How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Record in Texas?

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A DWI arrest or conviction can follow a person for years in Texas. Many people in Longview worry about how long a DWI will remain visible on background checks and whether it can eventually be removed. The answer often depends on the specific outcome of the case and the person’s criminal history.

Texas law treats DWI offenses seriously, and convictions can carry long-lasting consequences. A DWI conviction may appear on criminal background checks viewed by employers, landlords, licensing boards, and insurance companies.

In many situations, a DWI conviction remains part of a person’s criminal record permanently unless specific legal relief becomes available. This can create continuing problems involving employment opportunities, professional licensing, and reputation.

However, not every DWI arrest leads to a permanent conviction record. Some individuals may qualify for:
• Expunction
• Orders of nondisclosure
• Reduced charges
• Dismissals

An expunction completely removes qualifying records from public view. Texas law generally limits expunction eligibility in DWI cases, but some people may qualify if charges were dismissed, they were acquitted, or the case never resulted in formal charges.

Orders of nondisclosure do not erase records entirely, but they can limit who may access certain criminal history information. Eligibility depends on several factors, including the final outcome of the case and prior criminal history.

The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is important. Even if charges are later dismissed, arrest records may still appear in some databases unless proper legal action is taken.

DWI convictions may also affect:
• Auto insurance rates
• Professional licenses
• College applications
• Housing applications
• Immigration matters
• Security clearances

Repeat offenses generally create even greater long-term consequences. Multiple DWI convictions can lead to enhanced penalties and increased scrutiny from employers and licensing agencies.

Texas prosecutors frequently pursue DWI cases aggressively, but that does not mean every case is unbeatable. Legal defenses may exist involving unlawful traffic stops, unreliable testing procedures, or constitutional violations.

An experienced DWI defense attorney may investigate:
• Whether the stop was lawful
• Whether officers had probable cause
• Whether testing procedures were valid
• Whether evidence should be suppressed
• Whether dismissal options exist

The earlier legal representation begins, the more opportunities may exist to protect your record and future. Waiting too long can sometimes limit available legal options.

Some drivers mistakenly assume pleading guilty quickly is the easiest solution. However, the long-term consequences of a DWI conviction often last far longer than people initially expect. Taking time to fully evaluate the evidence and possible defenses can be extremely important.

Even after a case concludes, legal remedies may still become available later depending on changes in Texas law and the person’s eligibility. Consulting with an attorney about record-clearing options may help reduce the long-term impact of a DWI arrest.

Your future opportunities may depend heavily on how your DWI case is handled from the beginning. Careful legal guidance can make a substantial difference when protecting your record and reputation.

Call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. For Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with DWI in Longview or anywhere in East Texas, don’t wait. The clock starts ticking the moment you’re arrested, and every decision you make from here on out matters. The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. is ready to help you protect your future, your license, and your wallet.

Call us today at (903) 753-7499 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward fighting your DWI charges.

Are Field Sobriety Tests Reliable in Texas DWI Cases?

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Field sobriety tests are commonly used during DWI investigations throughout Longview and East Texas. Many drivers assume these roadside exercises are scientific and foolproof, but that is not always true. Field sobriety testing can be subjective and affected by numerous outside factors unrelated to alcohol or drug impairment.

Police officers often ask drivers to perform a series of exercises after a traffic stop if they suspect intoxication. The most common standardized field sobriety tests include:
• The horizontal gaze nystagmus test
• The walk-and-turn test
• The one-leg stand test

These exercises are intended to help officers evaluate balance, coordination, attention, and eye movement. However, many perfectly sober individuals struggle with these tests under stressful roadside conditions.

Several factors may affect performance, including:
• Nervousness and anxiety
• Uneven pavement
• Poor lighting
• Medical conditions
• Fatigue
• Age
• Weight or physical limitations
• Improper footwear

Drivers are often asked to perform these tests late at night on highways or roadside shoulders with flashing police lights and passing traffic nearby. Even small distractions or environmental issues can affect results.

The horizontal gaze nystagmus test involves officers observing involuntary eye movements while the driver follows an object. While officers often describe this test as scientific, improper administration can create inaccurate conclusions. Certain medical conditions and medications may also affect eye movements.

The walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests require balance and coordination that many people naturally struggle with even while sober. Injuries, back problems, arthritis, neurological conditions, and inner ear issues may all affect performance.

Field sobriety tests are highly subjective because officers interpret what they believe they observe. Two officers may evaluate the same performance differently. In some cases, officers begin forming opinions before testing even starts.

Video footage from dash cameras and body cameras sometimes tells a different story than written police reports. An experienced DWI defense attorney may carefully review recordings to determine whether officers exaggerated or mischaracterized the driver’s performance.

It is important to understand that field sobriety tests are only one part of a DWI investigation. Prosecutors may also rely on:
• Driving behavior
• Officer observations
• Statements made during the stop
• Breath or blood test results
• Video evidence

However, weaknesses in roadside testing may still create opportunities to challenge probable cause for the arrest or undermine the prosecution’s case overall.

Many drivers do not realize that field sobriety tests are generally voluntary in Texas. Politely declining roadside exercises may avoid creating additional evidence for prosecutors to use later. Every situation is different, though, and drivers should avoid becoming argumentative or confrontational during police encounters.

DWI arrests often happen quickly, and officers sometimes rush through testing procedures. Improper instructions, poor environmental conditions, or failure to follow standardized testing protocols may affect the reliability of the results.

An experienced Longview DWI defense lawyer may investigate whether officers complied with proper procedures and whether the tests were fairly administered. Scientific evidence, officer credibility, and video footage frequently become important issues during litigation.

Field sobriety tests are not infallible, and poor performance alone does not automatically prove intoxication. Careful legal analysis may uncover important defenses that help protect your future.

Call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. For Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with DWI in Longview or anywhere in East Texas, don’t wait. The clock starts ticking the moment you’re arrested, and every decision you make from here on out matters. The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. is ready to help you protect your future, your license, and your wallet.

Call us today at (903) 753-7499 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward fighting your DWI charges.

What Are the Penalties for a Second DWI in Texas?

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A second DWI charge in Longview carries much more serious consequences than a first offense. Texas prosecutors and judges generally treat repeat DWI allegations aggressively, and penalties can increase substantially. Drivers facing a second DWI often risk longer jail sentences, steeper fines, extended license suspensions, and stricter probation conditions.

In Texas, a second DWI offense is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor. This means a conviction may result in up to one year in county jail along with significant financial penalties. Judges may also impose community supervision, mandatory education programs, ignition interlock requirements, and alcohol counseling.

A second DWI conviction can lead to:
• Jail time
• Driver’s license suspension
• Increased fines and court costs
• Mandatory ignition interlock devices
• Probation monitoring
• Community service requirements
• Higher insurance premiums

Repeat DWI allegations can also damage a person’s reputation and career opportunities. Employers may view multiple alcohol-related offenses as serious concerns involving judgment and reliability. Individuals with professional licenses or commercial driving responsibilities may face additional consequences.

Texas law allows prosecutors to use prior DWI convictions to enhance penalties. In some situations, out-of-state convictions or prior alcohol-related offenses may also affect sentencing exposure.

Many second-offense DWI arrests involve enhanced police scrutiny from the beginning of the stop. Officers often investigate repeat offenders more aggressively and may seek blood warrants if drivers refuse testing. Blood evidence, body camera footage, and prior criminal history frequently become central issues in these prosecutions.

However, prior convictions do not eliminate a person’s legal rights. Police officers must still follow constitutional procedures during the traffic stop, investigation, and arrest. If officers violated those protections, evidence could potentially be challenged in court.

An experienced DWI defense attorney may examine:
• Whether the traffic stop was lawful
• Whether field sobriety tests were properly administered
• Whether breath or blood testing procedures were valid
• Whether prior convictions were legally usable
• Whether constitutional violations occurred

Breath and blood testing evidence is not automatically reliable. Testing equipment must be properly maintained and administered correctly. Laboratory errors, contamination issues, and procedural mistakes sometimes affect toxicology results.

Second DWI cases may also involve opportunities for negotiated outcomes depending on the circumstances and criminal history. Prosecutors may consider factors such as accident involvement, cooperation, treatment participation, and the age of prior offenses.

Some drivers mistakenly believe there is no point fighting a second DWI charge because of their prior record. In reality, every case involves unique facts and legal issues that deserve careful review.

Early intervention by a defense attorney may help preserve evidence, protect driving privileges, and identify defense strategies before prosecutors fully build their case. Time can be critical after a repeat DWI arrest, especially when license suspension proceedings are involved.

The consequences of a second DWI conviction can follow a person for years. Taking the charge seriously from the beginning may improve your chances of protecting your future and minimizing long-term damage.

Call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. For Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with DWI in Longview or anywhere in East Texas, don’t wait. The clock starts ticking the moment you’re arrested, and every decision you make from here on out matters. The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. is ready to help you protect your future, your license, and your wallet.

Call us today at (903) 753-7499 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward fighting your DWI charges.

Can Prescription Medications Lead to a DWI Charge in Texas?

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Many drivers mistakenly believe DWI charges only involve alcohol or illegal drugs. In Texas, however, a person may also face DWI allegations based on prescription medications. Drivers in Longview are often surprised to learn they can be arrested even when taking medications legally prescribed by a doctor.

Texas law focuses on impairment rather than whether a substance itself is legal. If a prescription medication affects your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, law enforcement may pursue DWI charges. This includes medications prescribed for anxiety, pain, insomnia, allergies, muscle spasms, and other medical conditions.

Certain prescription drugs can cause:
• Drowsiness
• Delayed reaction times
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Poor coordination
• Confusion or slowed thinking

Even when taken exactly as directed, these side effects may lead police officers to suspect intoxication during a traffic stop.

Prescription drug DWI cases can become more complicated than alcohol-related cases because there is often no universally accepted legal limit. Officers typically rely heavily on observations, field sobriety testing, driving behavior, and toxicology reports.

A driver may be pulled over for swerving, speeding, drifting between lanes, or delayed responses at traffic signals. Once the stop occurs, officers may begin looking for signs of impairment such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or difficulty following instructions.

Unlike alcohol-related DWI cases, prescription medication investigations often involve blood testing instead of breath testing. Toxicology results may reveal the presence of one or more medications, but the presence of medication alone does not automatically prove intoxication.

Several legal issues may arise in prescription drug DWI cases, including:
• Whether the medication actually impaired the driver
• Whether officers properly interpreted signs of impairment
• Whether medical conditions affected behavior
• Whether blood testing procedures were reliable
• Whether the traffic stop was lawful

Many people have underlying health conditions that can mimic intoxication symptoms. Fatigue, anxiety, neurological disorders, diabetes, and other medical issues may affect speech, balance, or coordination during roadside testing.

Field sobriety tests themselves are often subjective. Officers may incorrectly interpret nervousness or physical limitations as evidence of intoxication. Uneven pavement, poor weather conditions, improper footwear, and age can also affect test performance.

Prescription medication DWI charges can carry penalties similar to alcohol-related DWI offenses. Drivers may face license suspension, fines, probation, jail time, and increased insurance costs if convicted.

These cases can also create professional consequences. Healthcare workers, commercial drivers, teachers, and licensed professionals may face disciplinary actions or employment concerns after a DWI arrest involving prescription medications.

An experienced Longview DWI defense lawyer may review toxicology reports, medical records, officer conduct, and laboratory procedures to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Scientific evidence often becomes a major issue in these cases, making detailed legal analysis especially important.

Drivers should never assume a prescription automatically protects them from criminal charges. If you are under investigation for prescription medication DWI in East Texas, seeking legal representation early may help protect your rights and future.

Call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. For Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with DWI in Longview or anywhere in East Texas, don’t wait. The clock starts ticking the moment you’re arrested, and every decision you make from here on out matters. The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. is ready to help you protect your future, your license, and your wallet.

Call us today at (903) 753-7499 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward fighting your DWI charges.

What Is an ALR Hearing After a DWI Arrest in Texas?

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Many people arrested for DWI in Longview focus only on the criminal case and do not realize that a separate process can affect their driver’s license almost immediately. In Texas, the Administrative License Revocation process, commonly known as an ALR hearing, can determine whether your license will be suspended after a DWI arrest. This hearing is completely separate from the criminal court proceedings.

The ALR process begins after a driver either fails a breath or blood test or refuses testing altogether. If police believe you were intoxicated and you either tested over the legal limit or refused chemical testing, the Texas Department of Public Safety may attempt to suspend your license.

One of the most important things to understand is that you only have a limited amount of time to request an ALR hearing. If you fail to act quickly, your license suspension may automatically take effect. Many drivers lose important rights simply because they wait too long to speak with an attorney.

An ALR hearing can provide several important advantages. First, it creates an opportunity to challenge the proposed suspension of your driving privileges. Second, it allows your attorney to question the arresting officer under oath before the criminal case proceeds further. This testimony can sometimes uncover inconsistencies or weaknesses in the state’s evidence.

At an ALR hearing, several issues may be examined, including:
• Whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle
• Whether probable cause existed for the arrest
• Whether the driver refused testing
• Whether the chemical test results were properly obtained
• Whether officers followed legal procedures

The outcome of the ALR hearing can significantly affect your ability to work and manage daily responsibilities. Many people in East Texas depend heavily on driving to commute long distances for employment, school, and family obligations.

If your license becomes suspended, you may still qualify for an occupational driver’s license in certain situations. This restricted license may allow limited driving privileges for work, school, or essential household duties. However, obtaining an occupational license often requires court approval and compliance with strict conditions.

The ALR hearing may also provide insight into the prosecution’s evidence in the criminal case. Police reports, video footage, and officer testimony often become critical pieces of evidence later in court. An experienced DWI defense attorney may use information gathered during the hearing to prepare a stronger defense strategy.

Many people assume license suspension automatically means they were convicted of DWI. That is not true. The ALR process is administrative, while the criminal case involves separate legal standards and proceedings. A person could potentially win one proceeding and lose the other.

Texas DWI cases often involve complex scientific and procedural issues. Breath testing machines require proper maintenance and calibration. Blood testing procedures must follow legal and scientific standards. Officers must also comply with constitutional protections during traffic stops and arrests.

Mistakes made during any part of the investigation may affect the admissibility of evidence. Video recordings from dashboard cameras and body cameras frequently play a major role in challenging the prosecution’s version of events.

Protecting your license can be critical to protecting your livelihood. Taking immediate action after a DWI arrest may improve your chances of preserving your driving privileges and building a strong defense.

Call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. For Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with DWI in Longview or anywhere in East Texas, don’t wait. The clock starts ticking the moment you’re arrested, and every decision you make from here on out matters. The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. is ready to help you protect your future, your license, and your wallet.

Call us today at (903) 753-7499 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward fighting your DWI charges.

How a DWI Conviction Can Affect Your Career in Texas

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A DWI conviction can create problems far beyond the courtroom. Many people in Longview do not realize how much a criminal conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, and future income. Even individuals with strong careers and clean records may face serious consequences after a DWI arrest.

Employers frequently conduct background checks during hiring and promotion decisions. A DWI conviction appearing on a criminal history report can raise concerns about judgment, reliability, and safety. Some employers may refuse to hire applicants with alcohol-related driving convictions altogether.

Workers who drive for a living often face the greatest risks. Commercial drivers can lose their commercial driver’s license after certain DWI offenses. Sales professionals, delivery drivers, contractors, and others who depend on driving may also face job-related consequences if their licenses become suspended.

Professional licensing boards may also investigate DWI arrests or convictions. Nurses, teachers, doctors, pilots, real estate professionals, and other licensed individuals could face disciplinary proceedings depending on the circumstances of the case.

A DWI conviction may impact:
• Employment applications
• Professional licensing renewals
• Security clearances
• College admissions
• Insurance rates
• Housing opportunities

Young professionals and college students may face long-term setbacks at the beginning of their careers. Employers sometimes view alcohol-related offenses as indicators of poor decision-making even when the incident involved no accident or injuries.

Insurance costs often increase dramatically following a DWI conviction. Some drivers may even struggle to obtain coverage at all. High-risk insurance requirements can create financial burdens for years after the criminal case ends.

Texas prosecutors aggressively pursue DWI convictions because impaired driving cases are treated seriously throughout the state. However, every arrest does not automatically lead to a conviction. Police officers can make mistakes during investigations, testing procedures, and arrests.

A skilled DWI attorney may examine whether:
• The traffic stop was lawful
• The officer had probable cause
• Testing procedures were valid
• Chemical testing equipment was reliable
• Constitutional rights were violated
• Evidence should be excluded

Many cases involve weaknesses that are not obvious at first glance. Surveillance footage, body camera recordings, witness statements, and police reports may reveal inconsistencies or procedural problems.

Some drivers assume they should immediately accept a plea agreement to move on quickly. However, a conviction can follow a person for years. Exploring available defenses and legal strategies before making decisions may help protect your future.

DWI charges involving accidents, high blood alcohol concentrations, or repeat offenses can carry even more severe penalties. Jail exposure, lengthy license suspensions, ignition interlock requirements, and probation conditions may become part of the sentence.

The earlier a defense attorney becomes involved, the better the opportunity to review evidence and prepare a defense strategy. In some situations, attorneys may negotiate for reduced charges or alternative outcomes depending on the facts and the person’s history.

Call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. For Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with DWI in Longview or anywhere in East Texas, don’t wait. The clock starts ticking the moment you’re arrested, and every decision you make from here on out matters. The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. is ready to help you protect your future, your license, and your wallet.

Call us today at (903) 753-7499 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward fighting your DWI charges.

Can You Refuse a Breath Test During a Texas DWI Stop?

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Many drivers in Longview believe refusing a breath test automatically prevents the police from gathering evidence in a DWI case. While Texas law allows drivers to refuse certain tests, that decision can create additional legal consequences. Understanding implied consent laws in Texas is important if you are facing DWI allegations.

Texas operates under an implied consent law. By driving on Texas roads, drivers are considered to have agreed to provide a breath or blood sample if lawfully arrested for DWI. However, drivers can still refuse testing in many situations. The problem is that a refusal can trigger separate penalties through the Administrative License Revocation system.

If you refuse a breath or blood test after a DWI arrest, the Texas Department of Public Safety may seek to suspend your driver’s license. For a first refusal, the suspension can last up to 180 days. Prior alcohol-related enforcement contacts can lead to even longer suspensions.

Police officers often use refusal evidence against drivers in court. Prosecutors may argue that the refusal suggests the driver knew they were intoxicated. Jurors sometimes view refusals negatively even though drivers have legal rights regarding testing decisions.

Refusing a breath test does not necessarily stop police from obtaining evidence. In some cases, officers may seek a warrant for a blood sample. Texas courts frequently approve blood warrants in DWI investigations, especially when aggravating circumstances exist. If officers obtain a warrant, medical personnel may draw blood despite the driver’s refusal.

Breath tests themselves are not always accurate. Many factors can affect the results, including:
• Improper calibration of testing equipment
• Operator mistakes
• Medical conditions such as acid reflux
• Certain diets or medications
• Residual mouth alcohol
• Timing issues during testing

An experienced DWI defense attorney may challenge the reliability of breath testing procedures or question whether officers followed proper protocols.

Drivers should also understand that field sobriety tests are different from chemical tests. Standardized field sobriety exercises are voluntary in Texas. Officers often ask drivers to perform balancing and coordination exercises on the side of the road, but these tests can be unreliable. Poor lighting, nervousness, medical issues, age, and road conditions may affect performance.

Many Longview DWI arrests involve more than alcohol alone. Prescription medications and other substances may also lead to impairment allegations. Drug-related DWI investigations often involve subjective observations by officers rather than straightforward chemical results.

Every DWI stop presents unique legal issues. Officers must follow constitutional requirements during traffic stops and arrests. If they fail to do so, evidence may become subject to suppression. Dash camera footage, body camera recordings, and dispatch records often become important pieces of evidence in these cases.

The decisions made during a DWI stop can significantly affect the outcome of a criminal case. Speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible may help you understand your options and protect your rights moving forward.

Call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. For Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with DWI in Longview or anywhere in East Texas, don’t wait. The clock starts ticking the moment you’re arrested, and every decision you make from here on out matters. The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. is ready to help you protect your future, your license, and your wallet.

Call us today at (903) 753-7499 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward fighting your DWI charges.

What Happens After a First-Time DWI Arrest in Longview, Texas?

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A first-time DWI arrest in Longview can feel overwhelming from the moment the police lights appear in your rearview mirror. Many people have never dealt with the criminal justice system before and do not know what to expect after being charged. In Texas, even a first-offense DWI can carry serious penalties that affect your driver’s license, employment, finances, and reputation. Understanding the process can help you avoid mistakes that may hurt your case later.

In Texas, a person can be charged with Driving While Intoxicated if they operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. Under Texas law, intoxication may mean having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher or not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties because of alcohol or drugs. Police officers often rely on field sobriety tests, breath tests, blood tests, and officer observations when making an arrest.

After a DWI arrest in Longview, you may be taken to jail for booking and processing. Depending on the circumstances, you could be released on bond within hours or held longer. Many people are surprised to learn that their driver’s license issues begin almost immediately. Texas has an Administrative License Revocation process, often called ALR, that can suspend your license if you fail or refuse a breath or blood test. You only have a limited amount of time to request a hearing to challenge the suspension.

A first-time DWI conviction in Texas can result in:
• Jail time
• Significant fines
• Annual surcharges and court costs
• Driver’s license suspension
• DWI education programs
• Probation conditions
• Increased insurance costs

The consequences can become even more severe if there was a child passenger in the vehicle, a high blood alcohol concentration, or an accident involving injuries.

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a DWI arrest is assuming they should simply plead guilty because it is their first offense. Police officers can make mistakes during traffic stops, field sobriety testing, and chemical testing procedures. Breath testing equipment must be properly maintained and administered correctly. In some cases, the traffic stop itself may have violated constitutional protections.

An experienced Longview DWI defense lawyer can examine every aspect of the case to determine whether defenses exist. Evidence may be challenged if officers lacked reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle or probable cause to make an arrest. Medical conditions, fatigue, nervousness, and uneven road conditions can also affect field sobriety tests.

Your criminal case is not the only issue you may face. Employers, professional licensing boards, and insurance companies may also react negatively to a DWI charge. Commercial drivers and individuals who drive for work can face especially serious risks.

Many people also underestimate how quickly prosecutors begin building their case. Video footage, witness statements, dispatch recordings, and chemical testing evidence can all play a role. Early legal representation may help preserve important evidence and protect your rights throughout the process.

Call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. For Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with DWI in Longview or anywhere in East Texas, don’t wait. The clock starts ticking the moment you’re arrested, and every decision you make from here on out matters. The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. is ready to help you protect your future, your license, and your wallet.

Call us today at (903) 753-7499 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward fighting your DWI charges.