As a driver, it is helpful to understand what to expect if you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving. It is also helpful to know what happens next, and what you can do to improve your chances of avoiding license suspension and a DWI conviction. As an Ellis County DWI lawyer who has experience as a former police officer and prosecutor, Robin McCarty can offer the type of insight that few others can in these complex cases.

Here, we have included some basic information on the DWI process in Texas. In addition to reviewing the following, we welcome you to call our offices at (972) 895-7636 for a free consultation and review of your particular case.

If you’re pulled over for DWI, you can expect the following:

• After pulling you over, the officer will perform a visual check to determine whether you seem intoxicated. The officer may ask you were you have been, where you are going, and whether you have had anything to drink.
• This may lead to a field sobriety test, though this depends on the individual officer. You may be asked to perform the walk-and-turn test, horizontal gaze nystagmus, one-leg stand, and others to determine whether your abilities are impaired.
• Depending on what the officer has witnessed thus far, he or she may decide to arrest you and take you into custody on suspicion of DWI.
• You may be asked to perform a breath test or blood test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Depending on your results, law enforcement may refer your case to the District Attorney’s Office to pursue formal charges.
• You will also be given a notice that your driver’s license will be temporarily suspended by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will have 15 days to request a hearing to challenge this suspension – otherwise your license will be suspended whether or not you are formally charged and convicted of DWI.