Are You Looking for the Best Collin County, Texas, DWI Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Collin County DWI attorney, then we want to represent you. Award-winning lawyers Paul Saputo and Nick Toufeis relentlessly defend our clients in Collin County DWI cases, ensuring that the firm explores every possible available defense strategy. The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense team only represents clients who want to hire the top attorneys in the field. We seek to represent discerning clients who value our expertise and commitment to achieving outstanding results.

In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. We have beat DWI breath scores, blood scores, and even accident cases. Do not plead guilty until you talk to us. Let us handle your case, and we will take care of everything from your driver’s license to your case strategy.

We’re not just criminal defense lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.

If the police arrested you for DWI in Collin County, you may reasonably worry about what you can do to fight your case. Suppose you took a breathalyzer or blood test, and the sample tested for a blood alcohol contentration (BAC) greater the legal limit of .08. In that case, you might think that there is nothing you can do to fight these charges. But you would be wrong.

Whether you failed a breath test, blood test or the roadside field sobriety tests, a seasoned Collin County DWI attorney can utilize many defense strategies to beat the scores in your defense. You need someone who understands what you are going through and can fight for your freedom. When facing DWI charges, an experienced DWI attorney on your side will make all the difference.

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Contact a Collin County
DWI Lawyer

When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.

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Choosing The Right Collin County DWI Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result

Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.

At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.

How do I get a DWI charge dropped in Collin County, Texas?

In order to get a DWI charge dropped in Texas, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §49.04. Alternatively, you could show that the offense did not occur in Collin County. Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding DWI, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both statutory law and case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. Consequently, as part of our practice, we publish a statutory resource guide on the DWI law in Texas. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting DWI cases in Collin County.

The State of Texas v. Vanessa Elaine Hernandez

For example, in one Collin County DWI case, the Fifth District Court of Appeals reviewed the records from the County Court at Law No. 5 Collin County. Subsequently, the appellate court filed an opinion on June 26, 2023, in the case styled The State of Texas v. Vanessa Elaine Hernandez in Cause No. 05-21-01011-CR.

The appellate court reported the background of the case as follows:

Appellant Vanessa Elaine Hernandez entered an open plea of guilty to the Class A misdemeanor offense of driving while intoxicated (DWI) with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more. See TEX. PENAL CODE ANN. § 49.04(a), (d). The trial court assessed appellant’s punishment at 365 days, the maximum allowed by law, in the Collin County Jail. See id. § 12.21(b). In two issues, appellant argues that the trial court’s consideration of extrajudicial facts when assessing her punishment violated her due process right to a fair trial under the Fifth Amendment and her Sixth Amendment right to confrontation.

The trial court did not rule on appellant’s motion for leave, but the trial court’s docket entry shows that the motion for new trial was held by affidavit submission on January 19, 2022, and the motion was denied. This appeal followed.

Every Collin County DWI attorney should be familiar with this case and other appellate opinions coming out of Collin County that review DWI cases. You can learn more about this case and read the court’s opinion by Justice Smith here.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Collin County that Make DWI Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of DWI in Collin County. Law enforcement agencies in Collin County that most typically make DWI arrests include:

• Collin County Sheriff’s Office
• McKinney Police Department
• Plano Police Department
• Frisco Police Department
• Allen Police Department
• Murphy Police Department
• Wylie Police Department
• Anna Police Department
• Princeton Police Department
• Farmersville Police Department
• Melissa Police Department

How hard is it to beat a DWI charge in Texas?

To beat a DWI charge in Collin County, Texas, you must understand the forensic science to challenge it and confront the witnesses on cross-examination. Blood and breath test scores mean nothing without proper analysis. Hold the state to its burden, and stand up for your constitutional rights.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Collin County DWI attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.

Collin County DWI Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Getting the best result in a DWI case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. When you need a Collin County DWI attorney, we act fast and prepare early. As soon as we get on a case, the Collin County District Attorney’s Office knows that we are getting ready for trial and that we are going for an outright acquittal. Sometimes that persistence alone will help convince state prosecutor to drop or reduce the DWI charge.

DWI Defense usually boils down to attacking the state’s evidence on one or more of the following fronts:

• Scientifically Unsound Blood Test Results
• Scientifically Unsound Breath Test Results
• Rising Alcohol Level
• No Probable Cause for Arrest
• Failure to Obtain a Warrant

Learn more about DWI Defense Strategies

How much does it cost to fight a Collin County, Texas, DWI case?

Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $2,500 to $5,000 on average for DWI 1st cases in Collin County, and more for felony-level offenses. Some Collin County DWI lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Collin County case. But be wary of lawyers who charge surprisingly low fees.

When consulting with a lawyer, remember to ask whether any any hourly fees apply. Additionally, most lawyers charge extra fees for trial, travel and expenses.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of DWI in Collin County

Even when falsely accused of DWI, it’s crucial to treat the charge with the utmost seriousness. You might hope the state would dismiss the charges due to your innocence. But without skilled legal representation, the case may proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately make the decision.

If the Collin County District Attorney has charged you with DWI, or if you are under investigation for the offense by the police, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Collin County DWI attorneys.

Bond Conditions in Collin County DWI Cases

If the police in Collin County have arrested you for DWI, then judges are generally allowed to impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of the community to secure your attendance at trial.

Practically speaking, this means that Texas judges typically impose a “no alcohol” bond condition and may require an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. Sometimes, especially for DWI 2nd and felony DWI cases, judges will require additional restrictions, such as a Soberlink device or ankle monitor. If you want to remove an ignition interlock device or another alcohol-monitoring devices condition, then please book a consultation with us, and we will discuss what our Collin County DWI attorneys can do for you.

What happens at a Collin County arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Collin County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Collin County, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.

If the police have arrested you for DWI, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Collin County judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Collin County Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.

What is the most common sentence for a DWI charge in Collin County?

The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for DWI convictions across the state. The Penal Code classifies DWI as a Class B misdemeanor, unless the state alleges that your BAC met or exceeded 0.15, in which case the code classifies the offense as a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, the state may seek a repeat DWI enhancement. However, the actual punishment you might receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances. For instance, your prior criminal history, the circumstances of the offense, and the norms of the Collin County community all play a role.

If you are convicted, then you will also have to decide if you want to have the judge or the jury assess punishment. Judges and juries may deliver vastly different sentences. Furthermore, all good Collin County DWI attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a DWI conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment.

With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions for DWI here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Collin County DWI cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online by pressing the red button.

Why Should I Hire a DWI Lawyer?

If law enforcement has already arrested you for a DWI in Texas, you should know that you face a hostile criminal justice system that is eager to put you away for a long time. You deserve quality representation from an experienced DWI lawyer. Without proper representation, it is more likely that the court will find you guilty. DWI convictions in Texas can have disastrous consequences, even after you serve your sentence.

Employers who conduct background checks will see your DWI conviction. This can hurt your chances of even being called in for an interview when you need a job. a DWI conviction can negatively affect other areas of your life. Any time someone wants to run your background check they will see the conviction and often judge you negatively. DWI convictions will also impact your driving privileges. If your license is suspended, you may need to rely on public transportation or the kindness of relatives to get around.

How DWI Defense Lawyers Beat the Case

Defending against DWI charges requires experience, skill, a deep knowledge of the law, and an understanding of the methods that law enforcement use to investigate these offenses. For instance, clients frequently ask whether we can beat certain test scores. In our practice, we beat all kinds of test scores, regardless of the number, because many factors can affect the validity and ultimate outcome of all of these tests. Learn more about beating breath and blood BAC scores here.

By examining every aspect of your case, an experienced Collin County DWI attorney can accurately determine how to demonstrate problems with the tests and identify any constitutional rights violations that may affect your case.

All cases are unique, but we always begin with the aim of getting your DWI charge dismissed. As experienced attorneys who have handled many intoxication offenses, including DWI 2nd, DWI 3rd, repeat felony DWI, and DWI accident cases, we provide our clients with the aggressive representation necessary to protect your rights and fight your case.

If the police recently arrested you for a DWI or other intoxication offense, you MUST know this information in our DWI Defense Guide

Types of DWI Charges in Texas

When most people think about a DWI, they usually envision cases of driving while intoxicated. While this is one type of DWI charge, various other DWI charges can lead to an arrest. Outlined in Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code, DWI charges in Texas include:

• PC 49.04 – Driving (Operating a Motor Vehicle) While Intoxicated (“DWI”)
• PC 49.04 – DWI (2nd offense)
• PC 49.04 – DWI (3rd offense) felony
• PC 49.045 – Driving While Intoxicated With Child Passenger
• PC 49.05 – Flying While Intoxicated
• PC 49.06 – Boating While Intoxicated
• PC 49.061 – Boating While Intoxicated with Child Passenger
• PC 49.065 – Assembling or Operating an Amusement Park Ride While Intoxicated
• PC 49.07 – Intoxication Assault
• PC 49.08 – Intoxication Manslaughter
• ABC 106.041 – Driving or Operating Watercraft Under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor (“DUI“)

At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, our Collin County DWI attorneys have successfully defended clients charged with these offenses and can use our experience to your advantage in putting you in the very best position to win your DWI case.

What Should I Do After I’m Arrested for DWI?

After a DWI arrest in Collin County, you must act swiftly because you only have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing concerning your driver’s license. Failing to request an administrative hearing within the timeframe will result in an automatic driver’s license suspension.

Learn more about what happens to your drivers license after a DWI arrest – and four things you MUST do after a DWI arrest – in our DWI Resources Guide.

Felony DWI Charges Deserve Top-Tier Representation

The state can sometimes charge a DWI or intoxication offense as a felony Four scenarios can result in a felony DWI or intoxication charge:

• After two DWI convictions, the state convicts you of a third or subsequent DWI.
• You caused a non-fatal injury in an accident while operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. If any party was seriously injured or permanently disfigured, the state will charge this as Intoxication Assault, a third-degree felony in Texas.
• You caused a death in an accident caused by your drunk driving. The state will charge this offense as Intoxication Manslaughter, a second-degree felony in Texas.
• You had a child in your car or boat while driving under the influence. If the child was younger than 15, the state will charge this as a Driving While Intoxicated With Child Passenger or Boating While Intoxicated with Child Passenger, both state jail felonies.

If you need a Collin County DWI attorney for felony prosecutions, please contact us today.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Collin County DWI lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers

Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.

Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics.

As a member of the prestigious Texas Bar College, he presently trains other lawyers in best practices and himself attends many hours of continuous legal education with some of the best lawyers, judges, and law professors in the country.

Mr. Saputo graduated from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of the law school as Southern Methodist University. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…

Awards

Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:

• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
• “10.0 – Top Attorney” rating on AVVO
• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.

Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas

More Awards & Recognition…

Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.

• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.

Victories

The defense attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.

For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.

Reviews

One example review from a real client:

A HUGE THANKS to Paul ashley and rose, I ended up with a dwi, possession of controlled substance (my mom’s prescribed pills that she dropped as i was taking her to the emergency room weeks before) also I had my money confiscated on the way to buy my new car.. they told us money laundering. Paul was very helpful with all the information I needed and very understanding about my financial burden he worked with me on payments every step of the way and took me from feeling lost to confident. At the end of the day I would never hire another firm again paul and his partners worked day in and day out to eventually get my charges dropped AND my money back. Are you looking for a lawyer? Look no further paul will fight for you every step of the way and will not rest until you Have had a fair trial

– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.