DWI Driving While Intoxicated 

Facing a DWI charge in Montgomery County, Texas can change the course of your life if it is not handled correctly from the very beginning. A conviction can mean a loss of your license, your job, your savings, your reputation and even time behind bars. A DWI conviction can follow you for years in background checks, insurance renewals and professional licensing. 

DWI attorney Andrea M. Kolski has practiced criminal law for over 25 years, with a major focus on DWI defense in Montgomery County and throughout Texas. Andrea is a former Harris County prosecutor, a respected Montgomery County criminal defense lawyer and her reputation as a “pit bull in the courtroom” is well deserved.  

Below is a brief overview of Texas DWI law, the advantages of an experienced DWI defense in Montgomery County, and how Andrea Kolski and her team can make a critical difference in your case and your future. 

Overview of Texas DWI Law 

Like many states, Texas has strict laws intended to protect drivers and passengers along its thousands of miles of interstates, highways, and roads.  Texas officials have passed numerous laws over the years to decrease the dangers posed by drivers taking the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  The primary driving while intoxicated, or DWI statute, is Texas Penal Code section 49.04. Under that section, a person commits DWI if the person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. 

“Intoxicated” is defined in Texas Penal Code section 49.01 as either: 

1. Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of those substances or any other substance into the body, or 

2. Having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. 

A first-time DWI, or DWI First, without aggravating factors is generally considered a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and up to a 2,000 dollar fine, along with license consequences and other penalties. 

The penalties can increase when certain facts are present: 

• Alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more can raise the charge to a Class A misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code section 49.04(d). 
• A prior DWI conviction can increase the penalty range or elevate the charge. 
• Two prior DWI convictions can move the case to a third degree felony under Texas Penal Code section 49.09(b). 
• DWI with a child passenger under 15 is a state jail felony under Texas Penal Code section 49.045. 
• Intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter, under Texas Penal Code sections 49.07 and 49.08, carry far more severe felony penalties. 

In addition to the criminal punishments, Texas uses an administrative license suspension system through the Department of Public Safety. Under Texas Transportation Code Chapters 524 and 724, one can face an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) suspension if refusing a breath or blood test or if taking a test and the result is 0.08 or higher. 

You usually have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing. If you miss that deadline, your license can be suspended even if your criminal case is later dismissed. 

Experienced Montgomery County DWI Defense  

Texas prosecutors are under tremendous pressure to get convictions in DWI cases.  From a public image standpoint, judges and prosecutors must appear tough on crime to satisfy the demands of their constituents.  Texas courts can often seem particularly brutal when you or a loved one find yourself caught in the crosshairs of the Texas legal system and facing harsh penalties for DWI. 

Heavy caseloads and overburdened courts are the reality of the Texas legal system, especially in growing areas like Montgomery County. The District Attorney’s Office has limited resources but continues to invest heavily on roadside investigations, breath and blood testing and trial presentation.  Higher conviction rates are the goal of these investments.   

To better your odds, be prepared to match the State’s level of focus and preparation with an equally serious defense.  Put simply, an experienced DWI defense attorney is a must when facing DWI charges in Montgomery County. 

Thinking of Going It Alone?  Think Again 

The U.S. Constitution states that every citizen has a right to legal defense counsel.  However, it doesn’t state how good or capable that counsel should be… The reality is that defendants who hire private counsel are less likely to be convicted and receive shorter sentences than similar defendants with court-appointed counsel (Research from the Bureau of Justice Statistics). People who represent themselves are convicted more often, receive harsher outcomes and rarely obtain dismissals or significant charge reductions.  It may not be fair, but it’s the reality of today’s legal system. 

Why do experienced DWI attorneys get better results? 

• Public defenders and court appointed attorneys often handle very high caseloads. Many are skilled, but lack necessary time and resources. 

• Time prevents public defenders from investigating details of your DWI, hunt down critical records, or risk a lengthy trial when pressured for a quick plea. 

• When you represent yourself, you are held to the same strict rules of evidence and procedure as a seasoned lawyer- all while trying to learn the complex legal system under extreme stress. 

An experienced DWI defense lawyer like Andrea Kolski carefully controls her caseload, invests in the latest DWI science and strategy, draws from a wide network of experts built over time, and constructs a custom defense specific to the facts of your arrest, your record, and your goals.  All of this adds up to a track record of dismissals and reduced charges that few DWI defense attorneys can match.  

Penalties and Real Consequences of a DWI Conviction 

The formal penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas are brutal. Avoiding a DWI conviction should be the ultimate goal of any DWI defense strategy.  If convicted, you may face: 

• Jail time or lengthy probation 
• Substantial fines and court costs 
• Driver’s license suspension or restrictions 
• Ignition interlock device requirements 
• Mandatory DWI education or intervention programs 
• Community service and possible alcohol or drug treatment 

The hidden costs can be even more damaging.  The time and effort it takes to attend mandatory programs, conduct community service, or report to court appointed officers can take hours and days away from work and family.  Additionally, YOU will likely be responsible for the costs of any interlock devices, intervention programs, and educational classes.  Interlocks are notoriously unreliable and break often- leaving you stranded, unable to get to work, or missing court-ordered appearances.  These “hidden” costs add immense stress and financial burden to an already difficult situation.   

But the fun doesn’t stop there… A DWI conviction creates a criminal record that shows up in: 

• Employer background checks 
• Landlord and property management screenings 
• Professional licensing and certification reviews 
• Security clearance and government employment investigations 
• Dating or match-making services 

Employers in transportation, healthcare, education, government, oil and gas and financial services often have strict policies regarding alcohol related offenses. Even when they do not fire or refuse to hire someone outright, a DWI can move your application to the bottom of the stack. 

Landlords frequently use automated background check services. A recent DWI can lead to denials, higher deposits or more restrictive lease terms. Auto insurers may sharply increase your premiums or decline to renew your policy. 

Already have a prior DWI?  That can spell disaster if convicted.  A conviction can: 

• Increase charge to a higher level offense 
• Lead to mandatory jail time or penitentiary time 
• Threaten professional licenses and certifications 
• Create serious immigration problems for non citizens 
• Affect firearm rights and your ability to travel for work 

Aside from the immense legal costs, the social and personal stigma of a DWI conviction can impact your entire life. Friends, coworkers and family may harbor negative feelings towards you. Online public records and social media have destroyed any personal privacy, so a few clicks of a keyboard can expose your DWI conviction to the world and inflict untold harm your reputation. 

A strong DWI defense is your best chance at avoiding a conviction and it’s life changing consequences.  An experienced DWI defense attorney isn’t just fighting for a victory in court, they are fighting to protect your privacy, your record, your livelihood and your long term happiness. 

What An Aggressive DWI Defense Can Do 

Effective DWI defense is not one size fits all. With over 25+ years of criminal defense and DWI experience, Andrea Kolski and her team know how to win and they often start by carefully dissecting your case from the very beginning. This may include the following questions: 

• Was the traffic stop legal under the Fourth Amendment and Texas law? 

• Did the officer have reasonable suspicion to extend the stop into a DWI investigation? 

• Were field sobriety tests given and scored according to NHTSA standards? 

• Did officers properly warn you about breath or blood testing and your rights? 

• Were breath testing machines correctly maintained, calibrated and operated? 

• Was your blood draw lawful, was the chain of custody intact and did the lab follow reliable scientific procedures? 

Weaknesses in any of these areas can form the basis for motions to suppress evidence, favorable plea negotiations, charge reductions or dismissals. 

Sometimes the strongest defense is scientific, focusing on lab errors, medical conditions, partition ratios, rising blood alcohol or contamination issues. Other times, the key is to expose inconsistencies in video evidence, officer reports or witness testimony, showing that your driving and behavior did not match genuine intoxication. 

Andrea Kolski: Montgomery County’s Trusted DWI Defense Attorney 

Montgomery County DWI defense attorney Andrea Kolski personally handles each case with dedication and compassion.  She understands this can be a stressful time and works to alleviate your anxiety while building a robust defense.  She knows what’s at stake and keeps you informed every step of the way.  You can breathe easy knowing you’ve got Montgomery County’s best criminal trial lawyer with more than 25 years experience on your side. 

Andrea’s goal?  Full dismissal.   

Regardless of the circumstances, Andrea fights to win.  As a former prosecutor, she understands the pressure they face and how to navigate the best possible outcome for her clients.  Andrea has earned a reputation as a skilled DWI defense attorney and the respect of Montgomery County judges and prosecutors.  Here’s a brief look at what makes Andrea a highly respected Montgomery County DWI attorney: 

• Former Harris County prosecutor experience, giving her detailed insight into how the State builds and evaluates DWI cases 
• Over two decades of criminal defense work, with substantial focus on DWI and intoxication related offenses in Montgomery County and surrounding counties 
• Elected president of the Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, reflecting the respect she has earned from peers and judges 
• A reputation as a “pit bull in the courtroom” who prepares relentlessly and fights hard at trial 

Why Trust Andrea Kolski For Your DWI Defense   

Montgomery County, like most Texas communities, has its own unique legal culture and enforcement priorities. With a mix of suburban neighborhoods, rural areas and major roads like I 45 and Highway 105, local agencies devote major resources to DWI enforcement. 

As a Montgomery resident over 20 years, Andrea is a familiar face at the courthouse and in the Montgomery county legal community.  Her prior work as a Harris County prosecutor gave her an insider’s view of how DWI prosecutions are developed, staffed and tried.  

Andrea believes that “the most committed, wins” and never backs down from a fight.  That gritty intensity, guided by more than 25 years of judgment and experience, is a powerful asset in any DWI case. 

Protecting Your Privacy, Freedom and Future 

Hiring Andrea M. Kolski and her team Nonstopjustice PLLC is about taking control at a time when your future is in the balance.  

If you or a loved one are charged with DWI in Montgomery County, Texas, time is not on your side.  The State is already building its case against you and they are determined to get a conviction. You deserve a skilled defense team that works just as hard and is prepared to do battle on your behalf. 

Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with Andrea M. Kolski and take the first step toward protecting your record, your reputation and your future.