In Texas, a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge is a serious offense that can lead to permanent criminal records, loss of driving privileges, and significant incarceration. As of 2026, the state has implemented even more rigorous penalties under Senate Bill 826, which upgrades certain intoxication offenses to higher felony categories. Navigating the mandatory 15-day deadline for Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearings and the complexities of forensic breath and blood testing requires specialized legal counsel.
1. Trichter, LeGrand, Houlton & White PC
Founder: Gary Trichter
Founded: 1988
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-524-1010
Website: https://www.texasdwilaw.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 420 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007 | 713-524-1010
Practice Areas: DWI Defense, ALR Hearings, BWI (Boating While Intoxicated), Intoxication Manslaughter, Pilot License Defense (FAA), Felony DWI
Firm Size: 5-10 attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Flat Fee options
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Gary Trichter was the first attorney in Texas to be board certified as a DWI Specialist by the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), a qualification accredited by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The firm is renowned for its scientific approach to defense, often challenging the reliability of breathalyzer machines and blood-draw procedures. Partner Aaron White, a former felony prosecutor, brings a unique tactical advantage in predicting state strategies. In 2026, the firm remains at the forefront of Texas DWI law, specializing in complex cases that involve professional licenses, particularly for pilots and commercial drivers.
2. The Coffey Firm
Founder: Mimi Coffey
Founded: 1995
Headquarters: Fort Worth, TX
Phone: 817-831-3100
Website: https://mimicoffey.com
Office Locations:
- Fort Worth: 4700 Airport Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76117 | 817-831-3100
- Dallas: 2100 Ross Ave, Suite 950, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-219-6464
Practice Areas: DWI Defense, DUI (Minor), Drug Possession, ALR Hearings, Marijuana Defense
Firm Size: 5-10 attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Mimi Coffey is a nationally recognized trial attorney and a board-certified specialist in DWI Defense by the NCDD. For over 30 years, she has defended thousands of individuals in the North Texas area. She is the co-author of Texas DWI Defense: The Law and Practice, a definitive textbook used by other legal professionals. The firm is highly regarded for its aggressive courtroom advocacy and its success in “Not Guilty” verdicts for cases involving high BAC levels. Mimi Coffey is also an active voice in legislative advocacy, frequently testifying before the Texas Legislature on bills affecting motorists’ rights and forensic testing standards.
3. Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Founder: Richard C. McConathy
Founded: 2002
Headquarters: Dallas, TX
Phone: 972-233-5700
Website: https://www.mcconathylaw.com
Office Locations:
- Dallas: 15110 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75248 | 972-233-5700
- Fort Worth: 4500 Mercantile Plaza Dr, Suite 300, Fort Worth, TX 76137 | 817-417-0623
- Irving: 320 Decker Dr, Suite 100, Irving, TX 75062 | 972-233-5700
Practice Areas: DWI, Felony DWI, Intoxication Assault, ALR Hearings, Drug Crimes, Traffic Offenses
Firm Size: 10+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Payment Plans
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Richard McConathy has built one of the most prolific criminal defense firms in North Texas, specifically focused on intoxication offenses. Since 2002, the firm has handled thousands of DWI cases in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties. They are particularly effective in navigating the administrative side of a DWI arrest, helping clients secure occupational driver’s licenses to maintain employment during a suspension. The firm utilizes a team-based approach to ensure that every client’s case undergoes a rigorous review of police dashcam footage and chemical test data. Richard McConathy is a member of the Dallas Bar Association and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
4. Schneider & McKinney, P.C.
Managing Partner: W. Troy McKinney
Founded: 1986
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-951-9994
Website: https://www.texascriminaldefenselawyers.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 5300 Memorial Dr, Suite 750, Houston, TX 77007 | 713-951-9994
Practice Areas: DWI Defense, Criminal Appeals, Federal Crimes, Juvenile Law, Professional License Defense
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: W. Troy McKinney is a highly distinguished trial lawyer, board-certified in both Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law. He is a former Dean of the National College for DUI Defense and is considered one of the leading experts in forensic science as it relates to intoxication. The firm is often sought out for high-stakes felony DWI cases and appeals where complex legal or scientific errors occurred during the initial trial. McKinney has lectured nationally on the science of breath and blood testing, providing the firm with a technical edge in discrediting state-sponsored lab results. Their practice is defined by meticulous academic research and a sophisticated understanding of Texas evidentiary rules.
5. The Martinez Law Firm
Founder: Herman Martinez
Founded: 2005 (Founder licensed since 1994)
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-242-1779
Website: https://www.martinezlawhouston.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 5402 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023 | 713-242-1779
Practice Areas: DWI, DUI, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Expungements
Firm Size: 5-10 attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Free Initial Consultation
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Led by Herman Martinez, a former prosecutor with over 30 years of legal experience, this firm specializes in high-stakes DWI defense in Harris County. Martinez’s background as a prosecutor provides him with an intimate understanding of how the state evaluates field sobriety tests and manages its “DWI Task Force” cases. The firm is noted for its personalized client communication and its success in getting charges reduced or dismissed before trial through aggressive pre-trial motions. They are particularly active in the Houston area, guiding clients through the 15-day ALR hearing process and working to prevent the permanent consequences of a criminal conviction through strategic defense.
DUI and DWI laws in Texas are primarily governed by Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code. In early 2026, Senate Bill 826 enacted tougher penalties, including classifying a DWI with a BAC of 0.15% or higher as a Class A Misdemeanor regardless of prior history. Furthermore, operating a vehicle in a school zone while intoxicated is now a State Jail Felony. Under the Texas Transportation Code, a driver has exactly 15 days from the date of arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to contest an automatic license suspension. Texas also enforces a “Zero Tolerance” policy for minors under 21, where any detectable amount of alcohol in the system can result in a DUI charge.
The firms listed on this page represent a selection of DUI and DWI practices operating across Texas. Each firm’s details, including office locations, phone numbers, practice areas, and background information, are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Individuals seeking legal representation should conduct their own research, verify current attorney licensing through the State Bar of Texas, and schedule consultations to determine the right fit for their specific situation.
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