DUI Attorneys in Tyler

Experienced Representation for DUI and DWI Cases in Tyler, Texas

Facing a DUI or DWI charge in Tyler can affect your job, license, and reputation. The consequences reach beyond fines and court dates and they can alter your daily life. Rollings Wood & Pace helps clients navigate these challenges with skill and professionalism. Our DUI lawyer understands how Texas law treats alcohol-related offenses and builds strategies aimed at protecting what matters most to you.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, you do not have to face the legal process alone. We help you understand your options, represent you in court, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact Rollings Wood & Pace today by calling (903) 408-3332 to discuss your case with our Tyler DUI lawyer.

How Our Firm Can Help

Our firm handles DUI and DWI defense cases throughout Smith County and surrounding areas. Each case requires careful review of the facts, the officer’s conduct, and the evidence collected. Our legal team assists clients by:

• Reviewing arrest reports and police procedures for errors or rights violations
• Evaluating breath, blood, and field sobriety test results
• Representing clients during administrative license hearings
• Negotiating with prosecutors when appropriate
• Preparing strong courtroom defenses when trial becomes necessary

We approach every case with preparation and persistence, focusing on both the short-term goal of protecting your license and the long-term goal of minimizing the effect of the charge on your record.

Why Experience Matters in DUI Cases

Defending a DUI or DWI charge requires knowledge of Texas criminal law and the science behind chemical testing. Our firm’s experience allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as improper traffic stops, flawed testing procedures, or chain-of-custody errors.

We understand how local judges and prosecutors handle these cases in Tyler and throughout Smith County, and we use that insight to build strong, fact-based defenses. Experience makes a difference when the outcome can affect your driving privileges and your record for years to come.

Why Clients Trust Rollings Wood & Pace

Clients turn to Rollings Wood & Pace because we focus on careful preparation, honest communication, and steady representation. Our firm values professionalism and respect in every case.

Many of our clients have shared their appreciation for our responsiveness, attention to detail, and willingness to take the time to explain each step of the process. Their positive feedback reflects the trust we’ve built through consistent effort and genuine care for the people we represent.

When you work with us, you receive:

• Personal Attention. Each case is handled by a dedicated legal professional who keeps you informed.
• Thorough Preparation. Every detail is reviewed, from arrest procedures to chemical-test accuracy.
• Local Insight. Our experience in Smith County courts helps us anticipate challenges and respond effectively.
• Reliable Support. We remain available to answer questions and guide you through each step of the process.

Understanding DUI and DWI in Texas

Texas law makes a distinction between DUI and DWI, though both involve operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs.

• DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) applies to adults who operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or another substance. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers.
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence) typically refers to minors under age 21 who drive after consuming any detectable amount of alcohol.

In many cases, people use the terms interchangeably, but under Texas statutes, DWI is the charge most adults face. A minor may receive a DUI for any alcohol consumption, even if their BAC is below 0.08%.

Understanding the difference is important because penalties, license suspensions, and long-term consequences vary.

Penalties for DUI and DWI in Texas

The penalties for a DUI or DWI conviction in Texas depend on prior offenses, BAC level, and the presence of aggravating factors such as an accident or child passenger. Typical penalties include:

• First Offense DWI. Up to 180 days in jail, a fine up to $2,000, license suspension up to 1 year, and possible installation of an ignition interlock device.
• Second Offense DWI. Up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $4,000, and license suspension for as long as 2 years.
• Third Offense DWI. Classified as a felony, carrying up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and long-term license restrictions.

DUI by a Minor: Fines up to $500, community service, alcohol-awareness courses, and license suspension.

In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction may increase insurance costs, limit job opportunities, and lead to professional-license consequences.

Field Sobriety Tests in Texas

Law enforcement officers in Smith County often use field sobriety tests to determine whether a driver is impaired. Common tests include the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand. These exercises are designed to measure balance, coordination, and focus.

However, several factors can affect results. Fatigue, medical conditions, uneven surfaces, or nervousness can all lead to poor performance even when a person is not intoxicated. Our firm reviews how the test was conducted, whether the officer followed training protocols, and whether the evidence meets legal standards. If mistakes occurred, we work to challenge those results in court.

What to Expect After a DUI or DWI Arrest in Tyler

After an arrest, several steps follow quickly. The process typically includes:

1. Booking and Release. You may be held until you post bond or appear before a judge.
2. Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing. You have 15 days to request a hearing to contest the suspension of your driver’s license.
3. Court Appearances. Your initial arraignment, pretrial hearings, and trial dates will be scheduled.
4. Possible Plea Negotiations or Trial. The case may resolve through negotiation or proceed to trial, depending on the evidence and your goals.

Our firm guides clients through each stage, explains what to expect, and helps prepare documentation, testimony, and evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refuse a breath or blood test in Texas?
You have the right to refuse testing, but refusal can lead to automatic license suspension under Texas’s implied-consent law.

How long will a DWI stay on my record?
A DWI conviction remains permanently on your criminal record unless it qualifies for expunction or nondisclosure under limited circumstances.

Can I drive after a DWI arrest?
You may request an ALR hearing within 15 days to challenge the license suspension. If successful, you may retain limited driving privileges while your case proceeds.

Is a DWI the same as a DUI in Texas?
No. A DWI applies to adult drivers operating with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. A DUI usually applies to minors with any detectable alcohol level.

Speak with Our Tyler DUI Lawyer Today

A DUI or DWI arrest can create uncertainty about your future. Our firm provides steady guidance and experienced representation for clients throughout Smith County. We review every aspect of your case, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about the next steps.

If you need legal help after a DUI or DWI arrest, contact Rollings Wood & Pace at (903) 408-3332. Our DUI attorney in Tyler can evaluate your situation and begin working on your defense right away.