Tarrant County DWI Lawyer (Fort Worth)

Our office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street. We handle cases in the Tarrant County courts in Fort Worth.

Where will my Tarrant County DWI case be heard?

Misdemeanors are heard in the Tarrant County Criminal Courts. Felonies are heard in the Tarrant County Criminal District Courts. Address: Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth.

Who prosecutes DWI cases in Tarrant County?

The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes both misdemeanors and felonies.

Tarrant County operates a post-plea Misdemeanor DWI Court program through County Criminal Court No. 4. It is a treatment-focused program for eligible people after a plea, not a dismissal program.

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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant County do you cover?

We handle DWI cases from Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, Grapevine, Euless, Bedford, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Keller, Southlake, and the rest of the county, including stops on I-35W, I-30, I-20, I-820 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 Tarrant County DWI arrest?

Most DWI arrests in Tarrant County are booked at the Tarrant County Corrections Center, 100 N. Lamar St., Fort Worth (the county also operates other jail facilities, including the Lon Evans Corrections Center and the Green Bay facility). 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 Tarrant County arrest?

The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) hears it, not the county court. For Tarrant 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. 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 Tarrant County?

The Office of Court Administration's specialty court registry (October 1, 2026) lists the Tarrant County misdemeanor DWI court. Entry comes after a plea, so the decision to apply should be made only after the evidence has been reviewed.

How do I get started?

Criminal defense consultations are free. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat.

Last updated October 2026