News - Alex Tyra Law Office

What Is a Felony DWI in Texas?

April 3, 2026/0 Comments/in Texas DWI Defense/by LS_admin

Many people are surprised to learn that some DWI offenses in Texas may be charged as felonies rather than misdemeanors. A felony DWI conviction can carry severe consequences involving prison exposure, long-term license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.

In Longview and throughout Texas, prosecutors may pursue felony DWI charges under several circumstances. One of the most common situations involves repeat offenses. A third DWI offense is generally charged as a felony even if no accident occurred.

Other situations that may result in felony DWI charges include:
• DWI with a child passenger
• Intoxication assault
• Intoxication manslaughter
• Prior felony DWI convictions
• Serious injury accidents involving intoxication

Felony DWI penalties are substantially more serious than penalties for misdemeanor offenses. Depending on the charge, a conviction may result in years of imprisonment, significant fines, and lengthy driver’s license suspension periods.

A felony conviction may also affect:
• Employment opportunities
• Professional licensing
• Housing applications
• Firearm rights
• Voting rights in some situations
• Educational opportunities

Prosecutors often aggressively pursue felony DWI allegations because these cases are treated as major public safety concerns.

However, felony charges do not eliminate a person’s constitutional protections or legal defenses. Police officers must still comply with legal standards during the traffic stop, arrest, and investigation.

DWI investigations often rely on:
• Officer observations
• Field sobriety tests
• Breath test results
• Blood test results
• Body camera footage
• Witness statements

These forms of evidence are not always flawless. Breath testing equipment may malfunction or be improperly calibrated. Blood testing procedures may involve contamination or chain of custody problems. Officers may also make mistakes when interpreting field sobriety tests.

Many felony DWI cases involve blood warrants because officers frequently seek mandatory blood draws in serious investigations. Blood evidence must follow strict scientific and procedural standards.

An experienced DWI defense attorney may review:
• Whether the traffic stop was lawful
• Whether probable cause existed
• Whether testing procedures were valid
• Whether evidence should be excluded
• Whether prior convictions were legally usable

In repeat offense cases, prosecutors must often prove prior convictions properly qualify for enhancement purposes. Problems involving old records or procedural errors may become important defense issues.

Felony DWI allegations can feel overwhelming because the potential penalties are severe. Many people fear incarceration, damage to their careers, and permanent harm to their reputation.

Early legal intervention may help preserve evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and protect important legal rights. Video footage, laboratory records, maintenance logs, and officer testimony may all become critical during the defense process.

A felony DWI arrest does not automatically determine the outcome of your case. Every situation deserves careful legal analysis and a strategic defense approach.

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 Be Charged With DWI After Taking Legal Prescription Medication in Texas?

April 1, 2026/0 Comments/in Texas DWI Defense/by LS_admin

Many people in Longview assume DWI charges only involve alcohol or illegal drugs. However, Texas law allows police officers to arrest drivers who appear impaired by legal prescription medications as well. Drivers are often surprised to learn that medications prescribed by a doctor can still lead to serious criminal allegations.

Texas focuses on whether a person is intoxicated or impaired while operating a motor vehicle, not whether the substance itself is legal. Prescription medications that affect judgment, reaction time, balance, or coordination may result in DWI charges if officers believe the driver no longer has the normal use of mental or physical faculties.

Certain medications commonly associated with DWI investigations include:
• Pain medications
• Sleep aids
• Anxiety medications
• Muscle relaxers
• Antidepressants
• Allergy medications
• Anti-seizure medications

Even medications taken exactly as prescribed may cause drowsiness, dizziness, slowed reflexes, blurred vision, or confusion. Combining medications with alcohol can increase impairment risks significantly.

Prescription medication DWI investigations often become more complicated than alcohol-related cases because there is usually no fixed legal threshold similar to the 0.08% blood alcohol standard. Instead, officers frequently rely on subjective observations and toxicology testing.

Police may begin investigating a driver after observing:
• Swerving or drifting between lanes
• Delayed braking or reaction times
• Slow driving
• Confusion during a traffic stop
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty following instructions

Unlike alcohol-related cases that often involve breath testing, prescription medication DWI cases frequently rely on blood testing. Toxicology reports may reveal medications in the bloodstream, but the presence of medication alone does not automatically prove intoxication.

Several legal and scientific issues may arise in these cases, including:
• Whether the medication actually impaired driving ability
• Whether blood testing procedures were reliable
• Whether medical conditions affected behavior
• Whether officers properly interpreted signs of impairment
• Whether the traffic stop was lawful

Many medical conditions can mimic signs of intoxication. Fatigue, anxiety, neurological disorders, diabetes, and chronic pain conditions may affect balance, coordination, or speech. Officers may mistakenly interpret these symptoms as evidence of impairment.

Field sobriety testing can also become unreliable in prescription medication cases. Physical limitations, injuries, age, or nervousness may affect performance on roadside exercises. Uneven pavement, poor lighting, and stressful roadside conditions can make the situation even worse.

A DWI conviction involving prescription medications may still carry serious penalties, including:
• Driver’s license suspension
• Fines and court costs
• Probation conditions
• Possible jail exposure
• Increased insurance rates
• Employment consequences

Professional license holders, healthcare workers, commercial drivers, and individuals in safety-sensitive careers may face additional complications after a DWI arrest.

An experienced Longview DWI defense attorney may carefully review toxicology evidence, medical records, officer conduct, and laboratory procedures to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Scientific evidence often becomes central in these matters.

Drivers should never assume a prescription automatically protects them from criminal liability. If you are facing prescription medication DWI allegations in East Texas, early legal representation may help protect your record, license, and future opportunities.

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 Evidence Do Police Use in Texas DWI Cases?

March 27, 2026/0 Comments/in Texas DWI Defense/by LS_admin

When someone is arrested for DWI in Longview, prosecutors often rely on multiple forms of evidence to try to prove intoxication. Many drivers assume a DWI case depends entirely on a breath test result, but Texas law enforcement officers frequently build cases using observations, video recordings, chemical tests, and witness statements.

Understanding the types of evidence commonly used in DWI investigations can help drivers better understand how prosecutors attempt to secure convictions.

Police officers often begin gathering evidence the moment they observe a vehicle. Officers may claim the driver was:
• Swerving between lanes
• Speeding
• Driving too slowly
• Failing to signal
• Running stop signs
• Making unusually wide turns

After initiating the traffic stop, officers usually continue documenting observations that they believe indicate intoxication. These may include alleged slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, confusion, fumbling movements, or the odor of alcohol.

Field sobriety testing frequently becomes another major component of the case. Officers may ask drivers to perform balancing and coordination exercises designed to evaluate physical and mental impairment. However, these tests are often subjective and influenced by outside factors unrelated to alcohol.

Medical conditions, fatigue, nervousness, uneven pavement, weather conditions, injuries, and age may all affect field sobriety test performance.

Police may also rely heavily on:
• Dash camera recordings
• Body camera footage
• Breath test results
• Blood test results
• Witness statements
• Admissions made by the driver
• Dispatch recordings

Chemical testing evidence is often treated as highly persuasive by prosecutors, but breath and blood tests are not always reliable. Breath testing machines require proper calibration and maintenance, while blood samples must be collected, stored, and analyzed correctly.

Errors involving contamination, improper storage, or laboratory procedures may affect blood test reliability. Certain medical conditions and medications may also influence chemical testing results.

Video footage can sometimes contradict written police reports. Officers may describe severe impairment in reports while recordings show a driver speaking clearly and following instructions appropriately. An experienced DWI defense attorney may carefully analyze all available footage for inconsistencies.

Statements made by drivers during roadside questioning can also become powerful evidence. Many people unknowingly admit to drinking or provide information prosecutors later use against them.

However, police officers must still comply with constitutional protections during every stage of the investigation. If officers lacked reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle or probable cause to make the arrest, certain evidence may become subject to suppression.

An experienced Longview DWI defense attorney may investigate:
• Whether the stop was lawful
• Whether testing procedures followed legal standards
• Whether officers properly administered field sobriety tests
• Whether chemical evidence was reliable
• Whether constitutional rights were violated

Many DWI cases involve weaknesses that are not obvious immediately after arrest. Careful review of reports, video evidence, laboratory records, and officer conduct may reveal opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s case.

A DWI arrest does not automatically guarantee conviction. Protecting your rights early may significantly affect the outcome of your case and your future opportunities.

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 Can a DWI Conviction Affect Your Driver’s License in Texas?

March 25, 2026/0 Comments/in Texas DWI Defense/by LS_admin

For many people in Longview, losing driving privileges can become one of the most damaging consequences of a DWI arrest. Texas aggressively pursues driver’s license suspensions in alcohol-related driving cases, and many drivers do not realize how quickly the process can begin.

After a DWI arrest, a person may face two separate proceedings involving their license. The first is the criminal case itself. The second is the Administrative License Revocation process, commonly called the ALR process, which is handled separately by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

License suspensions may occur for:
• Failing a breath or blood test
• Refusing chemical testing
• DWI convictions
• Repeat alcohol-related offenses

The suspension periods can vary depending on the specific circumstances and prior history. Repeat offenses and test refusals often lead to longer suspension periods.

Many drivers are surprised to learn they only have a limited amount of time to request an ALR hearing after arrest. Missing this deadline may result in automatic suspension of driving privileges.

Losing a driver’s license can create major hardships involving:
• Employment
• School attendance
• Medical appointments
• Family responsibilities
• Childcare transportation
• Daily commuting

East Texas drivers often rely heavily on personal vehicles because public transportation options may be limited. Commercial drivers and employees who drive for work can face especially serious consequences.

Some individuals may qualify for an occupational driver’s license that allows limited driving privileges for essential activities such as work or school. However, obtaining an occupational license often requires court approval and strict compliance with conditions.

Judges may also require ignition interlock devices as part of occupational license restrictions or probation conditions. These devices require drivers to provide breath samples before operating their vehicles.

An experienced DWI defense attorney may help challenge both the criminal allegations and the proposed license suspension. Important legal issues may include:
• Whether the traffic stop was lawful
• Whether probable cause existed for the arrest
• Whether chemical testing procedures were valid
• Whether officers followed proper legal procedures
• Whether constitutional violations occurred

Breath and blood testing evidence is not always reliable. Equipment maintenance issues, improper administration, contamination problems, and laboratory errors can all affect the reliability of test results.

The ALR hearing process may also provide valuable opportunities to question the arresting officer under oath before the criminal case moves forward. Testimony obtained during these proceedings sometimes reveals weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence.

Many people underestimate how much a suspended license can affect nearly every aspect of life. Taking immediate action after a DWI arrest may improve your chances of protecting your driving privileges and preserving important legal defenses.

A DWI arrest does not automatically mean conviction or permanent license loss. Every case deserves careful legal analysis to determine the best strategy 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 If You Refuse a Blood Test in a Texas DWI Case?

March 20, 2026/0 Comments/in Texas DWI Defense/by LS_admin

Drivers in Longview often wonder whether they should refuse a blood test during a DWI investigation. While Texas drivers do have the ability to refuse certain chemical tests, that decision can trigger additional legal consequences and may not prevent officers from obtaining evidence anyway.

Texas operates under implied consent laws. By driving on Texas roads, drivers are considered to have consented to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DWI. Refusing a blood test may lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension through the Administrative License Revocation process.

For many drivers, refusing a blood test can result in:
• Driver’s license suspension
• Increased scrutiny from prosecutors
• Court-ordered blood warrants
• Additional evidence used during trial
• Higher insurance costs

A first refusal may result in a license suspension lasting several months, while prior alcohol-related enforcement contacts can lead to even longer suspensions.

Many people mistakenly believe refusing testing guarantees prosecutors will lack evidence. However, officers frequently seek search warrants authorizing blood draws in DWI cases. Texas judges often approve these warrants quickly, especially when aggravating circumstances exist such as accidents, repeat offenses, or child passengers.

Once a warrant is approved, medical personnel may collect a blood sample even if the driver objects. Blood evidence then becomes a major focus of the prosecution’s case.

Blood testing itself is not automatically perfect or unquestionable. Several issues may affect the reliability of blood evidence, including:
• Improper collection procedures
• Chain of custody problems
• Contamination issues
• Laboratory mistakes
• Fermentation of samples
• Improper storage conditions

An experienced DWI defense attorney may carefully review every stage of the blood testing process to determine whether scientific or procedural errors occurred.

Police officers must also follow constitutional requirements during the investigation. The legality of the traffic stop, arrest, detention, and warrant procedures may all become important issues in the defense strategy.

Many DWI arrests begin with relatively minor traffic allegations such as:
• Speeding
• Failure to maintain a lane
• Rolling stops
• Wide turns
• Equipment violations

If officers lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop or probable cause for the arrest, certain evidence may potentially be challenged in court.

Field sobriety tests and officer observations are also highly subjective. Nervousness, fatigue, medical conditions, poor lighting, and uneven pavement can all affect roadside testing performance.

Some drivers become intimidated during DWI investigations and make statements that prosecutors later use against them. Remaining polite while protecting your legal rights can be extremely important during any police encounter.

A DWI conviction based on blood evidence may carry serious consequences involving employment, professional licensing, insurance costs, and future opportunities. Repeat offenses or aggravating circumstances may result in even harsher penalties.

Every DWI case involving blood testing presents unique legal and scientific issues. Careful legal analysis may uncover weaknesses that are not immediately obvious after arrest.

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 the Difference Between DWI and DUI in Texas?

March 14, 2026/0 Comments/in Texas DWI Defense/by LS_admin

Many people in Longview use the terms DWI and DUI interchangeably, but Texas law treats these offenses differently. Understanding the distinction can help drivers better understand the charges they may face after an alcohol-related traffic stop.

In Texas, DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated, while DUI generally refers to Driving Under the Influence by a Minor. The two offenses involve different legal standards and penalties.

A DWI charge applies to drivers who are allegedly intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. Intoxication may involve alcohol, drugs, prescription medications, or a combination of substances.

A DUI charge, on the other hand, usually applies to drivers under the age of 21 who have consumed alcohol. Texas follows a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. This means a minor may face DUI allegations even if they are not legally intoxicated under the standard adult DWI threshold.

Penalties for DWI offenses are generally more severe and may include:
• Jail time
• License suspension
• Significant fines
• Probation conditions
• Ignition interlock requirements
• Mandatory education programs

Underage DUI charges can still carry serious consequences, including license suspension, fines, alcohol education requirements, and impacts on future opportunities.

Police officers investigating either offense may rely on:
• Field sobriety testing
• Officer observations
• Breath tests
• Blood tests
• Video evidence
• Witness statements

However, these investigations are not always flawless. Officers can make mistakes during traffic stops, testing procedures, and arrests. Breath testing machines require proper maintenance and calibration, and roadside testing can be highly subjective.

Young drivers often become especially nervous during police encounters, which may affect their behavior and performance on roadside tests. Fatigue, anxiety, medical conditions, and environmental factors can also influence officer perceptions.

A conviction for either DWI or DUI may create long-term consequences involving:
• Employment opportunities
• College admissions
• Insurance rates
• Professional licensing
• Housing applications

Parents are often surprised to learn how aggressively Texas prosecutors may pursue underage alcohol-related offenses.

An experienced Longview DWI defense lawyer may investigate:
• Whether the traffic stop was lawful
• Whether officers had reasonable suspicion
• Whether testing procedures were properly conducted
• Whether constitutional rights were violated
• Whether evidence may be challenged

Some drivers assume a DUI or DWI arrest automatically guarantees conviction. However, every case contains unique facts and legal issues requiring careful analysis.

The earlier legal representation begins, the more opportunities may exist to protect your record and future. Evidence such as dash camera footage, body camera recordings, and dispatch logs may become critical during the defense process.

Understanding the difference between DUI and DWI is important, but both allegations should be taken seriously. Protecting your rights early may significantly affect the outcome of your case.

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 a DWI Charge Affect College Students in Texas?

March 12, 2026/0 Comments/in Texas DWI Defense/by LS_admin

College students in Longview and throughout East Texas often underestimate how seriously a DWI arrest can affect their future. Even a first-time offense can create long-term academic, financial, and professional consequences that follow a student long after graduation.

A DWI conviction may appear on criminal background checks viewed by employers, graduate schools, licensing boards, and internship programs. Students pursuing careers in healthcare, education, law enforcement, aviation, or government positions may face particular concerns because many professional fields closely examine criminal records.

A DWI arrest may affect:
• Scholarships and financial aid
• Internship opportunities
• Graduate school applications
• Campus disciplinary proceedings
• Employment prospects
• Professional licensing eligibility

Some colleges and universities also maintain their own disciplinary systems separate from the criminal courts. Students may face sanctions, probation, housing consequences, or suspension depending on school policies and the circumstances of the arrest.

Many student DWI arrests occur after social gatherings, sporting events, concerts, or parties. Young drivers sometimes make the mistake of assuming they are safe to drive because they “feel fine.” However, alcohol can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination long before a person believes they are intoxicated.

Texas law imposes serious penalties for DWI offenses regardless of age or student status. A conviction may involve:
• Jail exposure
• Driver’s license suspension
• Fines and court costs
• DWI education programs
• Community supervision
• Increased insurance rates

For students who rely on driving to commute to class or work, license suspension can create major disruptions to daily life.

Police officers investigating DWI cases often rely on field sobriety testing, breath tests, blood tests, and officer observations. However, these forms of evidence are not always reliable. Stress, fatigue, anxiety, and medical conditions can affect roadside testing performance.

In some cases, students may incriminate themselves by making unnecessary statements during police questioning. Admissions regarding alcohol consumption or driving activity can later become evidence for prosecutors.

An experienced DWI defense attorney may review:
• Whether the traffic stop was lawful
• Whether officers followed proper procedures
• Whether testing equipment was reliable
• Whether constitutional violations occurred
• Whether evidence should be excluded

Many young people assume pleading guilty quickly will allow them to move on faster. However, the long-term impact of a criminal conviction can extend far beyond the immediate court process.

Protecting a student’s future often requires careful evaluation of every legal option available. Early legal representation may help preserve evidence and identify possible defense strategies before critical deadlines pass.

A DWI arrest does not automatically define a person’s future. With proper legal guidance, students may be able to minimize damage and better protect their academic and professional goals 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.

Latest News

What Is a Felony DWI in Texas?

Can You Be Charged With DWI After Taking Legal Prescription Medication in Texas?

What Evidence Do Police Use in Texas DWI Cases?

How Can a DWI Conviction Affect Your Driver’s License in Texas?

What Happens If You Refuse a Blood Test in a Texas DWI Case?

What Is the Difference Between DWI and DUI in Texas?

Can a DWI Charge Affect College Students in Texas?

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