Hit and Run DWI Lawyer in Frisco

A hit and run combined with a DWI is one of the most serious charges in Frisco, carrying severe penalties—extended jail time, heavy fines, license suspension, and a lasting criminal record that can impact your job, housing, and future.

You still have options. With skilled legal representation of a hit and run DWI lawyer in Frisco, you may be able to reduce or dismiss charges or negotiate a favorable plea. Even after conviction, expungement or nondisclosure may help clear your record.

At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, we defend clients across Frisco and Collin County, building strong cases to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome. Let’s look at what a hit and run DWI means—and how we can help you fight it. Contact us today at 214-949-4117 for more information.

Why Choose My Dallas Criminal Lawyer for Hit and Run DWI Defense

When facing hit and run DWI charges in Frisco, you need an attorney who understands the local court system. You also need someone who knows the details of combined DWI and hit and run offenses. My Dallas Criminal Lawyer brings experience defending clients in Collin County District Court and throughout the Frisco area.

Our approach focuses on three key areas:

• Thorough Case Evaluation and Defense Strategy: We evaluate every aspect of your case. We examine the traffic stop and field sobriety tests. We review the accident scene investigation and police procedures. We identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. We explore every available defense strategy to protect your rights.
• Clear Explanation of Your Options: We explain your options clearly. These include potential dismissal, negotiated plea agreements, and trial defense. We help you understand the long-term consequences of each option. You can make informed decisions about your case.
• Aggressive Courtroom Advocacy: We represent you in all court proceedings. We challenge the prosecution’s evidence. We present strong arguments on your behalf. We work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Our clients appreciate our direct communication and dedicated advocacy. We remain committed to protecting your rights. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation. Additionally, we explain how we can help you fight these charges effectively. Learn more about our criminal defense approach and how we can help you handle the legal process.

Understanding Hit and Run DWI Charges in Texas

A hit and run DWI charge combines two separate criminal offenses under Texas law. When you leave the scene of an accident while driving under the influence, you violate both the hit and run statute and DWI laws.

Under Texas Transportation Code § 550.021, you commit a hit and run when you’re involved in an accident. The accident must cause property damage or injury. You must knowingly fail to stop and provide your name, address, and vehicle information to the other party. The offense becomes more serious if the accident causes injury or death.

Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, a DWI charge means you operated a motor vehicle while impaired. You may have been impaired by alcohol or drugs. Alternatively, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08% or higher. When combined with a hit and run, prosecutors argue you were not only impaired but also attempted to evade responsibility.

Enhanced Penalties

Why is this combination so serious? Hit and run DWI charges carry enhanced penalties. They demonstrate both impaired driving and consciousness of guilt. Prosecutors view leaving the scene as evidence that you knew you were at fault or impaired. This combination creates a more complex legal situation than either charge alone.

The specific penalties depend on several factors. These include whether the accident caused injury or death and your prior criminal history. Other aggravating factors also matter. Understanding these charges is the first step toward building an effective defense strategy. If you’re facing these charges in Frisco, a DWI defense lawyer in Frisco can help you understand your legal options and develop a strong defense.

Consequences of a Hit and Run DWI Conviction in Frisco

A hit and run DWI conviction carries serious consequences, such as criminal penalties under Texas transportation law. These extend far beyond the courtroom. Understanding these consequences underscores the importance of building a strong defense.

Criminal Penalties

• First offense: 72 hours to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000
• Second offense: 30 days to 1 year in jail (minimum 30 days mandatory) and fines up to $4,000
• Third offense: 2 to 10 years in state prison (felony) and fines up to $10,000
• If the accident caused injury: Felony charges with 2 to 10 years in prison
• If the accident caused death: Felony charges with 2 to 20 years in prison

License Suspension

Your driver’s license faces automatic suspension. The suspension lasts 90 days to one year, depending on the circumstances. A suspended license makes it difficult to work, attend school, or handle daily responsibilities. You may be eligible for an occupational license that allows you to drive for work, school, or medical purposes.

Employment Impact

A hit and run DWI conviction appears on background checks. This makes it difficult to secure employment in many fields. Employers in transportation, healthcare, education, and professional services often reject applicants with DWI convictions. Even if you find employment, the conviction can limit advancement opportunities.

Housing and Financial Consequences

Landlords and property managers conduct background checks. They often deny housing to applicants with DWI convictions. You may face higher insurance rates. You may have difficulty obtaining loans. Additionally, you may face challenges with professional licensing.

Personal and Social Impact

A criminal conviction affects your reputation and relationships. It impacts your self-image. The stigma of a hit and run DWI conviction can affect your mental health. It can impact your future opportunities for years to come.

These consequences make building a strong defense critical. Fighting these charges now can prevent these barriers from affecting your life. If you’re convicted, you may have options to clear your record through expungement or nondisclosure, which can help restore your opportunities.

Hit and Run DWI Defense Strategies

Defending against hit and run DWI charges requires a thorough understanding of both offenses and the evidence against you. We evaluate multiple defense strategies based on the specific facts of your case.

Challenging the Traffic Stop

The initial traffic stop must be based on reasonable suspicion. If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle, any evidence obtained after the stop may be inadmissible. We examine the officer’s justification for the stop and challenge it if it was unlawful.

Questioning Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are subjective and prone to error. Environmental factors, medical conditions, and improper administration can affect results. We examine how the tests were conducted and challenge their reliability.

Challenging Breathalyzer and Blood Tests

Breathalyzer machines require proper calibration and maintenance. Blood tests can be contaminated or mishandled. We examine the testing procedures and equipment maintenance records. We challenge the accuracy of test results when appropriate.

Accident Scene Investigation

Our lawyers thoroughly examine the accident scene investigation. We question whether the prosecution can prove you were involved in the accident. We examine witness statements and physical evidence. Also, we identify inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.

Consciousness of Guilt

Prosecutors argue that leaving the scene demonstrates consciousness of guilt. However, there may be legitimate reasons for leaving the scene. We develop explanations that challenge this assumption.

Witness Testimony

Our lawyers interview witnesses and examine their statements. We identify inconsistencies or credibility issues. We prepare witnesses to testify on your behalf if necessary.

Each case is unique. We develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances and the evidence against you. Understanding the DWI court process can help you prepare for what lies ahead.

Potential Outcomes and Next Steps

The outcome of your hit and run DWI case depends on many factors. These include the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, your prior criminal history, and the specific circumstances of your case.

• Dismissal: In some cases, we can get charges dismissed. This may occur if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence or if we identify constitutional right violations in how evidence was obtained.
• Reduced Charges: We may negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges. For example, charges might be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, or from hit and run DWI to DWI alone.
• Favorable Plea Agreement: If dismissal or charge reduction isn’t possible, we negotiate the best possible plea agreemens might include reduced jail time, probation instead of incarceration, or other favorable terms.
• Trial Defense: If a favorable resolution isn’t available, we prepare your case for trial. We present evidence and arguments to the jury. We challenge the prosecution’s case at every stage.
• Record Clearing After Conviction: If you’re convicted, record clearing remedies may be available later. Depending on your case circumstances, you may qualify for expungement or nondisclosure. Both remedies give you the legal right to deny the arrest ever occurred—with limited exceptions. Learn more about what DWI expungement means and how it can help you move forward.

The first step is a thorough evaluation of your case. We examine the evidence, identify defense strategies, and explain your options. Contact our hit and run DWI attorneys in Frisco today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need a Hit and Run DWI Defense Attorney in Frisco?

A hit and run DWI charge is serious. However, you have rights and options. The sooner you have an experienced attorney, the sooner we can begin building your defense and protecting your future.

My Dallas Criminal Lawyer provides free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your options. We handle all aspects of hit and run DWI defense. This includes investigation, evidence evaluation, negotiations, and trial representation. Our experience with Collin County District Court and Frisco judges gives us the knowledge to advocate effectively for your case.

Contact us today for your free consultation:

We serve clients throughout Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and all of Collin County. We also handle DWI defense cases in Dallas and Fort Worth. No obligation. No upfront fees for consultations. Let’s discuss how we can help you fight these charges and protect your future.