Are You Legally Required to Take Field Sobriety Tests in Longview, Texas?

A DWI arrest is intimidating. The officer may have told you they have everything they need. You may have failed a breath test or performed poorly on field sobriety tests. Maybe you’re thinking it’s easier to “just get it over with” and plead guilty.

Don’t.

Pleading guilty to a DWI in Texas without speaking to a lawyer could be one of the most damaging decisions you ever make—even for a first offense. You may not realize what you’re giving up until it’s too late.

At The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C., we’ve helped many people who were ready to plead guilty avoid lifelong consequences by aggressively defending their case.

A Guilty Plea Is a Conviction—With Lasting Consequences

Pleading guilty is not a “shortcut” or a way to move on quickly. In Texas, a DWI conviction—no matter how minor—results in:

• A permanent criminal record

• Possible jail time, even for first-time offenders

• Thousands in fines, court costs, and probation fees

• Driver’s license suspension

• A requirement to carry expensive SR-22 insurance

• Possible ignition interlock installation

• Damaged employment prospects

• Immigration or professional license consequences

A guilty plea means you waive your right to fight the case, examine the evidence, or negotiate a better outcome. And once entered, it’s extremely difficult to undo.

Prosecutors Are Not on Your Side

It’s not uncommon for prosecutors to offer a quick plea deal. They may make it sound like they’re doing you a favor—but their job is to secure convictions, not protect your interests. The first offer is rarely the best you can get.

You need someone in your corner who understands DWI law, evidentiary rules, and how to expose weaknesses in the state’s case.

You May Have Strong Defenses Without Knowing It

Even if you failed a breath or blood test, you might still have a strong legal defense. We routinely challenge DWI charges based on:

• Illegal traffic stops

• Unreliable field sobriety tests

• Improperly administered breath tests

• Contaminated or delayed blood samples

• Lack of probable cause for arrest

• Mishandling of bodycam or dashcam evidence

Unless a trained attorney evaluates your case, you’ll never know what defenses you gave up by pleading guilty.

You May Qualify for Alternatives to Conviction

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for:

• Dismissal of the charges

• Reduction to a lesser offense (e.g., obstruction of a highway)

• Deferred adjudication (in limited situations)

• Pretrial diversion programs

These options are often off the table once you plead guilty. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf and fight for outcomes that don’t permanently stain your record.

Timing Matters—The Sooner You Call, the Better

Every DWI case moves on a schedule. You have only 15 days to request a hearing to save your driver’s license from suspension. Evidence like surveillance video, witness testimony, and police bodycam footage can disappear if not preserved quickly.

The earlier we get involved, the more leverage we have to negotiate and protect your rights.

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

A DWI conviction isn’t just a fine—it’s a permanent mark on your record. Don’t plead guilty until you’ve spoken to a qualified defense attorney. Let us evaluate your case, review the evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome.

At The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C., we defend people across East Texas charged with DWI, including in Longview, Tyler, Marshall, and beyond.

Call us now at (903) 753-7499 to schedule your free consultation and protect your future before it’s too late.