Trey Porter Law

SAN ANTONIO DWI LAWYERS

Powerful Defense. Real Results in San Antonio.

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Trey Porter, principal criminal defense lawyer at Trey Porter Law, representing DWI and DUI offenses across all of San Antonio, TX.

TOP-RATED SAN ANTONIO DWI LAWYERS

Trey Porter is recognized as one of the best DWI lawyers in San Antonio, a distinction he’s earned for over a decade. In 2025, he was again named among San Antonio’s Best DWI Lawyers by Scene in SA Magazine, an award based on peer voting from judges, prosecutors, and fellow attorneys. The National Trial Lawyers Association has ranked Trey Porter a Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer for 2025. 

Trey Porter is the #1 client-reviewed DWI lawyer in San Antonio. Real people, facing every type of DWI from high-BAC and accidents, to open-containers and repeat offenders, have trusted Trey Porter to deliver dismissals, reductions, and record protection. These stories form the foundation of 700+ five-star reviews across Google and Avvo. 

Trey Porter Law wins DWI cases in San Antonio. From the South Side to Stone Oak, and UTSA down to Alamo Heights, the law firm challenges probable cause, field sobriety tests, and breath and blood results in a relentless pursuit of dismissals. Trey Porter Law knows the judges, the prosecutors, the procedures – and what it takes to win.

In this article:
beat your dwi charge with the best San Antonio DWI Lawyers

3 THINGS TO KNOW AFTER A DWI ARREST IN SAN ANTONIO

  1. Your driver’s license is automatically suspended.

    After a DWI arrest, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) gives you 15 days to request an ALR Hearing to contest the suspension. The hearing is a key step in any DWI defense strategy.

  2. DWI charges in San Antonio can be challenged and dismissed.

    Field sobriety, breath, and blood tests are often unreliable.
    Errors by police, nurses, or forensic analysts create openings to beat a DWI charge.

  3. The lawyer you hire can change everything.

    The San Antonio DWI attorney you choose can be the difference between dismissal and conviction.
    Skilled lawyers challenge evidence, review the Bexar County District Attorney’s case, and protect your rights from day one.

5-star-reviews

WHAT ARE THE DWI LAWS IN SAN ANTONIO AND TEXAS?

Texas Penal Code §49.04 makes it a crime to operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. 

  • Under Texas law, a driver is considered intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, or if alcohol or drugs impair normal mental or physical faculties.

  • A BAC of .14 or lower is a Class B misdemeanor (6 months jail).

  • Anything above a .15 is a Class A misdemeanor (1 year jail). 

The San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies like Leon Valley Police, and UTSA Police enforce these laws aggressively. 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A DWI ARREST IN SAN ANTONIO?

After a DWI arrest in San Antonio, drivers are booked at Bexar County Central Magistration inside the South Tower of the Bexar County Jail, where a magistrate judge sets bond and conditions of release. Ignition interlock is mandatory under Texas law for second-offense DWIs, and drug testing is common.

After the Bexar County Jail booking process, cases move to the Bexar County Criminal Courts at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center, which handle first-time DWIs, repeat arrests, high-BAC, and open-container cases.

Your first court date in San Antonio is typically scheduled about 30 days after the arrest, but the first deadline comes much sooner – you have only 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing to prevent driver’s license suspension by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). 

The San Antonio DWI attorneys at Trey Porter Law are top-rated advocates with proven results in every Bexar County criminal court. Backed by decades of experience, the firm protects driver’s licenses, challenges DWI evidence, and wins dismissals across Bexar County.

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HOW TO BEAT A DWI CHARGE IN SAN ANTONIO TX

You beat a DWI in San Antonio by challenging the evidence. Success depends on having an experienced Texas DWI attorney who understands the science, procedures, and criminal law that govern these cases in San Antonio DWI courts. 

Effective defense strategies in San Antonio DWI cases include:

  • Challenging the traffic stop – If law enforcement officers lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, all evidence that follows can be suppressed. No lawful stop means no conviction.

  • Attacking field sobriety tests – Trey Porter is trained on NHTSA standards. Improper instructions, uneven pavement, or medical issues can make results unreliable.

  • Discrediting breath and blood tests – Faulty calibration, contamination, or chain-of-custody errors can destroy “scientific” evidence in court.

  • Undermining officer credibility – Inconsistencies in reports or bodycam footage weaken the prosecution. In 2025, KSAT reported a San Antonio DWI officer fired for misconduct – proof credibility matters.

  • Leveraging Texas discovery laws – Article 39.14 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure allows DWI defense attorneys to demand video, calibration logs, and lab notes that often reveal critical errors.

  • Negotiating charge reductions – When dismissal isn’t possible, reducing a DWI to Obstruction of a Highway can prevent lifelong record damage and avoid driver’s license suspension.

The San Antonio DWI attorneys at Trey Porter Law have defended every type of misdemeanor and felony DWI case, securing dismissals in 0.15 or higher BAC, crash-related, and refusal cases. With decades of trial experience, deep knowledge of Texas criminal law, and a 10.0 Avvo rating, the law firm delivers results when freedom, careers, and driver’s licenses are on the line.

CAN A HIGH BAC DWI BE DISMISSED IN SAN ANTONIO?

Yes. Trey Porter Law has secured dismissals in high BAC DWI cases throughout Bexar County. In 2025 alone, the firm achieved dismissals for:

  • A combat veteran charged with DWI 0.15+ and Unlawful Carry of a Weapon after an evening on the River Walk.

  • A sales professional accused of intoxication following a crash near Loop 1604, where the BAC result exceeded twice the legal limit.

  • A local school teacher who refused breath testing after being stopped on her way home from dinner on San Antonio’s East Side.

Each case was dismissed by challenging the legality of the traffic stop, exposing procedural errors, and attacking flawed BAC evidence. Trey Porter Law’s San Antonio DWI lawyers understand how to beat a DWI charge in Texas, challenge high BAC allegations, protect driver’s licenses, and fight the harshest Texas DWI penalties.

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WHAT TYPES OF DWI CASES DOES TREY PORTER LAW HANDLE?

Trey Porter Law defends every type of DWI charge in San Antonio, from first-time arrests to serious felony cases. The firm’s experience across every Bexar County DWI courtroom delivers proven results when freedom, future, and reputation are on the line.

Types of DWI cases handled include:

  • Under 21 DWI (DUI) – Class C Misdemeanor

  • DWI First-offense – Class B Misdemeanor

  • DWI with BAC 0.15 or higher – Class A Misdemeanor

  • DWI with Open Container – Class A or B Misdemeanor

  • DWI with Child Passenger – State Jail Felony

  • DWI Second-offense – Class A Misdemeanor

  • Third-offense DWI – Felony

  • Intoxication Assault – Third-Degree Felony

Trey Porter Law has secured dismissals and charge reductions in every category of DWI case across Bexar County, providing trusted representation backed by decades of trial experience. Understanding the distinctions between misdemeanor and felony DWI charges is critical to effective defense strategy—an area where Trey Porter is frequently consulted by other attorneys for his insight on Texas DWI law.

TREY PORTER LAW HAS OVER 700 5-STAR CLIENT REVIEWS

Backed by 700+ 5-star reviews across Google and Avvo, Trey Porter Law is trusted for proven results, clear communication, and powerful DWI defense. The following reviews are from previous clients who have benefited from the firm’s legal representation.

“As a nurse, I couldn’t afford a DWI to jeopardize my license. The attorneys challenged the stop and the blood test, and the result was a full dismissal. If you’re in the medical field and need the best San Antonio DWI lawyers, this is the firm to trust.” – Bexar County Client

dwi infographic for san antonio resident reference

WHAT ARE THE DWI PENALTIES IN SAN ANTONIO?

The penalties for a DWI in Texas are severe, and increase by offense level. Both convictions and court-ordered probation can result in jail time, thousands in fines, driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. 

Maximum Penalties for a DWI in San Antonio:

Offense

Level

Jail Time

Max Fine

DWI 1st

Class B Misdemeanor

72 hours – 180 days

$3,000

DWI 1st (BAC 0.15+)

Class A Misdemeanor

Up to 1 year

$6,000

DWI 2nd

Class A Misdemeanor

30 days – 1 year

$6,000

DWI 3rd or more

3rd Degree Felony

2 – 10 years

$10,000

DWI with Child Passenger

State Jail Felony

180 days – 2 years

$10,000

Texas law allows judges to impose ignition interlock devices, community service, and alcohol education as conditions of bond or probation. For those facing a DWI First Offense in Texas, deferred adjudication may be available, allowing eligible defendants to avoid a final conviction if probation is successfully completed.

  • Implied consent suspension – Pursuant to the Texas Implied Consent law in Texas Transportation Code §724.035, refusing breath or blood testing triggers an automatic license suspension.

  • Probation and classes – Courts often require alcohol education programs, community service, and regular reporting.

  • Ignition interlock devices – Frequently required even on first offenses.

  • Felony collateral impacts – Convicted felons lose firearm rights and face restrictions in employment, housing, and licensing.

WHO ARE THE BEST DWI ATTORNEYS IN SAN ANTONIO?

In 2025, San Antonio Current readers voted Trey Porter Law among the Top 5 DWI Law Firms in its annual “Best of San Antonio” awards. Trey Porter has also been named to Super Lawyers, a distinction reserved for the top 5% of Texas attorneys recognized for outstanding DWI defense.

  • Local experience: Defended cases in every San Antonio courtroom, from first-time DWIs to complex felony intoxication assault trials.

  • Proven results: Secured dismissals through motions to suppress, challenging breath and blood test evidence, and protecting Texas driver’s licenses at ALR hearings.

  • Trusted by peers: Receives referrals from local attorneys, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers who respect the firm’s trial record and professionalism.

With over 40 years of combined trial experience, Trey Porter Law limits the cases it accepts to deliver focused, powerful representation for Texans facing serious DWI charges.

image showcasing google review a client left for Trey Porter Law

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET A DWI IN THE MILITARY?

A military DWI – sometimes called DUI in other states – in San Antonio can end a career. The Alamo City is home to Joint Base San Antonio, including Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB, meaning thousands of service members face unique risks after a DWI arrest. A single arrest can trigger two battles: one in Bexar County Criminal Court and another under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Consequences military members face include: 

  • Separation from service – Depending on the facts, an Other-Than-Honorable (OTH) discharge or Article 15 proceedings may follow.

  • Security clearance suspension or loss – Command can suspend or revoke clearances while charges are pending.

  • Deployment restrictions – Arrests and bond conditions, such as ignition interlock, often interfere with deployment orders.

  • UCMJ punishment – Nonjudicial punishment under Article 15, administrative separation, or court-martial proceedings can run parallel to civilian prosecution.

  • Loss of on-base driving privileges – Military installations frequently impose separate suspensions in addition to Texas DPS license actions.

Trey Porter Law has represented service members from every branch, defending DWI charges in the Bexar County courts while coordinating with military defense counsel to minimize collateral consequences. The right civilian defense attorney can make the difference between continuing your military career and being forced out of service.

CAN A DWI BE EXPUNGED IN TEXAS?

Yes. A DWI can be expunged in Texas only if the case is dismissed, ends in a not guilty verdict, or meets the requirements of Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. A successful DWI expunction permanently removes the arrest, court case, and all related records from public view.

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HOW LONG DOES A DWI STAY ON YOUR RECORD IN TEXAS?

A DWI conviction stays on your record forever in Texas. State law does not allow a DWI conviction to be removed or to expire over time. However, cases that are dismissed or resolved with a not guilty verdict may qualify for expunction, and certain deferred adjudication cases may be eligible for nondisclosure. A DWI conviction can also cause long-term impacts, including higher insurance premiums and background check issues.

WHAT IS THE ALR HEARING IN A TEXAS DWI CASE?

The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing in San Antonio DWI cases is the legal proceeding used to contest a driver’s license suspension after a DWI arrest in Texas. It must be requested within 15 days of the arrest, or the suspension becomes automatic under the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) rules.

During a suspension, drivers may be eligible for a Texas Occupational Driver’s License to maintain limited driving privileges. After the suspension period ends, DPS can reinstate the driver’s license once all requirements are met.

Challenge the evidence and obtain a dwi dismissal in San Antonio by trusted experts

IS JAIL MANDATORY FOR A DWI IN TEXAS?

No. Jail is not mandatory for every DWI in Texas, but state law requires minimum jail sentences for repeat offenses, DWI with a Child Passenger, and DWI with an Open Container. In San Antonio, first-time offenders may avoid jail through probation, deferred adjudication in San Antonio DWI cases, or case dismissal, depending on the facts and outcome in court.

CAN A DWI BE REDUCED IN SAN ANTONIO?

Yes. Some DWI charges in San Antonio can be reduced to Obstruction of a Highway, a Class B misdemeanor, through plea negotiations with prosecutors. A reduction avoids the lifelong criminal record and other consequences of a DWI conviction, protecting employment, licensing, and future opportunities.

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DO I NEED A LAWYER FOR A FIRST-TIME DWI?

Yes. A first-time DWI in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $2,000, a driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced San Antonio DWI lawyer gives you the best chance to fight for a dismissal, reduce the charge, and protect your record and driving privileges.

HOW MUCH DOES AN EXPERIENCED DWI LAWYER COST IN SAN ANTONIO?

An experienced San Antonio DWI lawyer typically costs $6,000 to $10,000 for a first offense. Felony or trial cases can reach $12,000 or more, depending on evidence and preparation. Most attorneys charge a flat fee rate based on experience, case complexity, and courtroom work.

Save your drivers license by working with a reliable dwi attorney

10 FAST FACTS ABOUT DWI IN SAN ANTONIO TEXAS | PENALTIES, LICENSE SUSPENSIONS, AND DEFENSE STRATEGIES

From experienced San Antonio DWI lawyer Trey Porter

  1. What happens if you’re arrested for DWI in San Antonio?

    After a DWI arrest, you’re booked, given bond conditions, and risk losing your driver’s license. A San Antonio DWI lawyer can act fast to request an ALR Hearing within 15 days, challenge the suspension, and protect your rights in court.

  2. Do you lose your driver’s license if you get a DWI in San Antonio?

    Yes, if you refuse – or fail – a breath test, your driver’s license is automatically suspended under Texas Transportation Code §724.035.

  3. What are the penalties for a first-offense DWI in Texas?

    A first-offense DWI in San Antonio is a Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 in fines under Texas Penal Code §49.04.

  4. What are the penalties for a second DWI offense?

    A second-offense DWI is a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail and $4,000 in fines.

  5. What happens after a third DWI in Texas?

    A third DWI offense is a felony punishable by two to ten years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

  6. Can I get my first DWI dropped in San Antonio?

    Yes. A DWI charge in San Antonio can be dismissed with the right defense. Experienced criminal defense attorneys can help you avoid the harsh penalties and fines for DWI in San Antonio by challenging the evidence.

  7. How do DWI lawyers beat evidence in San Antonio?

    DWI lawyers in San Antonio beat evidence by filing motions to suppress illegal stops, exposing errors in field sobriety tests, and attacking unreliable breath and blood results to win dismissals in court.

  8. How are breath and blood tests challenged in court?

    In San Antonio, Trey Porter challenges breath and blood test evidence by exposing calibration errors, mishandled samples, and flawed lab procedures. His proven results in court show how these mistakes lead to dismissals – detailed in the San Antonio DWI breath and blood test evidence guide.

  9. Why does DWI-specific experience matter?

    DWI-focused Texas lawyers master scientific testing standards, trial tactics, and local court procedures to win dismissals.

  10. What makes felony DWI cases different?

    Felony DWI cases are more serious because they involve repeat offenses, accidents, or injuries, leading to harsher penalties and longer jail sentences. Learn more in the Texas DWI FAQ Hub for answers about felony cases, penalties, and defense strategies across the state.

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REVIEWED BY TREY PORTER, SAN ANTONIO DWI LAWYER

Trey Porter is a San Antonio DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyer with over 12 years of trial experience in all Bexar County courts, from the County Courts at Law to the District Courts handling felony DWI cases. He focuses exclusively on DWI, Public Intoxication, and expunging criminal records – defending Texans when their freedom, careers, and professional licenses are on the line.

Recognized by peers and clients alike, Mr. Porter has been named among San Antonio’s Best DWI Lawyers and is ranked among the Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers nationwide. His record of dismissals and courtroom success has earned trust from local attorneys, prosecutors, and law-enforcement professionals who respect his advocacy in Bexar County’s criminal courts.

From nurses and doctors in the Texas Medical Center and teachers with San Antonio ISD, to service members at Joint Base San Antonio, students from UIW, UTSA, and Trinity, and small-business owners across Bexar County, Trey Porter Law stands up for the hardworking people who make this city run.

The firm’s commitment to results and personal service has made it one of San Antonio’s most trusted names in criminal defense.

A member of the San Antonio Bar Association, the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the National College for DUI Defense, Mr. Porter’s legal insights have been featured by News 4 San Antonio, FOX San Antonio, KENS 5, and the San Antonio Report. His leadership in the local defense community reflects a commitment to excellence, integrity, and results for the people of San Antonio.

Everyone deserves a powerful defense. The government is a bully with an outsized advantage. We fight to level the playing field, protect your rights, and clear your name.
– Trey Porter, San Antonio DWI Lawyer

WHO IS THE BEST DWI LAWYER NEAR ME?

There’s no single “best” DWI lawyer for everyone, but the right attorney has local experience, a proven record of dismissals, and a strategy tailored to your case. In San Antonio, Trey Porter Law is recognized among the Top DWI Law Firms through peer-voted awards, Scene in SA Magazine’s Best Lawyers, and hundreds of 5-star client reviews across Bexar County.

From Southtown to Sea World, 410 and Vance Jackson down to Zarzamora, the experienced San Antonio DWI attorneys at Trey Porter Law fight for the people who call this city home. With 40+ years of combined trial experience and a reputation for excellence in the Bexar County courts, the firm delivers real results when everything is on the line.

Local experience. Proven results. Call 210-673-1180 for a free consultation today.

Trey Porter Law also represents people facing DWI charges across Texas and in the nearby communities of New Braunfels, San Marcos, Seguin, Hondo, Bandera, Boerne, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Floresville, and Jourdanton.

Client Reviews

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J. Tulloch

Trey Porter and his team at TPL are simply the best in San Antonio when it comes to DWI charges. Their fighting spirit and commitment to excellent customer service sets them apart—they really go above and beyond to defend their clients...

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D. Silva

We are an SR-22 insurance company that has been working with Trey Porter’s office for the last few years. We help their DWI clients obtain the SR-22 policy. Trey Porter, Ainsley, and the rest of the staff have been very professional and...

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A. Sanchez

I would advise anyone to contact Trey Porter to help you with a DWI. I was very satisfied with one to one conversation,the updates, and keeping touch if court status .they worked with me all the way through. I was very satisfied with my...

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Trey Porter Law
816 Camaron St Suite 124

San Antonio, TX 78212

Phone: (210) 673-1180