Dallas · DWI Defense · Bilingual
A DWI isn’t just a DWI.
Here’s what nobody told you.
I prosecuted hundreds of these for the Dallas DA before I switched sides. Free consultation in English or Spanish. Flat fees. Payment plans. I pick up the phone.
Board-Certified Criminal Law · Former Dallas DA · 14 years in Texas courts
What a DWI actually costs.
Not the legal fee. The stuff nobody warns you about until it’s too late.
$17,000
Average 10-year cost of a first DWI in Texas — fines, SR-22, surcharges, insurance hike.
180 days
Of license suspension if you don’t request an ALR hearing within 15 days of arrest. Most people miss this window.
Deportable
A DWI with any aggravating factor is grounds for ICE hold and removal proceedings — even for green-card holders.
Who I take cases for.
I’m selective. I take the cases I can actually move.
Cases I take
- First-offense DWI in Dallas County
- Second-offense DWI (misdemeanor)
- DWI with commercial license (CDL) at stake
- DWI for non-citizens (green card, TPS, DACA)
- Refused breath or blood test
- ALR license hearings (the 15-day clock)
Cases I refer out
- Intoxication manslaughter or assault (needs a felony specialist)
- DWI-related immigration removal (I refer to immigration counsel)
- Third-offense felony DWI (I’ll recommend someone better)
- Cases outside Dallas / Collin / Denton counties
- Anything where I can’t be the best lawyer for you
About your lawyer
I grew up in Pleasant Grove. Then I prosecuted DWIs for the Dallas DA.
When I was 17, my older brother parked wrong after work. Officer smelled beer. First-offense DWI. We paid $2,500 to a lawyer who never returned a call, and my brother paid in more than money.
I went to SMU, worked three jobs, became a prosecutor. Three years in the Dallas DA’s DWI unit. I know exactly what they’re looking for. Now I use that knowledge for the other side.
What clients say.
“I called three lawyers. Rafael was the only one who picked up. He explained in Spanish, then switched to English when my brother joined the call. Charges reduced. I kept my CDL.”
— Miguel R., Garland
“Como madre soltera, no podía perder mi trabajo. Rafael peleó el ALR. No perdí la licencia. Planes de pago razonables.”
— Dolores M., Oak Cliff
“First lawyer wanted $8,000 up front, no guarantees. Rafael charged flat. First offense, dismissed. I’d recommend him to anyone who got stopped coming home from work.”
— James H., Mesquite
Stopped last night?
The clock is already ticking.
You have 15 days from arrest to save your license.