
Williamson County DWI Lawyer
Defending Against DWI Charges in Leander, Hutto & Cedar Park, Texas
A DWI charge is a serious criminal offense in Texas that carries severe penalties, including fines, jail time, loss of your driver's license, and mandatory alcohol education classes. The consequences of a conviction can have a lasting impact on your life, affecting your personal and professional future. Beyond immediate penalties, a DWI conviction can also affect your insurance rates and your ability to find employment and can lead to further criminal charges if repeated.
If you have been arrested for DWI in Williamson County, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your rights and build a strong defense. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our experienced Williamson County DWI attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the high-quality legal representation you need. We understand the complexities of Texas DWI laws and are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call (512) 359-3743 or contact us online today for a free consultation to discuss your Williamson County DUI or DWI defense strategy with a drunk driving lawyer in Cedar Park.


What Is the Statutory Definition of DWI in Texas?
The Texas Transportation Code defines driving while intoxicated (DWI) as driving while:
- Intoxicated
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Incapable of safely driving a vehicle
This means that you can be charged with DWI even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below the legal limit of .08 percent. You can be charged with DWI even if you are not visibly intoxicated. You can be charged with DWI even if you are sober but your ability to drive has been compromised by drugs or alcohol.

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Case Dismissed Intoxication Assault
Our client had allegedly been drinking with friends after work. He woke up in the hospital after an accident that severely injured another person. We fought for our client in our negotiations with the prosecutor on his felony Intoxicated Assault charge and worked with the injured party’s insurance company on a plan to compensate her for her injuries. The felony was ultimately dismissed and reduced to a misdemeanor DWI charge.
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Case Dismissed DWI
Our client was stopped by a police officer for driving the wrong way down a one-way street. A Blood Warrant was issued, and the test came back .09. Our client was new to the area and attempting to get a job. Pleading guilty to a DWI was not an option. After negotiating with the prosecutor, our firm was able to get the DWI charge dismissed after successful completion of 18 months deferred prosecution.
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Case Dismissed Felony DWI w/ Child Passenger
After spending Thanksgiving Day with her family, our client drove home with her daughter in the backseat of her car. She was pulled over for speeding and given a warning. At that point, she should have been free to leave. Instead, a backup officer arrived on scene and demanded that the client step out of the car so he could perform an “investigation.”
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
Our client was pulled over for a traffic violation. Officer smelled alcohol, client admitted to consuming a few drinks. Officer also noted slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Client performed the SFST’s (roadside tests). Officer said he failed all 3, eye test, walk and turn and one-leg stand. Officer placed client under arrest and asked him for a sample of breath and/or blood. Client refused. Officer did not get a blood warrant.
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Not Guilty DWI .24 Blood Warrant
Our client, an older male working professional, was stopped for a traffic violation while leaving downtown Round Rock. A major issue arose with the blood analysis conducted by a DPS analyst who had a prior disciplinary history.
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Motion to Suppress Granted; Case Dismissed DWI 2nd .209
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Pre-Trial Diversion DWI Voluntary Blood Draw
Our Client was pulled over and investigated for DWI. He was asked to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests and subjected to an eye movement test. He also voluntarily provided a blood sample to be tested. The results were twice the legal limit.
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Pre-Trial Diversion DWI Voluntary Blood Draw
Our Client was pulled over and investigated for DWI. He was asked to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests and subjected to an eye movement test. He also voluntarily provided a blood sample to be tested. The results were twice the legal limit. Our client has a prior felony conviction. The State waited a full 2 years after the incident and right before the deadline of the statute of limitations were to expire to file the charges against our Client.
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Case Dismissed/Charges Reduced DWI With Child Passenger - Felony
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Case Dismissed; Charges Reduced Felony DWI
Our client was arrested for her fourth DWI with an alleged BAC of 0.168. The State aggressively prosecuted this case and sought prison time. We were able to work with the client on a mitigation strategy that resulted in the State agreeing to drop the felony and offer probation on a misdemeanor, keeping the client out of jail.
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Not Guilty DWI .17 Blood Result
A soldier on base at Fort Hood hit a parked car in the parking lot of his barracks while attempting to back into a parking space. A bystander called 911, believing the driver to be drunk. Military Police investigated the incident and performed field sobriety tests. The soldier was arrested for DWI and his blood was drawn for analysis. The lab results came back, showing an alleged blood alcohol content of 0.178.
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NOT GUILTY DWI
911 caller reported our client passed out in the middle of an intersection. Police arrived on scene, and would later find meth, cocaine, and THC gummies inside the car. There were also two open containers of alcohol in the front console. Client was very groggy and unintelligible but woke up pretty quickly after officers arrived. According to the officers, the client failed the field sobriety test. But, of course, they always say this.
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Case Dismissed DWI
Our client was pulled over for failure to signal intent to turn. The arresting officer claimed the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed (67 MPH in a 30 MPH zone) resulting in a chase. When our client stopped, the officer noted the smell of alcohol on our client’s breath.
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Case Dismissed DWI
Our client, a veteran, fell asleep at the wheel and was involved in an accident. He was arrested for DWI and refused to give a breath or blood sample to the police. He came to us concerned that a DWI conviction would put an end to his military benefits. We received a plea offer for a DWI conviction with 15 months of probation, but we knew we could do better.
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Not Guilty DWI .22 Blood Warrant
This was the 2nd time we tried this case. First one ended in a mistrial last year. 911 caller reported 2 people leaving a restaurant belligerent and stumbling. Officer arrived on scene, conducted field sobriety tests and arrested client for DWI. Client refused to provide a sample. Warrant was obtained and blood came back a .22.
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Case Dismissed DWI
Our client was stopped for a headlight that had gone out and was then arrested for and charged with DWI. He consented to a breath test and blew a .11. Upon reviewing the dash cam video, we discovered that the field sobriety tests were performed off camera. We knew that the video would not be usable in trial and used this information to pressure the prosecutor during our negotiations.
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Motion to Suppress Granted During Trial DWI .11 Blood Warrant
This was the 2nd jury trial for this case. First one was a 4-2 hung jury for not guilty. This trial ended in a dismissal by the State mid-trial after we fought and won a motion to suppress. Client and his wife pulled off on the side of the road sleeping in truck with engine running. Client in driver seat with seat laid way back. Officers say they smelled odor of alcohol coming from vehicle but didn’t specify who in the car it was coming from.
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Case Dismissed DWI
Our client was charged with a DWI in Waco when he was caught crossing through a ditch to get to a frontage road during traffic. He admitted to having three drinks and performed SFSTs. However, he refused to provide breath or blood to the officers.
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Case Dismissed 2nd DWI
Our client was involved in a vehicle accident in La Grange where she was ejected from the vehicle and had to stay in the hospital. There was alcohol in the car, and she had prior DWIs. The ethanol levels in her blood came back at a .13 so she was charged with Driving While Intoxicated. This client was unaware that she was charged after she left the hospital which resulted in the charge of Bail Jumping. However she maintained that she had only an 8% functioning liver due and upon researching her medical hist
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
911 caller reported a major rollover, single car accident. EMS and fire arrived on scene. They had to break the window to get our client out of the car. He said he had swerved to miss a deer and had been up close to 18 hours before the crash. Police later arrived on scene, spoke to our client and he admitted to coming from a bar and drinking 2 martinis.
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Case Dismissed DWI
Our client left 6th Street at 2:00 AM after celebrating an anniversary and fell asleep at the wheel. He was arrested for DWI at 4:30 AM and blew a .138 on the breathalyzer.
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Probation (was looking at 25 to life in prison) Felony DWI
Our client was arrested and charged with DWI. The alleged BAC was 0.083. However, because he had 6 prior DWI’s and had previously been to prison multiple times, the client was facing 25 years to life in prison. The client accepted responsibility for the crime and our attorneys set this case for a sentencing hearing in front of the judge, where we put on a strong mitigation case with multiple witnesses. We were able to avoid prison or jail for the client. He was sentenced to probation.
FAQs About DWI Defense in Texas
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After a DWI arrest, it’s vital to remain calm and cooperative, ensuring you don’t incriminate yourself. Request legal representation immediately and refrain from making any statements until you speak with your attorney. Document the circumstances surrounding your arrest as soon as possible, including the events leading up to the stop. This information can be crucial in challenging the legality of your arrest and the evidence collected, which your DWI defense attorney can use effectively.
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In Texas, you are permitted to refuse a field sobriety test; however, be aware that refusal of chemical tests, like breath and blood tests, can result in certain legal repercussions, such as license suspension. It's important to understand that refusal of either type of test could be used against you in court. Consulting with a knowledgeable DWI attorney can help you navigate these consequences and determine the best course of action. Our DWI defense team in Cedar Park can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you are informed about your rights and options.
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A DWI conviction in Williamson County can significantly impact your driving record and result in increased insurance rates. Moreover, it can influence your ability to secure certain jobs that require a clean driving record. The conviction may remain on your record for several years, thereby affecting both your personal and professional life. Understanding this, our legal team works diligently to devise defense strategies that aim to minimize the long-term impact of a DWI on your driving record and overall quality of life.



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“They didn’t waste time, explained everything clearly, and were super prepared. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Austin, this is a firm you can trust!”- Keira C.
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“Very professional and efficient throughout my entire case. They took my situation seriously, explained every step, and made sure I felt supported. You can tell they’ve handled serious cases in Travis County before.”- Destiny E.
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“Brad really takes the time to get to know your situation. He was sharp, respectful, and didn’t sugarcoat anything.”- Kayla S.
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“Very dedicated & professional! I always knew where things stood in my case at ALL TIMES and I received the outcome that I needed nobody is going to fight harder for you! Thanks again Charlie Falck and Annie Mann you guys are genuinely the best :)”- Taylor T.
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“From the first call to the last, they stayed in communication with me and let me know every step of the way. The attorneys at this office and the support staff got my case dismissed with no problems. If you find yourself in a situation, I highly recommend calling this firm.!”- Lyndsey O.
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“From our very first consultation, Charlie took the time to truly understand my situation, explain my options clearly, and guide me every step of the way. I highly recommend him and his staff.”- Didi C.
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“I can't thank this firm enough! Brad Vinson is a top-notch attorney who fights relentlessly to get cases dismissed. His dedication and expertise truly set him apart.”- Iayni M.
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“The entire staff was incredibly helpful, responsive, and made me feel supported every step of the way. I’m truly grateful for their expertise and care, they made a stressful situation so much easier to navigate.”- Cielo J. R.
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“I’ve worked with a few law offices over the years, but Smith and Vinson made the biggest impression. From the first time I heard and met with them, they were professional, kind, and genuinely attentive.”- Thomas A.


How Is DWI Proven in Texas?
Texas law requires that the prosecution prove each element of DWI beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution must prove that you were intoxicated while operating a vehicle. This includes correlating evidence like blood tests and eyewitness testimonies to substantiate the claims of intoxication and improper vehicular operation.
The prosecution will attempt to prove that you were intoxicated in one of the following ways:
- Driving in a way that indicated you were intoxicated
- Slurred speech
- Odor of alcohol
- Bloodshot or watery eyes
- Poor coordination
- Unable to walk a straight line
- Unable to perform field sobriety tests
In order to prove that you were intoxicated, the prosecution will likely attempt to have you take a field sobriety test. These tests are not foolproof and can be difficult to perform accurately. The police officer administering the test is often not an expert in these tests. Your Austin DWI lawyer can help you challenge the results of any field sobriety tests. Additionally, your drunk driving attorney can seek to question any inconsistencies in test administration or results interpretation that might arise during your defense.
Contact our Williamson County DWI defense lawyers in Cedar Park to discuss your defense today. Smith & Vinson Law Firm is available 24/7 for clients. Call us at (512) 359-3743.

