20+ Years of Criminal Justice Experience | Former Law Enforcement & FBI
If you’ve been stopped or arrested for driving while intoxicated in Tarrant County, the stakes couldn’t be higher. You need a defense that understands the opposition from the inside. At The Shipley Law Firm, PLLC, Mr. Shipley leverages his unique background as a former law enforcement officer and FBI agent to dismantle the prosecution’s case.
Most attorneys only see the police report; Mr. Shipley understands the investigation procedures that created it. This high-level investigative expertise is often the deciding factor in uncovering procedural errors or faulty evidence that can protect your future.
In Texas, “Driving While Intoxicated” isn’t just about your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). You can be charged if you:
Have a BAC of .08% or higher.
Have lost the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs.
Are under 21 and have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system (Zero Tolerance).
Important Note: You don’t have to be “driving” in the traditional sense. Texas law uses the term “operating” a vehicle, which can apply to any action that enables a vehicle’s use, even if it is stationary.
DWI penalties escalate quickly based on your history and the specifics of your arrest:
| Offense | Jail Time | Max Fines | License Suspension |
| 1st Offense | 72 hours – 6 months* | $2,000* | 90 days – 1 year |
| 2nd Offense | 30 days – 12 months | $4,000 | 180 days – 2 years |
| 3rd Offense | 2 – 10 years | $10,000 | 180 days – 2 years |
*Penalties increase significantly (up to 12 months jail/$4,000 fine) if your BAC is .15% or higher.
The Cost of Refusal: Under Texas “implied consent” laws, refusing a breath or blood test after a lawful arrest triggers an automatic license suspension: 180 days for a first refusal and 2 years for subsequent refusals.
A DWI conviction can haunt your record, inflate your insurance, and cost you your freedom. When you hire our firm, you aren’t just getting a lawyer; you’re getting a veteran investigator who knows how to spot the weaknesses in the state’s evidence.
We offer:
Inside Knowledge: Decades of experience in federal and local law enforcement.
Tarrant County Focus: Dedicated representation for local drivers.
Rapid Response: An attorney will return your call within 24 hours.
Don’t leave your rights to chance.
Call 817-882-9999 today.
Read more reviews on: AVVO.com, Lawyers.com, Martindale.com
The Shipley Law Firm, PLLC is located in Fort Worth, TX and serves clients in and around Mansfield, Haltom City, Naval Air Station/ Jrb, North Richland Hills, Hurst, Bedford, Colleyville, Haslet, Euless, Southlake, Grapevine, Azle, Burleson, Newark, Flower Mound, Lillian, Justin, Venus, Rhome, Alvarado, Denton County, Johnson County, Parker County and Tarrant County.
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