Skip to main content

Tarrant County DWI Attorney

The Only Board-Certified DWI Lawyer in North Texas

  • Mimi Coffey has defended Tarrant County clients for over 29+ years. She is North Texas’s only NCDD Board Certified DWI specialist.
  • The Coffey Firm handles everything from first-time arrests to complex appeals. We guide you through every step of the criminal defense process.

Who is Mimi Coffey?

Mimi Coffey is a nationally-renowned, board-certified DWI defense attorney and the founder of The Coffey Firm. Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, she has dedicated her 30-year legal career exclusively to defending individuals accused of driving while intoxicated (DWI) and other criminal charges. Notably, Mimi is the only woman in North Texas to earn board certification in DWI Defense from the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD).

Mimi Career Highlights

  • Trial Experience: She has handled over 350 to 450 jury trials with an exceptional success rate.
  • Legal Author & Educator: She co-authored the definitive legal textbook, Texas DWI Defense: The Law and Practice, and regularly lectures at statewide and national legal seminars.
  • Media Commentary: Recognized as a leading expert in her field, she has appeared as a legal commentator for national networks including CNN and Fox News.
  • Community Leadership: She is a former Dean of the NCDD and sits on the Texas Tech School of Law Foundation Board.

What Should I Do After a DWI Arrest in Tarrant County?

After a DWI arrest in Tarrant County, you should contact an experienced DWI defense attorney promptly, preserve all paperwork from your arrest, and determine whether you need to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. In Texas, the ALR process is separate from the criminal DWI case, and certain drivers have only 15 days after being served the suspension notice to request an ALR hearing.

An attorney can also review the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood test, arrest procedures, and other evidence involved in your case. If you were arrested for DWI in Tarrant County, Mimi Coffey and The Coffey Firm can help you understand the criminal and driver’s-license consequences and the legal options available in your situation.

What to Know About DWI in Tarrant County

Centralized Court Proceedings in Tarrant County – Tarrant County handles all DWI cases within its jurisdiction, regardless of the specific city where the arrest occurred. Consequently, if you are arrested for a DWI in Tarrant County, your legal proceedings and court appearances will remain in Tarrant County.
Local Law Enforcement Experience – In addition, Mimi Coffey has extensive experience dealing with the Fort Worth Police Department. For instance, early in her career, she successfully challenged the department in a civil suit. The department had attempted to charge an illegal fee of over $100,000 to withhold police officer personnel files. As a result, this history gives her a unique perspective. Moreover, it gives her a rigorous approach when cross-examining local law enforcement.

Time is Urgent, Get Help Now! Why Choose The Coffey Firm?

The Coffey Firm is voted top DWI defense attorneys in Tarrant County. With over 29 years of experience and 400+ trials, our legal team delivers the compassion, honesty, and expertise your case deserves. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights, offering high success rates and affordable payment plans to ensure you get aggressive, reliable representation when you need it most. Don’t wait to protect your future. We provide free consultations for all new cases. Call today to speak directly with an experienced Tarrant County DWI lawyer.

The Coffey Firm DWI Defense Representation Across Tarrant County

When you are facing a drunk driving charge, having a local attorney who understands the specific court systems makes all the difference. We proudly provide aggressive DWI defense and legal counsel throughout the 5 largest cities in Tarrant County and their surrounding communities:

Frequently Asked Questions About Tarrant County DWI Cases

If you have been arrested for DWI in Tarrant County, you may have questions about your driver’s license, criminal charges, court process, testing, potential penalties, and your legal options. Below are answers to common DWI questions from Mimi Coffey and The Coffey Firm, serving clients in Tarrant County, Fort Worth, Dallas, and throughout North Texas.

What is the 15-Day rule?

One of the biggest mistakes many individuals who have been arrested for DWI make is in waiting too long to contact an attorney to get the legal helps they need to fight the case. The 15-day rule requires you to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 calendar days of receiving your suspension notice after a DWI arrest to prevent your driver’s license from being automatically suspended.

  • Your license will be suspended within 15 days unless you request a hearing.
  • Experienced DWI attorneys can request a hearing to save your license.
  • DWI Defense Attorneys may get your penalties reduced or dismissed.
  • Fines may cost well over $10,000 unless your DWI defense Lawyer can reduce the charges.
  • There will be mandatory jail time unless a DWI attorney fights the charges.

How long do I have to request an ALR hearing?

In Texas, you generally have 15 days from the date you receive your DIC-25 notice to request an ALR hearing. The 15-day deadline is not 15 days from your DWI arrest. If DPS does not receive your request within the deadline, you may waive your right to an ALR hearing. Mimi Coffey and The Coffey Firm can help you understand the deadline and ALR process.

What is the punishment for a first DWI in Tarrant County?

A first DWI in Tarrant County is generally a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and 72 hours to 180 days in jail. A DWI conviction can also result in a driver’s license suspension and other court-ordered requirements. If the alleged BAC was 0.15 or higher, the charge may be enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor with increased penalties.

What happens if I have a felony DWI?

A felony DWI in Texas can result in significant penalties, including prison time, fines, driver’s license consequences, and other court requirements. A DWI may become a third-degree felony after two qualifying prior DWI convictions. DWI offenses involving serious injury or death can carry more severe felony penalties.

Can a DWI charge be dismissed?

Yes, a DWI charge in Texas can sometimes be dismissed, depending on the facts and evidence in the case. Potential issues involving the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood testing, or other evidence may affect whether prosecutors can prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced Texas DWI attorney can review the evidence and identify potential defenses or grounds for dismissal.

How quickly should I contact a DWI attorney?

You should contact a DWI attorney as soon as possible after an arrest. Early legal advice can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, prepare your defense, and address important deadlines, including the 15-day deadline to request an ALR hearing in Texas.

Does a DWI affect my driver’s license?

Yes. A DWI arrest in Texas can affect your driver’s license through a separate Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process. Depending on the circumstances, your license may be suspended. You generally have 15 days to request an ALR hearing after receiving the applicable notice if you want to contest the administrative suspension.

Call For A Free Consultation