The Law Office of Ernest Acevedo III represents clients facing DWI charges in San Antonio and Bexar County. A charge can raise immediate questions about court appearances, work, transportation, and your future. Our firm can discuss the accusation, review the available evidence, and help you understand the decisions ahead.
Whether this is your first arrest or you have a prior case, the starting point is an individual review of what happened. Tell us about any upcoming court date, bond requirement, or driver’s license notice when you contact the office.
What the DWI defense process involves
A consultation begins with your account of the incident and the documents you received. Counsel can identify the charge, review court and bond information, and discuss what additional records are needed. If you are seeking help with release after an arrest, ask the office about attorney bonds and whether that service is available for your situation.
As records become available, the defense review compares the reports, recordings, and test evidence with the timeline. Counsel can discuss issues that may warrant further investigation, possible challenges to the evidence, and the choices involved in negotiations or preparing for trial. The appropriate approach depends on the facts and procedural posture of the case; no particular result can be promised.
Looking beyond a breath or blood test result
Evidence review considers the investigation as a whole. A number on a test report is one part of that review, alongside the circumstances of the stop, the officer’s observations, and the timing of events. Depending on the case, counsel may examine:
- The stop and arrest: the stated basis for police contact, reports, dispatch information, and dashboard or body camera footage.
- Field sobriety testing: instructions, testing conditions, recorded performance, and relevant medical or physical limitations.
- Breath testing: the testing timeline, instrument records, and documentation of the procedures used.
- Blood testing: collection records, sample handling, laboratory documentation, and the timing of collection relative to driving.
- Other context: witness accounts, photographs, and records that help explain the events.
An inconsistency or testing question does not automatically resolve a case. Its significance must be evaluated against the complete record and applicable law.
First-time and repeat DWI allegations
For someone facing a first allegation, the unfamiliar process can be as concerning as the accusation itself. A consultation is an opportunity to discuss court appearances, bond conditions, driving concerns, and how the office will communicate about the case. A first arrest should still receive a careful review.
When there is prior DWI history, bring the records of those cases rather than relying only on memory. Counsel needs to distinguish prior arrests from convictions and review how that history may affect the current allegation. The charge, available options, and potential consequences require an assessment of the specific record.
Driving privileges and license notices
A DWI allegation may involve both a criminal case and a separate administrative driver’s license matter. Texas DPS describes its Administrative License Revocation program as separate from the criminal court proceedings. Bring any suspension notice to counsel promptly so the applicable hearing requirements and deadlines can be reviewed.
If a suspension affects your ability to get to work, school, or essential household activities, ask about occupational driver’s licenses. Eligibility and restrictions depend on your circumstances; an application does not itself establish permission to drive. Have counsel review your current license status and any court orders before assuming you can drive.
Ernest Acevedo III’s relevant experience
Ernest graduated from Harvard Law School in 1994 and returned to San Antonio to join his father in private practice. He served as president of the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in 2002–2003.
His speaking engagements supplied for this website include presentations on field sobriety testing, breath testing defenses, cross-examination of breath test experts and arresting officers, and jury selection in DWI cases. These subjects reflect the evidence and courtroom issues that can arise in a DWI defense. Read Ernest’s attorney profile for his education and full speaking history.
Preparing for your consultation
Gather what you have, even if your records are incomplete:
- Arrest and release paperwork, the case number, and upcoming court dates.
- Bond conditions and any orders you received.
- Driver’s license notices, including the date you received them.
- Documents from prior cases, if applicable.
- A timeline of the stop, arrest, and testing, plus questions about work or transportation.
Tell the office if a deadline or court appearance is approaching. Keep your initial online message brief and avoid sending sensitive case details or documents through the contact form.
Common DWI questions
Should I wait until my first court date to contact an attorney?
Contact the office promptly, especially if you received a license notice or have bond requirements. Those matters may need attention before a scheduled criminal court appearance.
Can I discuss a defense if I took a breath or blood test?
Yes. Counsel can review the test records along with the stop, investigation, and other evidence. Taking a test does not eliminate the need for a full case review, and no test result alone lets the office promise an outcome.
Will I be able to keep driving?
That requires a review of your license status, notices, and any applicable orders. Ask about administrative license proceedings and whether an occupational license may be an option for your circumstances.
Can the firm help if I have a prior DWI case?
Contact the office to discuss the current charge and prior history. Bring available records so counsel can assess how the earlier case may affect the present matter.
What does representation cost?
Ask the office about fees, the proposed scope of representation, and whether any separate license-related work is included. The website does not quote a standard fee for every DWI case.
Discuss your next step
Speak with the Law Office of Ernest Acevedo III about your DWI allegation in San Antonio or Bexar County. The office is located at 222 South Flores, San Antonio, Texas 78204.
For an approaching court date or urgent concern, call (210) 226-5656.