Brownsville, TX DUI Lawyer

Getting arrested for your first DUI in Brownsville can feel like everything is crashing down at once. You’re likely overwhelmed, scared, and unsure about what to do next. I understand that fear—and more importantly, I know how to help you through it. As a Brownsville DUI lawyer who has helped many first-time offenders just like you, I want you to know that this moment, while serious, is not the end of the road.

You have options. And with the right legal strategy and support, you can protect your rights, fight for your future, and potentially minimize or avoid the harshest consequences of a DUI conviction.

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Brownsville, call 1-888-839-4384 or use our online contact form to speak with a top rated Texas DUI lawyer for a free consultation today!

What a First DUI in Brownsville Really Means

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a criminal offense under Texas law, defined by operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. In most first-time cases, this means your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was .08% or higher. However, you can still be arrested and charged even if your BAC was under the limit, if the officer believes your mental or physical faculties were impaired by alcohol or drugs.

If you’ve been charged with your first DUI in Brownsville, here’s what you’re likely facing:

• License suspension for up to 180 days
• Fines up to $2,000
• Jail time ranging from 3 to 180 days (though many first-time offenders receive probation instead)
• Mandatory DWI education program
• Annual license surcharges (through Texas’ Driver Responsibility Program, now repealed but replaced by increased court fees)

These penalties are serious, and they can impact everything from your job and finances to your family life. That’s why it’s critical to consult a skilled Brownsville DUI lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest.

How a Brownsville DUI Lawyer Can Help

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a DUI arrest is assuming they can handle the case alone. A conviction for a first DUI in Brownsville can follow you for years. Even a deferred adjudication or probation will still leave a record unless properly addressed.

Here’s how I help clients like you:

1. Case Evaluation

I’ll assess the details of your arrest: Did the officer have probable cause to stop you? Was the breath or blood test properly administered? Were your constitutional rights violated at any point?

2. Challenging the Evidence

We can challenge unreliable breathalyzer results, flawed field sobriety tests, or improper police procedures. The Brownsville Police Department, like any law enforcement agency, must follow specific legal standards. Any misstep can be used to weaken the prosecution’s case.

3. Negotiating with Prosecutors

In many first-time cases, I’m able to negotiate for reduced charges, such as reckless driving, or advocate for alternatives like pretrial diversion programs, which may allow you to avoid a conviction altogether.

4. Representing You in Court

If your case goes to trial, I’ll be fully prepared to defend you in Cameron County Criminal Court. I know the local prosecutors, judges, and procedures—which can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

What Happens After a First DUI Arrest in Brownsville?

After your arrest, several things will happen quickly. Understanding the process is key to making smart decisions:

Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing

If you refused or failed a breath/blood test, you only have 15 days from your arrest date to request an ALR hearing to fight your driver’s license suspension. If you don’t request this hearing, your license will be automatically suspended—even before your criminal case is resolved.

As your Brownsville DUI lawyer, I will request and handle this hearing for you, and in some cases, use it to gather valuable evidence that can help your criminal defense.

Arraignment

Your first court appearance is where the formal charges will be read, and you’ll enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This typically takes place in Cameron County Justice of the Peace or County Court, depending on the severity of your case.

Having a lawyer present at this stage is crucial. It sets the tone for your entire defense and ensures your rights are protected from the start.

Building Your Defense

This is where the real work begins—gathering police reports, dash cam or body cam footage, test results, witness statements, and more. I’ll also advise you on any classes or proactive steps that could positively influence the outcome of your case.

Common Questions About First-Time DUI Arrests in Brownsville

Will I lose my license automatically?
Not immediately. But if you don’t request an ALR hearing within 15 days, or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended. You may be eligible for an occupational license to drive to work or school.

Will I go to jail?
Jail is possible, but not guaranteed. Many first-time DUI offenders receive probation or have their cases resolved through plea deals or diversion programs.

Can I get the DUI off my record?
Texas law does not allow DUI convictions to be expunged. However, if your case is dismissed or you’re found not guilty, you may be eligible to have the record sealed or expunged. That’s one more reason why fighting the charge is so important.

Take Action Now! Your Future Depends on It

A first DUI in Brownsville doesn’t have to define your life—but how you respond right now could determine what your future looks like. The worst thing you can do is delay.

As a Brownsville DUI lawyer, I’m committed to helping you protect your rights, your record, and your future. Whether you want to challenge the charges or seek the most favorable plea deal, I’ll stand by your side and fight for the best outcome possible.

Contact me today for a confidential consultation. The sooner we get started, the more options we have.

Call 1-888-839-4384 today to speak with a top-rated DUI attorney in Brownsville and begin putting this behind you.