Wise County DWI Lawyer (Decatur)

Our office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street. We handle cases in the Wise County courts in Decatur.

Where will my Wise County DWI case be heard?

Misdemeanors are heard in Wise County Court at Law No. 1 in Decatur. Felonies are heard in the 271st District Court. Address: Wise County Courthouse, 101 N. Trinity St., Decatur 76234.

Who prosecutes DWI cases in Wise County?

Wise County splits prosecution: the Wise County Attorney (Courthouse, Suite 300) prosecutes misdemeanors and the District Attorney (Suite 200) prosecutes felonies.

The County Attorney and District Attorney split matters. A misdemeanor DWI goes through the County Attorney and County Court at Law No. 1; a felony DWI goes through the District Attorney and the 271st District 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 Wise 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 Wise County do you cover?

We handle DWI cases from Decatur, Bridgeport, Rhome, Boyd, Chico, and the rest of the county, including stops on US-287, US-380 and SH-114. 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 Wise County DWI arrest?

Most DWI arrests in Wise County are booked at the Wise County Jail, 200 Rook Ramsey Dr., Decatur. 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 Wise County arrest?

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

The Office of Court Administration's specialty court registry (October 1, 2026) lists no DWI-specific court for Wise County, so outcomes there turn on the evidence and on negotiation.

How do I get started?

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

Last updated October 2026