last updated October 2026
Common questions
Where is my Dallas County DWI court date?
Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas. Check your bond paperwork for the court number.
Who prosecutes a misdemeanor DWI in Dallas County?
The Dallas County District Attorney's Office prosecutes both misdemeanors and felonies.
Do you have an office in Dallas?
Yes. Our only office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street, Suite 3129, Dallas, TX 75201. We handle DWI cases in the Dallas County courts.
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This page provides general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.