Best Houston DWI & DUI Lawyers

DWI lawyers in Houston defend two separate cases at once. One is the criminal charge in Harris County courts. The other is a license case with the Texas DPS. It starts at arrest, and you have just 15 days to act.

Our team evaluates Houston DUI Lawyers on credentials, track record, and client reviews to help you find a good fit.

  • Portfolio strength and documented client case studies
  • Platform certifications and verified technical expertise
  • Reporting transparency and ongoing client communication
  • Client reviews, project retention, and satisfaction rates
  • Aggregate satisfaction signals from independent sources

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Top-Rated Houston DWI Defense Attorneys for First & Repeat Charges

Screenshot of the Thiessen Law Firm Website
733 E 12th 1/2 St, Houston, TX 77008, USA

Mark Thiessen is a Houston DWI lawyer who is triple board-certified, a rare distinction in Texas drunk driving defense. His firm has won more than 100 Not Guilty verdicts at trial.

Thiessen handles the full range of intoxication cases. That includes a first DWI, felony charges, intoxication manslaughter, and ALR license hearings. The team also defends drug charges and other criminal matters.

Clients can reach the office 24/7, and Spanish-speaking help is available. A free consultation is offered for drivers facing a first arrest or repeat charge.

Screenshot of the Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer Website

For more than 30 years, Jim Butler has defended drunk driving cases in Harris County and nothing else. His practice is 100% DWI and DUI work, and he holds Board Certification in DUI law.

That focus has produced thousands of case dismissals. Butler also offers payment plans, which makes hiring a dedicated DWI attorney in Houston more realistic for many drivers.

The firm represents people charged with first offenses, repeat DWIs, felony cases, and underage arrests.

Screenshot of the Ayson Law Firm Website
1235 N Loop W # 1020, Houston, TX 77008, USA

Brian K. Ayson built his Houston practice around two areas that often overlap: criminal defense and injury law. He represents drivers in DWI and DUI cases across Harris County.

As a Houston DWI attorney, Ayson handles first offenses, felony charges, and license-suspension hearings. The firm also takes car accident and rideshare injury claims.

He brings more than 10 years of courtroom experience to each case.

Screenshot of the Ayson Law Firm Website
1235 N Loop W # 1020, Houston, TX 77008, USA

Ayson Law Firm defends Houston drivers charged with DWI, DUI, and related intoxication crimes. The team also handles drug offenses, assault, and record expunctions. Brian Ayson offers a no-cost case review for clients throughout Harris County.

Screenshot of the Benavides Law Group - Eric Benavides Website

Eric Benavides is a Houston criminal defense attorney with a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating. He holds the ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation, a credential few Texas defense lawyers earn.

Attorney Benavides has secured hundreds of dismissals and several not guilty verdicts. His drunk driving work covers first offenses, drug-related DWI, and record sealing.

Beyond DWI, he defends drug cases, assault, and juvenile charges in Harris County courts.

Screenshot of the Tyler Flood & Associates, Inc. Website
2019 Washington Ave Suite 300, Houston, TX 77007, USA

Tyler Flood and Associates promotes itself as the firm with the most DWI trial wins in Houston since 2018. Its attorneys are on call 24 hours a day.

The practice is board certified and runs an in-house forensic lab. That lets the team challenge breath and blood evidence directly, which many drunk driving offices cannot do.

Flood and his lawyers take first arrests, felony DWI, and intoxication assault cases in Harris County.

Screenshot of the Ayson Law Firm - Houston DWI Lawyer Website
1235 North Loop West suite 1020, Houston, TX, USA

Attorney Brian Ayson defends Houston drivers against DUI and intoxication-related charges. His firm also represents people hurt in car and rideshare wrecks. Clients get more than 10 years of trial experience.

Screenshot of the Trichter, Legrand, Houlton & White Law Firm Website

Gary Trichter helped pioneer DWI defense in Texas as one of the first attorneys board-certified in the field. His firm has spent more than 40 years fighting drunk driving charges.

The practice reports that most of its DWI cases end in dismissal. Trichter and his partners handle first offenses, repeat charges, and intoxication manslaughter. Payment options are available for new clients.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC Website
1100 W 23rd St Suite 220, Houston, TX 77008, USA

With 20 years in practice and more than 350 jury trials, Joseph Ruiz brings heavy courtroom experience to Houston DUI and criminal cases.

His office handles first-time DWI, repeat offenses, drugged driving, and college-student arrests. Ruiz also defends drug charges, assault, and theft. He serves Spanish-speaking clients across the area.

Screenshot of the Edward Law Group Website
6671 Southwest Fwy #442, Houston, TX 77074, USA

Edward Law Group handles criminal defense, DWI, and personal injury cases from its Southwest Freeway office in Houston. Attorney Edward Okwueze leads the team.

The firm reports more than 2,100 case dismissals. Alongside drunk driving defense, it takes auto accident, truck accident, and wrongful death claims.

Screenshot of the The Martinez Law Firm - Houston DWI Lawyer Website

Herman Martinez focuses on DUI and DWI defense for drivers arrested in Harris County. His Houston firm also handles drug crimes, assault, theft, and probation violations.

Martinez builds a defense plan for each case and explains the 15-day rule for protecting a license. Spanish-speaking service is available.

Screenshot of the Greco Neyland, PC Website
701 N Post Oak Rd #425, Houston, TX 77024, USA

More than 5,000 clients have hired Greco Neyland since the firm opened. Founding attorneys Jeffery Greco and Dustan Neyland are former prosecutors who now defend the accused.

The Houston practice covers DWI, drug charges, assault, and federal cases. The firm advertises no hidden fees and a free consultation.

Screenshot of the Horak Law Website
25911 Oak Ridge Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380, USA

Based in The Woodlands north of Houston, Horak Law splits its work between criminal defense and family law. Attorney Matt Horak represents clients across the greater Houston area.

On the criminal side, the firm defends DWI, drug, and assault charges. It also handles divorce and custody matters.

Screenshot of the Jack B. Carroll & Associates Website
1419 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Jack B. Carroll brings more than 30 years of criminal defense experience to downtown Houston. His firm defends DWI and drug crimes and handles expunctions to clear records.

Carroll represents clients in both misdemeanor and felony cases throughout Harris County courts.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Charles T. Ganz Website
5300 Memorial Dr #750, Houston, TX 77007, USA

Charles T. Ganz defends criminal and DWI cases across more than 50 Texas counties from his Memorial-area Houston office. He has practiced for over 20 years.

Attorney Ganz is an award-winning defense lawyer who takes DWI, drug, and felony cases statewide.

Screenshot of the Houston DWI Lawyer Clyde W. Burleson, P.C. Website

Clyde W. Burleson defends drunk driving cases after years working as a prosecutor. That background shapes how he challenges the state's evidence.

His Houston practice concentrates on DWI and DUI charges in Harris County.

Screenshot of the Collin Evans Law, PLLC Website
917 Franklin St, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Collin Evans defends Houston clients facing DWI, drug, and assault charges. He keeps a strong dismissal record and gives clients access to his office around the clock.

The downtown firm takes both misdemeanor and felony matters.

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Screenshot of the M. Neufeld Law Website
700 Galveston St, Conroe, TX 77301, USA

M. Neufeld Law serves Conroe and Montgomery County, just north of Houston. The firm defends DWI, assault, and drug charges for local clients.

Screenshot of the Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC Website
3515 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77004, USA

Mark Hochglaube and Nicole DeBorde Hochglaube lead this Houston criminal defense firm, with more than 60 years of combined experience. Both are seasoned trial lawyers.

The practice defends DWI, drug, federal, and serious felony charges, and handles criminal appeals.

Screenshot of the Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C. Website
1017 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77008, USA

Johnson, Johnson and Baer is a Houston Heights DWI defense team with more than 200 jury trials behind it. The attorneys concentrate on drunk driving cases.

They take first and repeat charges and offer free case reviews.

Screenshot of the Krieger & Tillinger Website
215 E Galveston St, League City, TX 77573, USA

Krieger and Tillinger represents clients in Galveston County from an office in League City, southeast of Houston. The firm pairs criminal defense with family law.

Its attorneys handle DWI, drug, and assault charges as well as divorce cases.

Screenshot of the The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates Website
1221 Studewood St 107 ste 107, Houston, TX 77008, USA

Tad Nelson and Associates brings over 30 years of DWI and criminal defense experience to Houston. Tad Nelson is board certified and trained in alcohol and breath-test science.

The firm takes drunk driving and felony cases.

Screenshot of the The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates Website

Tad Nelson's team also defends drunk driving cases from a downtown Houston office on Main Street. Nelson holds forensic training in alcohol and breath testing through the ACS and CHAL programs.

Screenshot of the Downey Law Firm Website
2814 Hamilton St, Houston, TX 77004, USA

The Downey Law Firm in Houston is led by a former prosecutor and criminal law specialist. That background informs the firm's defense strategy.

It defends DWI and felony charges throughout Harris County courts.

Screenshot of the Chris Allen Law Office Website

Chris Allen and Bill Pattillo defend criminal cases in Montgomery County from their Conroe office north of Houston. The firm takes DWI, drug, and assault charges.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Scott D. Reiner, PLLC Website

Scott D. Reiner practices criminal defense, family law, and probate from an office near the Harris County courthouse in downtown Houston. On the criminal side, he defends DWI and related charges.

Screenshot of the Mayr Law, P.C. Website
5300 Memorial Dr #750, Houston, TX 77007, USA

Brent Mayr leads Mayr Law in Houston and is board certified in criminal law. He has been named to the Texas Super Lawyers list.

His practice centers on DWI and serious criminal charges.

Screenshot of the Jon Stephenson Website
111 W 15th St, Houston, TX 77008, USA

Jon Stephenson is a board-certified Houston defense attorney who handles DWI and felony charges. He brings aggressive courtroom representation to each case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a DWI and a DUI in Texas?

Mostly age. DUI applies to drivers under 21 with any detectable alcohol. DWI applies to anyone with a BAC of 0.08 or signs of impairment. DWI is the more serious charge.

How much does a DWI lawyer in Houston cost?

It varies. Most charge a flat fee for a first offense. Felony and repeat cases cost more. Many Houston firms offer free consultations and payment plans.

How long do I have to save my license after a DWI arrest?

Just 15 days. You must request an ALR hearing within 15 days of arrest. Miss that deadline, and DPS automatically suspends your license. This runs separately from your criminal case.

Is a first DWI a felony in Texas?

Usually not. A first offense is normally a Class B misdemeanor under Penal Code 49.04. A BAC of 0.15 raises it to a Class A misdemeanor. It becomes a felony with a child passenger, injury, or death.

Can I refuse a breath or blood test in Houston?

Yes, with risk. Refusal triggers a longer license suspension. Harris County also runs "no refusal" periods. During those, police get a warrant and draw your blood anyway.

Do I need a lawyer for a first DWI in Houston?

Strongly advised. A DWI conviction stays on your record for life. A lawyer can challenge the stop, the testing, and the arrest. That can lead to a dismissal or a reduced charge.

How long does a Houston DWI case take?

Often months. A misdemeanor case can run several months. Felony cases take longer. The timeline depends on the evidence, court backlog, and whether you go to trial.

Types of DWI and DUI Cases in Houston

First-Offense DWI. Most arrests happen on corridors like I-10, I-45, and the Washington Avenue nightlife strip. A first DWI is usually a Class B misdemeanor. The penalties still include jail time and a license suspension.

Repeat DWI. A second offense is a Class A misdemeanor. The fine can reach $4,000. Jail time and license suspension both increase with each prior conviction.

Felony DWI. A third DWI is a third-degree felony in Texas. It carries state prison time and steep fines. Harris County prosecutors pursue these cases hard.

DWI With a Child Passenger. Driving intoxicated with a passenger under 15 is a state jail felony. This applies even if the child is your own. Penalties include prison time and large fines.

Intoxication Assault. This charge applies when a drunk driving crash causes serious injury. It is a felony in Texas. A conviction can mean years in prison.

Intoxication Manslaughter. A fatal DWI crash leads to this felony charge. The punishment range is severe. Multiple deaths can raise it to a first-degree felony.

Underage DUI. Drivers under 21 face zero-tolerance rules under the Alcoholic Beverage Code. Any detectable alcohol can mean a DUI. A first offense is a Class C misdemeanor.

Drug and Prescription DWI. Texas law covers driving while impaired by drugs, not just alcohol. This includes cannabis and prescription medication. These cases turn on blood evidence and expert testimony.

How to Choose a DWI Lawyer in Houston

Check for board certification. Texas board-certifies very few criminal lawyers. The credential signals deep trial experience in serious cases.

Ask about local court experience. Harris County judges and prosecutors each have their own habits. A lawyer who works these courts daily knows what to expect.

Look for forensic training. Breath and blood tests can be wrong. Lawyers trained in the science are better at finding testing errors.

Confirm DWI is a core focus. Some firms dabble in drunk driving cases. Others defend them every day. That focus often shapes the outcome.

Get the fee in writing. Ask for the flat fee, the trial fee, and any added costs. A clear agreement prevents surprises later.

Houston DWI Penalties and Outcomes

Outcomes vary widely from case to case. A first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor, with up to $2,000 in fines and up to 180 days in county jail. A BAC of 0.15 or higher bumps it to a Class A misdemeanor. A second offense is a Class A misdemeanor with fines up to $4,000.

A conviction also brings a separate state fine and a license suspension. Judges often order an ignition interlock device, even for first offenses. A strong defense may challenge the traffic stop or the test results. That can lead to a dismissal, a reduction, or a not guilty verdict.