We are Galveston's Premier Attorneys for DUI & DWI Defense
Request a Free Consultation with an Attorney
Fill out the form below to receive a free and confidential intial consultation with a Tylka Law Firm attorney.
Key Areas Tylka Law Firm Excels In For DWI/DUI Defense:
- Comprehensive Traffic Stop Challenge and Suppression — Our attorneys scrutinize the constitutional validity of vehicle stops on Galveston roadways, challenging insufficient reasonable suspicion for pullovers while developing compelling suppression motions that can dismiss cases before trial when officers exceed their authority.
- Field Sobriety Testing Analysis and Invalidation — We methodically document improper administration of standardized field sobriety tests by Galveston officers, including failure to account for testing on uneven beach access roads, tests conducted in inadequate lighting, medical conditions affecting performance, and deviations from NHTSA protocols that invalidate these subjective assessments.
- Breathalyzer and Blood Testing Challenge — Our firm employs scientific experts to contest the reliability of breath and blood alcohol testing, exposing maintenance deficiencies in Galveston PD’s breathalyzer units, improper calibration records, unqualified test administration, blood sample mishandling at local medical facilities, and chain of custody issues that compromise test integrity.
- ALR Hearing Representation and License Protection — We provide aggressive advocacy at Administrative License Revocation hearings, preventing automatic license suspension by challenging Galveston officers’ sworn reports, exposing procedural deficiencies, cross-examining arresting officers, and preserving crucial testimony that often proves invaluable in subsequent criminal proceedings.
- Strategic Case Resolution and Sentencing Mitigation — Our attorneys develop personalized defense strategies ranging from aggressive dismissal pursuit to negotiated plea alternatives, securing outcomes like pretrial diversion programs, reduced charges, probation terms with minimal restrictions, occupational driver’s licenses, and case dispositions that minimize long-term consequences for Galveston residents and visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Galveston DUI/DWI Defense:
Facing DWI charges in Galveston creates immediate questions about your rights, potential consequences, and defense options. The following FAQ addresses common concerns defendants face when navigating Texas’s strict DWI laws and Galveston’s aggressive enforcement environment.
Q: What are the potential penalties for a DWI conviction in Galveston County?
- First offense: Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine, and one-year license suspension
- Additional annual DWI surcharges of $1,000-$2,000 for three years under the Driver Responsibility Program
- Second offense: Up to one year in jail, $4,000 fine, and two-year license suspension
- Third offense: 2-10 years in prison and $10,000 fine as a third-degree felony
- Enhanced penalties for BAC over 0.15% (common in Galveston vacation cases)
- Mandatory ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders or high BAC cases
- Separate penalties may apply for refusing breath/blood tests under implied consent laws
- Tylka Law Firm develops strategic defenses to avoid or minimize these severe consequences
Q: How can I challenge a breathalyzer or blood test from a Texas DWI arrest?
- Breathalyzers require proper maintenance, calibration, and certified operators to be reliable
- We investigate Galveston PD’s maintenance logs and operator certifications for deficiencies
- Blood tests must follow strict collection, storage, and testing protocols
- Hospital blood draws (common at UTMB) often violate forensic testing standards
- Rising BAC defense may apply if testing occurred well after driving
- Medical conditions and dietary factors can create false positive results
- Warrant requirements must be strictly followed for blood draws
- Tylka Law Firm works with scientific experts to identify and expose testing flaws
Q: What happens to my driver's license after a Galveston DWI arrest?
- You have only 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing
- Failure to request the hearing results in automatic license suspension
- License will be suspended for 90-180 days for failed tests or 180 days to 2 years for test refusal
- Occupational/essential need licenses may be available even with suspension
- Commercial drivers face harsher CDL consequences under federal regulations
- Out-of-state visitors face home state consequences under interstate compacts
- ALR hearings provide valuable opportunities to cross-examine officers before criminal proceedings
- Tylka Law Firm handles both administrative license defense and criminal DWI defense
Q: What defense strategies are most effective for Galveston DWI cases?
- Challenging the legality of the initial traffic stop on Galveston roadways
- Exposing improper field sobriety test administration on uneven island surfaces
- Contesting observation period violations before breath testing
- Demonstrating breathalyzer maintenance and calibration failures
- Challenging blood sample handling at overworked island medical facilities
- Presenting alternative explanations for physical symptoms (medical conditions, exhaustion)
- Identifying video evidence contradicting officer testimony
- Establishing “no driving” defenses in bar parking lot cases common in Galveston entertainment districts
- Tylka Law Firm tailors defense strategies to the specific circumstances of each Galveston DWI arrest
What truly distinguishes Tylka Law Firm in Galveston DWI defense is our thorough investigative approach—reviewing patrol car video for inconsistencies between officer reports and actual roadside conduct, analyzing maintenance records of breathalyzer units assigned to island patrol vehicles, consulting with toxicologists regarding blood sample handling procedures at local testing facilities, and documenting improper field sobriety test administration on Galveston’s uniquely challenging terrain. Our attorneys understand that successful DWI defense requires challenging both the scientific reliability of testing methods and the constitutional propriety of law enforcement procedures—particularly in Galveston County, where the combination of tourism, alcohol-centered nightlife, and aggressive enforcement creates a perfect storm for questionable arrests and prosecutorial overreach that prioritizes conviction rates over justice.
The substantial stakes in Galveston DWI cases—from driver’s license suspension that can end island residents’ employment to enhanced penalties for cases involving Seawall Boulevard or ferry operations—creates high-pressure situations where experienced representation becomes essential. Tylka Law Firm’s DWI defense attorneys have dedicated their careers to protecting clients’ rights against increasingly aggressive prosecution tactics, challenging improperly obtained evidence, negotiating with Galveston County prosecutors familiar with our reputation for trial readiness, and litigating vigorously when necessary to prevent unjust convictions based on flawed evidence. Our proven success in this challenging practice area reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that proper procedures are followed in every phase of DWI enforcement—from initial traffic stops near island entertainment districts through testing protocols at local facilities to charging decisions at the Galveston County Justice Center.
Don’t risk your future by facing Galveston DWI charges without experienced representation from attorneys who understand both the science of alcohol testing and the unique legal landscape of island law enforcement. Tylka Law Firm offers discreet, judgment-free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your defense options without adding to the stress of pending charges. We provide 24/7 availability for clients arrested during Galveston’s notorious weekend enforcement surges and holiday crackdowns, ensuring immediate guidance during the critical initial phases of DWI processing. Contact our DWI defense team today at (877) 228-9552 to discover why countless Galveston residents and visitors have trusted Tylka Law Firm to protect their rights, driving privileges, and freedom when facing serious drinking and driving charges on the island.
