Ellis County DWI & DUI Defense Attorney
Protecting Your Rights, Preserving Your Future
If you’ve been arrested for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Ellis County, Texas, the decisions you make today can have a lasting impact on your freedom, your finances, and your future. At Heff Law, we provide aggressive, experienced, and compassionate defense for individuals facing drunk driving charges. We understand the anxiety and uncertainty you may be feeling—and we are here to help.
Experienced Representation for DWI and DUI Charges in Ellis County
In Texas, DWI and DUI offenses carry serious penalties, even for first-time offenders. A conviction can result in heavy fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and a permanent criminal record.
Attorney Jake Heffernan has years of experience defending clients in Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, Red Oak, and throughout Ellis County. Our firm is committed to protecting your rights, minimizing the consequences, and guiding you through every step of the legal process.
We handle all types of DWI and DUI cases, including:
First-Time DWI Offenses
Repeat DWI Offenses
Felony DWI Charges
Underage DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor)
DWI with Child Passenger
Intoxication Assault and Manslaughter
Refusal to Submit to Breath or Blood Testing
Understanding Texas DWI Laws
In Texas, you can be charged with DWI if you operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or if your driving is impaired by alcohol or drugs regardless of BAC. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to a DUI charge under the state’s “zero tolerance” policy.
Key Penalties for DWI Convictions:
First Offense: Up to 180 days in jail, up to $2,000 in fines, and up to a 1-year license suspension.
Second Offense: Up to 1 year in jail, up to $4,000 in fines, and a longer license suspension.
Third Offense: 2–10 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and license suspension up to 2 years.
Each case is unique, and penalties may vary depending on factors like your BAC level, prior offenses, and whether there was an accident or injury involved.
Why Choose Heff Law?
Local Knowledge: Deep understanding of Ellis County courts, prosecutors, and procedures.
Personalized Service: Direct communication with your attorney—your case won’t be passed off to junior staff.
Aggressive Advocacy: We fight tirelessly to protect your record, your license, and your future.
Proven Results: A track record of success in DWI and DUI defense cases across Ellis County.
When your future is on the line, you deserve a defense attorney who is as committed to your case as you are to moving forward with your life.
Contact an Ellis County DWI Attorney Today
A DWI or DUI charge can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face it alone. At Heff Law, we stand by your side every step of the way. Our office proudly serves clients throughout Ellis County, including Waxahachie, Red Oak, Ennis, Midlothian, and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
A first-time DWI offense in Texas is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties may include:
Fines: Up to $2,000
Jail Time: 72 hours to 180 days
Driver's License Suspension: 90 days to 1 year
Additional Consequences: Mandatory attendance in a DWI education program and possible installation of an ignition interlock device
If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.15% or higher, the offense escalates to a Class A misdemeanor, increasing the potential fine to $4,000 and jail time up to one year.
Yes, following a DWI arrest, your driver's license may be subject to an Administrative License Revocation (ALR). This civil process is separate from the criminal case and can result in:
- License Suspension: 90 days to 2 years, depending on factors such as prior offenses and whether you refused chemical testing
Immediate Action Required: You have 15 days from the date of arrest to request an ALR hearing to contest the suspension
Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in automatic suspension of your driving privileges.
Yes, under Texas law, you can be charged with DWI even if the vehicle is not in motion. The key factor is "operating" a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Courts have interpreted "operating" to include situations where an individual is in the driver's seat with access to the vehicle's controls, even if the engine is off. This means you could face DWI charges if you're found intoxicated behind the wheel in a parked car.