San Antonio DWI Attorney

Experienced DWI Defense Lawyers Serving Bexar County, TX

Seeing flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror can instantly turn your life upside down if you are charged with driving while intoxicated. DWI is a serious offense, and the penalties in Texas can be severe. Beyond hefty fines and possible jail time, you also risk losing your driver’s license.

If you have been charged with DWI, now is the time to retain aggressive representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our San Antonio DWI lawyer, Attorney Derek S. Ritchie, stands as a fierce, results-driven advocate for clients. He works tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes and fights for your interests, never shying away from the courtroom when necessary.

Texas DWI laws change frequently, so working with a DWI defense attorney who stays current on procedural updates is critical. In San Antonio courts, procedures and outcomes for DWI cases may depend on factors such as the arrest location, actions by the Bexar County District Attorney, and the judge assigned. Each DWI case involves unique details, including whether law enforcement followed proper protocols during your stop and arrest. Familiarity with local laws and courtroom practices can make a difference for individuals seeking to protect their rights and driving privileges.

Types of DWI Cases We Defend

We provide robust legal representation for individuals facing a range of DWI charges. Our strength stems from leveraging our knowledge of Texas DWI law and local court procedures to challenge accusations and pursue fair resolutions on your behalf. We recognize the gravity of your legal matters and dedicate ourselves to building strategic defense strategies for every client.

Our approach addresses both the circumstances of your arrest and the complex factors that shape a DWI case in Bexar County. A DWI defense lawyer in San Antonio can assist with reviewing probable cause, examining field sobriety tests, and verifying whether breath or blood testing was conducted correctly. With DWI checkpoints sometimes deployed near the San Antonio River Walk and downtown, we see a variety of scenarios where drivers are stopped and charged by law enforcement.

Here are some of the DWI cases we handle:

Our firm provides sound legal advice and effective defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.

The Impact of a DWI Conviction

In Texas, DWI may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. The specific circumstances of your situation determine the charges you face.

Though most DWI charges are misdemeanors, you could face felony charges if:

• You non-fatally injure someone
• Someone dies as a result of your alleged drunken driving
• A child passenger is in the vehicle at the time of arrest
• You are charged with your third or subsequent offense

No matter the charge, penalties can include jail time, significant fines, driver’s license suspension, mandatory drug or alcohol classes, and installation of an ignition interlock device.

A DWI conviction brings consequences that go beyond the courtroom. In San Antonio, many jobs require employees to maintain a clean driving record or valid license, making a conviction especially damaging for commercial drivers, healthcare workers, and others in regulated industries. Texas law also imposes surcharges and may raise auto insurance rates for years after a conviction. Some people experience hurdles when applying for housing or professional licenses. These effects highlight the stakes involved and the need for a comprehensive defense focused on both present and future consequences.

Administrative License Revocation Hearings

Beyond the criminal trial, you will also face an administrative license revocation (ALR) hearing if arrested for DWI. The Department of Public Safety conducts ALR hearings to decide if a driver’s license will be suspended.

You have only two weeks to schedule an ALR hearing from the date of arrest, so act quickly. Failing to schedule this hearing could lead to automatic license suspension.

Our San Antonio DWI attorney can represent you at this hearing and present evidence supporting your continued driving privileges. Our team is committed to protecting your rights at every stage.

An ALR hearing presents its own challenges and strict deadlines. In Bexar County, hearings may proceed at the State Office of Administrative Hearings and require timely responses. At these hearings, attorneys can question the arresting officer and challenge the evidence supporting your license suspension. Navigating this process successfully can make the difference between keeping your driving privileges and facing a suspension. Having a DWI lawyer in San Antonio request a hearing and prepare your legal strategy ensures you present your case with an understanding of local legal standards that judges consider while deciding whether to uphold or overturn a license suspension.

What to Expect During the San Antonio DWI Arrest & Legal Process

When law enforcement pulls you over for suspected DWI in San Antonio, the process usually starts with field sobriety tests and, if warranted, breath or blood testing. After an arrest, you may spend time in central booking and appear before a magistrate who sets initial bond conditions. The Bexar County court system moves cases through several stages, including arraignment and discovery, so it helps to know how a DWI attorney addresses these steps. Defense strategies often focus on reviewing the reported reason for the traffic stop, analyzing police video and testing protocols, and ensuring all rights were protected during each stage.

Having a dedicated DWI defense lawyer involved early means you receive guidance about every milestone in your case—especially while navigating hearings in local courtrooms, negotiating with prosecutors, and understanding the rules about plea offers or diversion programs. Each step in the process provides opportunities to strengthen your position and minimize the effects a DWI may have on your record and daily life.

Common Defenses Used in DWI Cases in Bexar County

Defending against a DWI charge involves more than just contesting your BAC—San Antonio courts review whether law enforcement had legal grounds to stop you in the first place. Common DWI defenses in Bexar County include challenging the lawfulness of the initial stop, questioning the accuracy of field sobriety tests, or disputing the results of breath or blood alcohol testing. Attorneys may also identify legal procedural errors or inaccurate collection or handling of evidence that might impact prosecution of the case.

In some situations, a defense may focus on medical conditions or other physical factors unrelated to alcohol, such as fatigue or illness, that affected the results of any field testing. Local attorneys understand how to obtain police records, review dashcam or bodycam footage, and use defense strategies suited to the San Antonio court process. With a tailored approach for each DWI defense case, individuals can improve their chances for favorable resolutions, whether through reduced charges, alternative dispositions, or acquittal at trial.

Bexar County DWI Enforcement & Local Legal Landscape

Bexar County uses an active approach to DWI enforcement. Law enforcement often utilizes sobriety checkpoints during major San Antonio events or high-traffic weekends. Police and sheriff's departments work together to increase patrols and curb impaired driving, leading to more frequent traffic stops and DWI arrests near areas like the Pearl District and downtown.

When local prosecutors pursue DWI cases, they use Texas state law and Bexar County procedures to determine charges and penalties. Familiarity with local enforcement and prosecutorial priorities allows a DWI lawyer to develop stronger, locally focused defense strategies. Knowing how Bexar County handles DWI cases can help people accused of DWI move through the legal system and understand what to expect at each stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a DWI case take to resolve in San Antonio?

DWI cases in San Antonio may move quickly or require several months, depending on court schedules, case complexity, and whether the case goes to trial. Simple cases can resolve within a few weeks, while more complicated matters—especially those involving an accident or challenged evidence—may take much longer.

Will I lose my driver’s license right after a DWI arrest?

No, you do not automatically lose your license at the time of arrest. You must request an ALR hearing within two weeks to contest the suspension. If you miss the deadline, the Department of Public Safety will suspend your license by default.

Can a DWI conviction in Texas be removed from my record?

Texas law limits the expungement or sealing of DWI convictions. In most cases, a DWI conviction remains on your record permanently, but dismissals and certain outcomes could make sealing your record possible under limited circumstances. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.