Tarrant County Intoxication Assault Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Tarrant County Intoxication Assault Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Tarrant County Intoxication Assault 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 Tarrant County Intoxication Assault cases.

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense attorneys thrive on serving individuals 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 Tarrant County Intoxication Assault 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. With a demonstrated history of effectively contesting intoxicated operating cases, our Tarrant County Intoxication Assault attorneys stand ready to diligently analyze and manage every detail of your case.

If the police arrested you for Intoxication Assault in Tarrant County, you might be wondering how you can possibly win. If you took a breath test or blood test, and the sample tested for over the legal limit, you might think there’s nothing you can do to fight these charges. But you would be wrong.

Whether you failed a breath test, blood test, the roadside field sobriety tests, or all three, a seasoned Tarrant County Intoxication Assault attorney can still utilize many defense strategies to win your case. An experienced Intoxication Assault attorney on your side will make all the difference.

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Contact a Tarrant County
Intoxication Assault Lawyer

When you are ready to fight your Tarrant County Intoxication Assault 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 Tarrant County Intoxication Assault 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 an Intoxication Assault charge dropped in Tarrant County, Texas?

In order to get an Intoxication Assault charge dropped in Tarrant County, 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 §49.07.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Intoxication Assault, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Intoxication Assault statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Intoxication Assault statute in detail on the Intoxication Assault offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Intoxication Assault cases in Tarrant County.

One such case is Straker v. State.

Straker v. State

In Straker v. State, decided on September 30, 2016, by the Court of Appeals of Texas Eighth District El Paso, Ashlee Straker was convicted of intoxication manslaughter and an accident involving death following a tragic auto accident in Tarrant County. Straker, who had borrowed a Jeep Cherokee to attend a party, lost control of the vehicle early in the morning, resulting in the death of Lokuekim Kipasa and serious injury to Donte Pierce. The vehicle’s rollover and the subsequent injuries were attributed to Straker’s impaired driving due to the consumption of alcohol, THC (marijuana), and alprazolam (a tranquilizer).

Straker appealed his convictions on several grounds, including the admissibility of blood test results without retrograde extrapolation analysis and the sufficiency of evidence supporting his convictions. The appellate court affirmed the trial court’s decisions, emphasizing the relevance of the blood test results, which indicated intoxication due to the synergistic effects of combining alcohol with controlled substances. This evidence, despite the absence of retrograde extrapolation testimony, was deemed sufficient to establish Straker’s intoxication at the time of the accident.

This case highlights the judicial process’s handling of intoxication-related offenses and the evidence required to uphold a conviction. The court’s reliance on the scientific reliability of blood tests and the probative value of the substances detected therein underscores the critical role of forensic evidence in establishing intoxication levels and their contribution to vehicular accidents leading to fatalities or serious injuries.

What does an Intoxication Assault charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Intoxication Assault, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(a) A person commits an offense if the person, by accident or mistake:

(1) while operating an aircraft, watercraft, or amusement ride while intoxicated, or while operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, by reason of that intoxication causes serious bodily injury to another; or

(2) as a result of assembling a mobile amusement ride while intoxicated causes serious bodily injury to another.

What happens if multiple people are injured?

You can be charged with Intoxication Assault even if you injure only one person, but if multiple people are injured, the punishment may be more severe.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Tarrant County that Make Intoxication Assault Arrests

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

• Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office is one of the primary agencies responsible for Intoxication Assault cases in Tarrant County, Texas.
• Fort Worth Police Department serves as the main municipal police department within Tarrant County and plays a significant role in Intoxication Assault cases in Fort Worth.
• Arlington Police Department also contributes to making arrests for Intoxication Assault within its jurisdiction in Tarrant County.
• Haltom City Police Department serves the community of Haltom City within Tarrant County and may make Intoxication Assault arrests within its jurisdiction.
• Keller Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Keller and may handle Intoxication Assault cases within its jurisdiction.

How do Tarrant County Intoxication Assault defense lawyers beat an Intoxication Assault case?

To beat an Intoxication Assault charge in Tarrant 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 Tarrant County Intoxication Assault 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.

Tarrant County Intoxication Assault Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Getting the best result in a Intoxication Assault case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. When you need a Tarrant County Intoxication Assault attorney, we act fast and prepare early. As soon as we get on a case, the Tarrant 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 Intoxication Assault charge.

In addition, great Intoxication Assault defense lawyers possess a deep knowledge of the law and an understanding of the methods that law enforcement use to investigate intoxication offenses. When it comes to Intoxication Assault cases, we often have to fight BAC test scores. Regardless how high the breath or blood score reported by the test, we may be able to challenge the results. The fact is that many factors can affect the validity and meaning of all BAC tests.

Defense strategy in Intoxication Assault cases 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 defense strategies for intoxication cases

How much does it cost to fight a Tarrant County, Texas, Intoxication Assault case?

Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $15,000 to $35,000 on average for Intoxication Assault cases in Tarrant County. Some Tarrant County Intoxication Assault lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Tarrant 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 Intoxication Assault in Tarrant County

Even when falsely accused of Intoxication Assault, 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 Tarrant County District Attorney has charged you with Intoxication Assault, 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 Tarrant County Intoxication Assault attorneys.

Bond Conditions in Tarrant County Intoxication Assault Cases

For Intoxication Assault cases, Texas judges typically impose a “no alcohol” bond condition. Judges typically also require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. An ignition interlock device will prevent you from starting your vehicle if your breath has a detectable level of alcohol.

Sometimes judges will often require additional restrictions, such as a Soberlink device or GPS monitoring.

If you want to modify your bond conditions, your attorney will file either a motion or a writ of habeas corpus requesting a modification of your bond conditions. The motion or writ will outline the specific changes you are seeking and the reasons for the requested modification.

The judge will ultimately decide whether to approve the requested modifications. They will consider factors such as the nature of the charges, your criminal history, the risk to public safety, and other relevant circumstances.

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 Tarrant County Intoxication Assault attorneys can do for you.

What happens at a Tarrant County arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Tarrant County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Tarrant 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 Intoxication Assault, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant County Intoxication Assault charge in Tarrant County?

The Penal code defines the range of punishment for all Texas Intoxication Assault offenses in the state. The Penal Code classifies Intoxication Assault as a third degree felony, but the state may seek an enhancement under §49.09 to a first or second degree felony.

However, the punishment you will ultimately receive depends on a number of circumstances, including your prior criminal history, what you do while you’re on bond, and the circumstances of the offense. With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions for Intoxication Assault here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Tarrant County Intoxication Assault cases and what you might be able to do to reduce any eventual sentence, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

Furthermore, all good Tarrant County Intoxication Assault attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Intoxication Assault conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment. For Intoxication Assault offeneses, collateral consequences can include things like driver’s license suspensions and reinstatement fees, insurance premium increases, immigration consequences, and professional licensing consequences.

Why Should I Hire an Intoxication Assault Lawyer?

If law enforcement has already arrested you for an Intoxication Assault in Tarrant County, you will face an overtly hostile criminal justice system that is eager to put you away for a long time. Without proper representation, it is more likely that the court will find you guilty. Intoxication Assault convictions in Texas can have disastrous consequences, even outside of the courtroom.

How Intoxication Assault Defense Lawyers Beat the Case

Defending against Intoxication Assault 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 Tarrant County Intoxication Assault 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 Intoxication Assault 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 Intoxication Assault, 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 Tarrant County Intoxication Assault 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 Intoxication Assault case.

What Should I Do After I’m Arrested for Intoxication Assault?

After an Intoxication Assault arrest in Tarrant 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 Intoxication Assault arrest – and four things you MUST do immediately afterwards – in our DWI Resources Guide.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Tarrant County Intoxication Assault 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 Tarrant County Intoxication Assault 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.

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §49.07.