5 Best Texas DWI Attorneys of 2026
These rankings are not paid placements. We scored every firm across six weighted factors: real DWI case outcomes from Texas courts, how concentrated the firm's practice is in DWI defense specifically, the caliber and credentials of attorneys on staff, caseload discipline, verified client reviews, and independent industry recognition. Firms that do nothing but DWI defense score higher than generalists who dabble in it.
Michael & Associates
The firm's success is further cemented by Senior Counsel Kyle C. Simpson, who since 2009 has served as the co-author of the Texas DWI Law and Practice Handbook (Thomson Reuters), the definitive resource used by judges and lawyers statewide. This elite knowledge base, combined with a division of former DPS prosecutors hired specifically to handle ALR hearings, fueled a record-breaking 2025. The firm secured a winning DWI trial rate and a dismissal rate among the highest in the state, all while maintaining an unrivaled 100/100 sentiment score driven by their "white-glove" service and proactive weekly update policy.
- Forensic Powerhouse: Home to 3 of the ~54 ACS Lawyer-Scientists in Texas, with 12 more in active training
- ALR Dominance: Recruits former DPS prosecutors for license hearings, achieving a near 100% success rate at keeping driving privileges
- Published Authority: Features the co-author of the Texas Practice Series DWI handbook, the leading resource for the Texas judiciary
- 2025 Performance: Secured a winning DWI trial rate and a dismissal rate among the highest in Texas
- Peer-Recognized Elite: Features nine Super Lawyers 2026 winners, representing the top 5% of attorneys in the state
- Review Sentiment: Unrivaled 100/100 score driven by "White-Glove" service and a proactive weekly update policy
Notable Recognition
Michael & Associates has redefined DWI defense in Texas through an unprecedented combination of forensic science expertise, published legal authority, and former DPS prosecutors—deployed through a statewide model that no other firm has been able to replicate.
Danford Law Firm
As a trial lawyer first and foremost, Danford has built a reputation for fearless advocacy, recently being named a 2025 Texas Super Lawyer and included in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. The firm purposefully limits the number of cases it accepts to ensure that every client receives a "bespoke" defense strategy, and this high-touch approach has produced an impressive victory record and a roster of high-profile case results that speak for themselves.
- Former DPS Director: One of the only attorneys in Texas to have overseen the state's entire DWI training and ALR programs
- Proven Track Record: Credited with an exceptional DWI and criminal case win rate built over nearly three decades of practice
- Scientific Precision: ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation allows him to challenge state laboratory data at the molecular level
- Appellate Success: Known for securing landmark expunction and dismissal victories in the Texas higher courts
- Review Sentiment: 97/100 score for "Institutional Trust"; clients feel an immense sense of security hiring the man who literally "wrote the rules" for the DPS
Notable Recognition
Harold Danford's tenure as Director of the Texas DPS DWI/ALR Program gives him an insider advantage that very few defense attorneys in Texas can match. He literally trained the people who now try to prosecute his clients.
Price & Wiggins
Their approach is built on a "warrior" philosophy that combines deep court institutional knowledge with a relentless motion-to-suppress practice. They are frequently sought out by commercial drivers (CDL) whose entire livelihoods are threatened by a single arrest. Clients testify to the firm's ability to force favorable resolutions before a case ever reaches a jury, often by exposing systematic flaws in how roadside evidence was collected by state troopers.
- Extensive Reach: Aggressive presence across 26 counties with deep, multi-generational court relationships
- I-40 Corridor Experts: Specialized in exposing flaws in highway drug interdiction and roadside breathalyzer reliability
- CDL Protection: Recognized as the primary choice for professional drivers requiring a "zero-conviction" outcome
- Case Suppression Leaders: High frequency of securing pre-trial dismissals by filing aggressive constitutional challenges to evidence
- Review Sentiment: 94/100 score for "Regional Relief"; clients praise their "straight-shooting" honesty and aggressive stance against rural enforcement
Notable Recognition
Price & Wiggins' aggressive motion-to-suppress practice and I-40 corridor expertise have made them one of the most feared DWI defense firms in Texas. Their CDL protection track record is exceptional.
Killam Legal
The firm is a go-to choice for professional drivers and college students whose futures depend on the outcome of a single case. Their strategy involves a meticulous re-evaluation of state blood-draw warrant procedures and chain-of-custody protocols, often discovering minute technical errors that render BAC results inadmissible. Reviewers consistently point to the firm's "future-proofing" capability, praising their ability to navigate both the criminal court and the administrative hurdles that threaten careers and livelihoods.
- Tech-Driven Defense: Incorporates 3D modeling and forensic video analysis to visually contradict the prosecution's narrative
- Deep Court Knowledge: Deeply familiar with prosecutorial standards and judicial tendencies across multiple counties
- Forensic Warrant Audits: Specialized in re-evaluating state blood-draw warrants to find constitutional violations
- CDL Defense Center: A primary choice for commercial drivers whose livelihoods depend on a clean record
- Review Sentiment: 91/100 score for "Future-Proofing"; high praise for the firm's ability to save careers through innovative litigation
Notable Recognition
Killam Legal's technology-forward approach to DWI defense sets them apart. Their use of 3D reconstruction and forensic video analysis rivals the capabilities of firms in major metro areas.
Andrew Deegan DWI Defense
Operating as a boutique practice, Deegan maintains a perfect 5.0 rating by prioritizing direct attorney-to-client communication over case volume. He personally works on every case, ensuring that no technical detail or scientific anomaly goes unexploited. His reputation is built on "boutique tenacity"—the idea that a single, highly specialized expert who is always available to his clients is more effective than a larger firm with less personalized focus.
- Forensic Scientist Status: One of the few Texas attorneys holding the elite ACS-CHAL designation for DWI defense
- Gerry Spence Graduate: Specifically trained in the art of trial communication and persuasive jury advocacy
- Courtroom Veteran: Deeply embedded in the legal community with strong relationships across multiple court systems
- Personalized Advocacy: Maintains a perfect rating by personally managing every case without the use of junior associates
- Review Sentiment: 89/100 score for "Boutique Tenacity"; clients praise his ability to make high-level science effective and understandable
Notable Recognition
Andrew Deegan's combination of ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist credentials and Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer's College training makes him uniquely dangerous to prosecutors—he can both find the science and tell the story.
Our Ranking Methodology
How We Determine the Best Defense Lawyers in Texas
These rankings are built on court records, not paid placements. We score every firm across six weighted factors to produce rankings consumers can trust. No attorney can pay to appear on our lists. Read the full methodology.
Case Outcome Analysis
30%We analyze actual case outcomes from publicly available court records across Texas counties. This includes dismissal rates, acquittals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements relative to the severity of charges filed. Attorneys are benchmarked against county-level averages to account for jurisdictional differences in prosecution patterns and judicial tendencies. As the most objective and measurable indicator of attorney performance, case outcomes carry the greatest weight in our rankings.
Concentration of Focus
25%We measure the proportion of each attorney's total caseload that falls within the specific practice area being ranked. An attorney who dedicates 80% or more of their practice to a single area—such as DWI defense or assault cases—develops a depth of expertise that generalists simply cannot match. They see more fact patterns, know the nuances of specific statutes, build stronger relationships with the judges and prosecutors who handle those cases daily, and stay current on evolving case law. We heavily reward this specialization because a high concentration of focus is one of the strongest predictors of superior outcomes for clients.
Talent Concentration
20%We evaluate the depth and quality of legal talent within each firm. This goes beyond simple headcount—we assess how many attorneys on staff hold meaningful credentials such as Board Certification in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers recognition, former prosecutor experience, ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designations, or decades of focused trial experience. A firm with multiple highly credentialed attorneys creates a compounding advantage: they share institutional knowledge, collaborate on complex case strategy, and provide clients with backup expertise that solo practitioners simply cannot offer. The more impressive attorneys under one roof, the stronger the firm scores.
Caseload & Dedication
10%We evaluate each attorney's active caseload to assess their capacity for individual client attention. Firms that maintain manageable caseloads while sustaining high outcome rates demonstrate the balance of experience and dedication that clients deserve. We also examine whether the firm takes on court-appointed cases, which can dilute resources and attention away from retained clients who are paying for premium representation.
Client Reviews & Sentiment Analysis
10%Our analysis goes beyond simple star ratings—we use AI-powered sentiment analysis to evaluate the substance, tone, and specificity of client reviews across verified platforms. This allows us to distinguish between generic positive reviews and those that reflect genuine, detailed client satisfaction. We weight verified client reviews more heavily than anonymous submissions and penalize firms with patterns of suspected review manipulation.
Meta-Analysis of Industry Surveys
5%We conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis of existing attorney ranking systems, peer surveys, and industry recognition programs including Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Texas Monthly's Super Lawyers list, and local bar association awards. By synthesizing multiple independent ranking methodologies, we reduce individual survey bias and identify attorneys who consistently earn recognition across different evaluation frameworks.
Disclaimer: These rankings reflect our independent analysis of publicly available data and are meant to help consumers make more informed decisions. They are not legal advice and do not guarantee any particular outcome. Past results vary by case. We encourage everyone to do their own research and schedule consultations before hiring an attorney.