Criminal Driving Offenses in Texas

Charged with a Serious Driving Crime in Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, or McKinney? Call Texas Defenders at 214-306-9696

In Texas, certain driving offenses are classified as criminal—not just traffic violations. A single arrest can result in jail time, a suspended license, a permanent criminal record, and long-term consequences for your job, insurance, or even immigration status.

At Texas Defenders, we represent people throughout Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties who are facing Class B misdemeanor or felony-level driving charges. If you've been arrested for a serious driving offense, we'll fight to protect your freedom, your record, and your future.

Types of Driving Crimes We Handle

We focus on criminal cases—not minor traffic tickets. These are the most common charges we defend:

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)

A first-time DWI is usually a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, but the penalties escalate quickly with high BAC, accidents, children in the car, or repeat offenses.

Evading Arrest (In a Vehicle or On Foot)

Fleeing from police—even if no one was hurt—can be charged as a felony if it involves a motor vehicle. Evading on foot may be a misdemeanor or felony depending on your record.

Reckless Driving

Driving in a way that shows “willful or wanton disregard for safety” is a Class B misdemeanor and can lead to jail time and a permanent criminal record.

Driving While License Invalid (DWLI)

Driving with a suspended or revoked license becomes a Class B misdemeanor if you've had prior convictions or were involved in an accident.

Drug or Weapon Possession During a Traffic Stop

Many felony drug or gun cases begin with a simple traffic stop. If police claim they found THC, controlled substances, or a firearm in your vehicle, the stakes are high.

Penalties for Criminal Driving Charges

Depending on the offense and your prior record, penalties can include:

Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine
Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine
State Jail Felony: 6 months to 2 years in a state jail facility
Third-Degree Felony or Higher: 2–20+ years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines

Additional consequences may include:

Driver's license suspension
Ignition interlock device
SR-22 insurance requirements
Permanent criminal record
Loss of employment or professional licenses
Immigration consequences

Our Defense Approach

At Texas Defenders, we take every criminal driving charge seriously. We build strategic defenses based on:

Reviewing dashcam, bodycam, and arrest reports
Challenging illegal traffic stops and searches
Disputing officer claims and alleged intent
Negotiating for reduced charges or alternative resolutions
Pursuing expunction or nondisclosure whenever possible

Our goal is always to protect your record, your license, and your future.

Where We Defend These Cases

We represent clients charged with criminal driving offenses in:

Dallas County – including Dallas, Garland, Duncanville, Cedar Hill
Tarrant County – including Fort Worth, Arlington, Hurst, Mansfield
Collin County – including McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Allen
Denton County – including Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Little Elm

We handle cases from every city and town across these counties and throughout North Texas.

Arrested for a Driving-Related Crime? Call Now.

If you've been arrested for a serious driving offense, don't assume it's just a traffic ticket. A criminal charge can change your life. Let us fight to keep it off your record.

Call Texas Defenders at 214-306-9696 today for a free consultation and find out how we can help.