McKinney DWI Attorney

Put a Former Collin County Prosecutor in Your Corner

A driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge in Texas can upend your life in an instant. Beyond the stress of an arrest, a conviction carries consequences that follow you for years, affecting your freedom, finances, driving privileges, and reputation all at once. If you are facing a DWI charge in McKinney, Allen, or anywhere in Collin County, you’ll want a McKinney DWI defense lawyer who understands how these cases are built and how to fight them. That is exactly what we offer at Harrison Legal, PLLC.

Attorney Deborah B. Harrison brings a perspective to DWI defense that few attorneys can match. As a former prosecutor with the Collin County District Attorney's Office and a legal career spanning more than 30 years, she has spent years building the very cases she now defends against. That prosecutorial insight works for you now, not the state.

When you choose our law firm, you can expect:

• Direct access to your attorney: You work one-on-one with Attorney Deborah B. Harrison from your first consultation through the final resolution of your case.
• Personalized defense strategies: Every case is different. We prepare your defense around the specific facts of your situation, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Free initial consultations: You can discuss the details of your case and understand your options before making any financial commitment.
• Flexible payment plans and virtual meetings: We offer structured payment plans and secure virtual meeting options to make quality legal representation as accessible as possible.
• Bilingual services: Attorney Deborah B. Harrison speaks both English and Spanish fluently, so Spanish-speaking clients can communicate directly with their attorney without the need for a third-party translator.

Let’s talk DWI defense right now. Call our McKinney defense team at (903) 623-8772 to request a no-cost case review.

What Constitutes DWI in Texas

Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, a person commits the offense of driving while intoxicated when they operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated.

Under § 49.01, "intoxicated" is defined in two ways:

1. Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. 
2. Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, or any combination of those substances.

That second definition is important because it means the state can pursue a DWI charge even if your BAC falls below the legal limit. As long as an officer determines that your mental or physical faculties were impaired at the time of the stop, a DWI arrest and charge may be justified under Texas law.

DWI Penalties in Texas

Penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas escalate with each offense and with certain aggravating circumstances.

Beyond jail time and fines, a DWI conviction can also result in mandatory ignition interlock device installation, required DWI education programs, and a permanent criminal record that can affect your employment, housing, and professional licensing for years to come.

Types of DWI-Related Charges in Texas

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you could be facing any of these DWI charges:

• Standard DWI (§ 49.04): Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol, drugs, or any combination of substances.
• High BAC DWI: A first offense where the alleged BAC is 0.15 or higher, elevated from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor.
• DWI Second Offense (§ 49.09(a)): A Class A misdemeanor.
• Felony DWI (§ 49.09(b)): A third or subsequent DWI offense charged as a third-degree felony.
• DWI with a Child Passenger (§ 49.045): Operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger under 15 years of age, which is a state jail felony.
• Intoxication Assault (§ 49.07): Causing serious bodily injury to another person by accident while intoxicated, which is a third-degree felony.
• Intoxication Manslaughter (§ 49.08): Causing the death of another person by accident while intoxicated, which is a second-degree felony.
• DUI (Minors): Under Texas Transportation Code § 106.041, any driver under 21 with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can be charged with driving under the influence, regardless of whether their BAC reaches the 0.08 threshold or if their driving ability was noticeably impaired.

Your Driver's License & ALR Hearing

A DWI arrest in Texas triggers two separate proceedings: the criminal case and an administrative process with the Texas Department of Public Safety known as an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. The ALR hearing is not a criminal trial, and the state will not appoint an attorney to represent you in it. However, you have every right to hire one to act on your behalf during the hearing, such as Attorney Deborah B. Harrison.

Importantly, you typically have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing. If you miss that window, your license suspension becomes automatic. We can help you understand your rights and options throughout both the criminal case and the ALR process, working to protect your future at every step.

Contact Us Now for Your Free DWI Case Consultation

A DWI charge is serious, but it does not have to define your future. By teaming up with Harrison Legal, PLLC and our McKinney DWI attorney, you can fight to keep your rights, freedom, and driving privilege intact. With so much on the line, you shouldn’t wait another minute to get your case started.

Call us today at (903) 623-8772 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.