First Offense DWI Attorney in Collin County
Local Help When A First DWI Turns Your Life Upside Down
A first arrest for driving while intoxicated can shake everything you count on, from your license and job to your reputation. If you are facing a first-time charge and need a first offense DWI attorney in Collin County, you are likely worried about what happens next and how this will affect your future.
At McDaniel Law, we focus on guiding individuals and families through criminal charges here in Collin County, including first-time DWI cases. We are a family-owned criminal defense firm based here, and we work to give every client personal attention, clear explanations, and a plan that fits their life.
If you were recently arrested, you do not have to sort through court dates, license deadlines, and legal terms by yourself. You can call (469) 960-4067 or fill out our online form to speak with our team about your situation.
Understanding First Offense DWI Laws in Texas
In Texas, a first DWI is typically classified as a Class B Misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code § 49.04. The legal threshold for intoxication is a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or a loss of the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
However, a Collin County first offense DWI lawyer will tell you that not all first-time charges are equal. Specific factors can immediately escalate the severity of your case:
- High BAC (.15 or Higher): If your test result is 0.15% or greater, the charge is elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor, doubling the potential jail time and significantly increasing fines.
- Open Container: If an open container of alcohol was found in your vehicle, the minimum mandatory jail time increases from 72 hours to six days.
- Child Passenger: Driving while intoxicated with a passenger under 15 is a State Jail Felony, regardless of whether it is your first offense.
The Two-Front Battle: Criminal vs. Administrative
A DWI arrest in McKinney, Plano, or Frisco triggers two separate legal battles. You must fight both to protect your record and your freedom.
1. The Criminal Case
This takes place in a Collin County Court at Law. The state seeks to prove your guilt and impose penalties such as jail time, fines, and community service.
2. The ALR Hearing (The 15-Day Deadline)
The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process is handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing to contest your license suspension.
If you fail to request this hearing, your license will be automatically suspended 40 days after your arrest. Our firm prioritizes this hearing not only to save your driving privileges but also to cross-examine the arresting officer early in the case.
How We Challenge Your First DWI Charge
At McDaniel Law Group, PLLC, we don't just "plea out" cases. We conduct a "deep dive" into the forensic and procedural evidence to find grounds for dismissal or reduction.
- Challenging Reasonable Suspicion: Did the officer have a valid legal reason to pull you over? If the initial stop was illegal, all subsequent evidence—including breath or blood tests—can be suppressed.
- Field Sobriety Test (SFST) Errors: Officers often fail to administer the "One-Leg Stand" or "Walk and Turn" tests according to strict NHTSA standards. We use body camera footage to show how "clues" were incorrectly marked.
- Lab and Breathalyzer Scrutiny: We analyze the maintenance logs of the Intoxilyzer 9000 and the "chain of custody" for blood samples. If the machine wasn't calibrated or the blood was handled improperly, the results are unreliable.
- The "Rising BAC" Defense: Alcohol takes time to absorb. We can often prove that while you may have been over the limit at the time of the test, you were actually below the legal limit while you were driving.
Why Choose McDaniel Law?
Discover the benefits of our client-centered approach.
We prioritize your needs and work tirelessly for your best outcome. Your case is in capable hands.
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HardworkingMcDaniel Law Group takes pride in providing you with the personal attention and aggressive representation you need to overcome the life-changing issues you're facing.
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Free ConsultationEarly intervention by an attorney may be crucial to effectively protect your freedoms, interests and constitutional rights. We offer a free initial consultation to learn more about your case.
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Multiple SpecialtiesMcDaniel Law Group provides representation for a variety of areas, including criminal law, juvenile law, mental health and DWIs.
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ExperienceMcDaniel Law Group brings you highly skilled representation with over a decade of experience. During difficult times, your choice of an attorney is critical. Get our experience on your side.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Hear firsthand experiences from those we’ve assisted.
Our clients' testimonials reflect our commitment to personalized care. See how we've made a difference.
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“Your team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, clear communication, and deep expertise throughout my case. You handled everything with great care and attention to detail, ensuring the best possible outcome for me.”- Corey T.
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“Did an excellent job getting my son a very reasonable sentence.”- Lauren H.
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“Thank you Mr. McDaniel for helping my husband with his situation. Highly recommend!!”- Magaly A.
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“Rogan consistently responded to my questions and concerns promptly, making me feel as though my case truly mattered to him. His professionalism, intelligence, and exceptional people skills were apparent throughout the process.”- David B.
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“This was my first time needing an attorney and I can’t recommend the McDaniel law group enough he was very responsive helpful and got my case closed very quickly I really appreciate everything you did for me and again I would highly recommend trying the McDaniel law group you won’t regret it!”- Dante Z.
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“Rogan and Danny are amazing attorneys! Super informative and reliable, I could call them for anything and they are always there. If you need anyone to call, they are your guys! 10/10”- Kenzie M.
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“McDaniel Law Group were incredibly professional and honest through the entire process. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a seasoned defense attorneys!”- Ozan E.
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“Rogan helped through it all. Step by step. Made me feel comfortable and not trapped he was a great deal to my case and I cannot thank him enough for his patience through it all.”- Julio H.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences for a First DWI in Texas
Texas treats DWI offenses seriously, even for first-time offenders with no prior record. Potential penalties can include the following, depending on blood alcohol concentration (BAC):
- Class B DWI (.08 – .14 BAC)
- Jail time: 72 hours up to 180 days
- Fines: Up to $2,000
- Driver’s license suspension: 90 days to 1 year
- State surcharge: $3,000 total ($1,000 per year for three years)
- Class A DWI (.15+ BAC)
- Jail time: Up to 1 year
- Fines: Up to $4,000
- Driver’s license suspension: 180 days to 2 years
- State surcharge: $6,000 total ($2,000 per year for three years)
These penalties reflect both criminal consequences and long-term financial and licensing impacts that can follow a first DWI conviction.
Steps To Take After A First DWI Arrest
In the days after an arrest, taking a few specific steps can protect your options and reduce some of the chaos you may feel. You do not have to handle everything perfectly, and you can make things easier on yourself by being intentional about what you do and who you talk to.
Focus on what you say and who you say it to:
- Avoid discussing the details of your arrest on social media or with co-workers and acquaintances.
- Do not try to explain things to law enforcement or potential witnesses without first speaking with a lawyer.
- Limit detailed conversations about the incident to your attorney, so you do not accidentally harm your case.
Gather and preserve information while it is fresh:
- Write down everything you remember about the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and conversations with officers.
- Keep copies of paperwork you received from the jail, including bond conditions and court date notices.
- Save any messages, receipts, or other records from the hours before the arrest that may help reconstruct events.
Address license and court obligations promptly:
- Review the documents related to your driver’s license and note any deadlines to request a hearing.
- Mark all court dates on your calendar and arrange transportation to the courthouse well in advance.
- Follow any conditions of bond, such as alcohol-use restrictions or check-in requirements, exactly as ordered.
Once you have taken these immediate steps, contacting a lawyer should be a priority. When you reach out to our firm, we schedule a consultation, review the facts with you, and begin identifying the most urgent issues, including license deadlines and any evidence we should request or preserve.
Why Choose Our Firm For A First Offense DWI In Collin County
When you search for help after a first DWI arrest, you may find many firms that sound similar. We have built McDaniel Law to be different. We are a family-owned firm based in Collin County, and our work is focused on criminal and juvenile law. This means we are familiar with how DWI cases move through local courts, and we understand how a single case can affect an entire family.
Over time, our team has developed working relationships with judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers in this county. These relationships do not mean anyone receives special treatment, and they do help us understand how particular courts tend to view first-time DWI cases. We use this insight to present our clients fairly, to communicate effectively about their circumstances, and to pursue options that make sense in this jurisdiction.
Our approach is holistic. A DWI arrest can connect to stress, anxiety, alcohol use, or other personal challenges. We do not see clients as case numbers. We talk with you about what led up to the arrest and about what you want your life to look like after the case is over. Our firm helps connect clients with mental health and counseling resources when that is appropriate, because addressing the whole picture can support both your well-being and your case.
Talk With Our Team About Your First DWI Charge
A first DWI arrest can make it feel like your future is slipping out of your control. You do not have to face the courts, license issues, and long-term consequences on your own. Working with a first offense DWI lawyer in Collin County who understands local courts and takes time to know you can make a real difference in how you experience this process.
To talk with our team about your first DWI charge and your next steps, call (469) 960-4067 or reach out online for a confidential consultation.