Rockwall DWI Attorney | DWI Defense

Are You Looking for the Best Rockwall DWI Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Rockwall DWI attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Award-winning attorneys Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis expertly bring the firm’s full resources to bear in Rockwall DWI cases.

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense DWI defense attorneys thrive on serving individuals in Rockwall who are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes. Our clients recognize the value of our legal expertise and want to hire the top attorneys in the field.

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

In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous 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. Our team has a history of effectively contesting DWI breath test outcomes, blood alcohol levels, and cases involving accidents. Allow our seasoned Rockwall DWI attorneys to handle your case, and we’ll handle all aspects of your representation, from protecting your driving rights to formulating an all-encompassing defense plan.

If the police arrested you for DWI in Rockwall, 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 Rockwall 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 Rockwall
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 Rockwall 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.

What should I do after I’m arrested for a DWI?

After a DWI arrest, you must act swiftly because you often 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.

How do I get a DWI charge dropped in Rockwall, 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 Rockwall. 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 Rockwall.

For now, the appellate courts have not issued any recent opinions on DWI cases in Rockwall that have caught our attention. However, note that we do not list cases involving other counties here, even though those cases can bind Rockwall courts. We continue to monitor the latest developments in DWI case law.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Rockwall 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 Rockwall. Law enforcement agencies in Rockwall that most typically make DWI arrests include:

• Rockwall Police Department: Responsible for law enforcement within the city of Rockwall.
• Heath Department of Public Safety: Serving the city of Heath with enforcement of DWI laws, among others.
• Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office: This agency handles law enforcement duties in unincorporated areas of Rockwall County and provides support to municipal police departments.
• Royse City Police Department: Responsible for DWI enforcement in the city of Royse City.

How do Rockwall DWI defense lawyers beat a DWI case?

To beat a DWI charge in Rockwall, Texas, you must employ every procedural tool from ALR hearings to discovery. You must obtain all evidence through discovery and independently investigate the case. Finally, you contest all evidence, including witness statements, breath tests, blood tests, and field sobriety tests. Remember, victory hinges on your determination to fight relentlessly.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Rockwall 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.

Rockwall DWI Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Defending against DWI charges requires experience, skill, deep knowledge of the law, and an understanding of the methods that law enforcement use to investigate DWI offenses. Clients frequently ask whether we can beat certain test scores. In fact, we regularly beat cases with breath and blood test scores. Regardless how high the breath or blood score reported by the test, many factors can affect the validity and meaning of all BAC tests.

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

By examining every aspect of the testing protocols, an experienced DWI Defense attorney can accurately determine how to demonstrate problems with the tests.

However, not all cases come down to testing protocols and challenging blood and breath evidence. Sometimes cases come down to whether the police violated your constitutional rights, while others come down to SFST testing. 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.

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 Rockwall DWI attorney, we act fast and prepare early. As soon as we get on a case, the Rockwall 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.

How much does a lawyer charge for a DWI case in Rockwall, Texas?

You can expect attorney’s fees to range from $2,500 to $5,000 on average for DWI 1st cases in Rockwall. For felony-level DWI offenses, most attorneys will charge a premium above that price. Some Rockwall DWI lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Rockwall 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, many lawyers charge extra fees for trial, ALR hearings, occupational driver’s licenses, travel, and expenses.

What to Do if Falsely Accused of DWI in Rockwall

Even if someone has falsely accused you of DWI, you should nevertheless still always take this charge very seriously. You may think that the state may “drop charges” against you because you are innocent. But absent effective advocacy by a lawyer, the state will often take the case to trial and let the jury decide.

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

Bond Conditions in Rockwall DWI Cases

If the police in Rockwall 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 Rockwall DWI attorneys can do for you.

What happens at a Rockwall arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Rockwall judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Rockwall, 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 Rockwall 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 Rockwall 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 Rockwall DWI charge in Rockwall?

The Penal code defines the range of punishment for all Texas DWI offenses in 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 to a Class A misdemeanor for DWI 2nd convictions, and to the felony level for third or subsequent DWI convictions.

However, the actual punishment you receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances, including your prior criminal history and the circumstances of the offense. 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 Rockwall DWI cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online by pressing the red button.

Furthermore, all good Rockwall 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. For DWI offeneses, collateral consequences can include things like driver’s license suspensions and reinstatement fees, insurance premium increases, immigration consequences, and professional licensing consequences.

Do you lose your license for your first DWI case in Texas?

Your license can be suspended after your first DWI arrest in Texas, but you don’t have to lose your license if you challenge the seizure. Your DWI Defense Attorney should request an ALR hearing after your arrest. Through this process you can delay your license suspension or beat it altogether.

What happens if you fail a breathalyzer in Texas?

If you fail a breathalyzer test in Texas, the police will seize your license. However, failing a breathalyzer does not mean you will lose your DWI case. In fact, you can even fight your drivers license seizure and possibly prevent your license suspension.

How do I hide my first DWI case in Texas?

In order to hide your first DWI case in Texas, you will need to obtain a nondisclosure or an expunction. A nondisclosure hides your records by sealing them from public view, while an expunction destroys the records. You are only eligible for an expunction if you were acquitted or if your case resulted in a “straight dismissal.” It is a little bit easier to get a nondislcosure.

If the police recently arrested you for a Rockwall DWI or other Rockwall intoxication offense, you MUST know the 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 Rockwall 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.

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 Rockwall DWI attorney for felony prosecutions, please contact us today.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Rockwall 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. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. 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
• 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 Rockwall DWI 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:

BEST in the city of Dallas and the State of Texas. Had all my DWI cases go for trial. I was not sure about it but Paul assured me going to trial would be a great move and we went to trial. Both cases he won! You have to see the man work some magic in the Courtroom.

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

See more client reviews and testimonials here.