Denton County DWI Lawyer
DWI defense in the Denton 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 are heard in Denton County Criminal Courts No. 1 through 5, through the Misdemeanor Trial Division. Felonies are heard in the district courts at the Courts Building, which houses the 16th, 158th, 211th, 362nd, 367th, 393rd, 431st, 442nd, 462nd, 467th, 477th and 481st 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 Denton County courts in Denton.
Where will my Denton County DWI case be heard?
Misdemeanors are heard in Denton County Criminal Courts No. 1 through 5, through the Misdemeanor Trial Division. Felonies are heard in the district courts at the Courts Building, which houses the 16th, 158th, 211th, 362nd, 367th, 393rd, 431st, 442nd, 462nd, 467th, 477th and 481st District Courts. Address: Denton County Courts Building, 1450 E. McKinney St., Denton 76209.
Who prosecutes DWI cases in Denton County?
The Denton County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes both misdemeanors and felonies.
Denton County has five county criminal courts for misdemeanors, so the specific court number on your paperwork tells you where your settings will be.
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 Denton 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 Denton County do you cover?
We handle DWI cases from Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Little Elm, The Colony, Corinth, Argyle, and the rest of the county, including stops on I-35E, I-35W, US-380 and SH-121. 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 Denton County DWI arrest?
Most DWI arrests in Denton County are booked at the Denton County Jail, 127 N. Woodrow Ln., Denton. 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 Denton County arrest?
The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) hears it, not the county court. For Denton County, SOAH's primary contact for driver's license hearings is the SOAH Fort Worth office, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 400, Fort Worth 76116. SOAH also lists a remote hearing location in Denton, on the fourth floor of the Denton County court building, 1450 E. McKinney St., Room 4202, with the Fort Worth office as its contact. 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 Denton County?
The Office of Court Administration's specialty court registry (October 1, 2026) lists the Denton County DWI Court. Denton County describes it as a treatment court for repeat DWI offenders, with its own screening and commitments.
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 Denton County DWI court date?
Denton County Courts Building, 1450 E. McKinney St., Denton 76209. Check your bond paperwork for the court number.
Who prosecutes a misdemeanor DWI in Denton County?
The Denton County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes both misdemeanors and felonies.
Do you have an office in Denton?
No. Our only office is in downtown Dallas. We handle DWI cases in the Denton County courts.
Free consultation
A few quick questions, under a minute. Then we call you.
Do not wait for your court date to get help. Call (214) 239-2013.
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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.