The best DWI lawyers in Houston in 2026 include Herman Martinez, whose site is built around DWI defense, Doug Murphy of Murphy & McKinney, Brian Foley and Luis Baez, Paul Doyle and Michael D. Mercer among former prosecutors, and Neal Davis, Blass Law and David A. Breston for broader criminal practices.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Martinez Law Firm | Downtown Houston | DWI defense and ALR hearings | First-time and felony DWI |
| 2. Murphy & McKinney Law Firm | The Heights | DWI and criminal defense | Clients who want a board-certified lawyer |
| 3. Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC | Downtown Houston | DWI and vehicular crimes | DWI with a weapon or a crash |
| 4. Paul Doyle & Associates | Downtown Houston | DWI defense | Clients who want a former prosecutor |
| 5. Mercer Law | Downtown Houston | DWI and related charges | Downtown clients |
| 6. Neal Davis Law Firm | The Heights | DWI and felony defense | DWI within a felony practice |
| 7. Blass Law | Downtown Houston | DWI | Clients seeking a career defense lawyer |
| 8. Law Office of David A. Breston | Greenway, Upper Kirby & Midtown | DWI | Non-citizens charged with DWI |
In Texas, the charge is called DWI, and an arrest starts two separate cases: the criminal case and an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) case. You generally have just 15 days from the date you were served notice to request a hearing, or your license will be suspended automatically. So the first thing to do is call a lawyer, ideally within days.
Its home page is built around DWI.
The Martinez Law Firm has pages on the 15-day rule, ALR hearings, first-time and felony DWI, and intoxication assault and manslaughter. Herman Martinez says he's a former Harris County chief prosecutor.
Good to know: Call within the 15-day window.
2617 Canal St, Houston, TX 77003
Lists Texas board certification in criminal law.
Murphy & McKinney Law Firm is Doug Murphy's practice on Heights Boulevard. The site lists Texas board certification in criminal law and leads with DWI.
Good to know: You can check certification with the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
902 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
A vehicular crimes team, per the firm.
Brian Foley and Luis Baez have a vehicular crimes team and pages on DWI, including DWI with unlawful carrying of a weapon. They say they are board-certified former prosecutors.
Good to know: Tell them if there was a crash or injury.
310 Main St, Suite 201, Houston, TX 77002
A former Harris County prosecutor.
Paul Doyle says he spent seven years as a Harris County prosecutor and has a DWI lawyer page on his site.
Good to know: Write down what you remember about the stop.
1221 McKinney St, Suite 2500, Houston, TX 77010
Began at the Harris County DA's office, per the firm.
Michael D. Mercer handles DWI along with weapons and drug charges from Franklin Street. He has also published detailed material on Houston DWI cases.
Good to know: Bring your DIC-25 notice to your first meeting.
917 Franklin St, Suite 550, Houston, TX 77002
A felony practice that also handles DWI.
Neal Davis Law Firm lists DWI as well as felony and white collar defense, from Heights Boulevard, and says help is available 24/7.
Good to know: Ask whether a felony enhancement applies.
1545 Heights Blvd, Suite 700, Houston, TX 77008
A career defense lawyer.
Jay Blass Cohen's firm handles DWI within its criminal defense practice, and it offers a free, confidential consultation. It's on Franklin Street.
Good to know: Tell the lawyer exactly what tests you took.
917 Franklin St, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77002
DWI defense with immigration experience.
David A. Breston has a dedicated Houston DWI defense page, and his firm's immigration practice can help where a DWI might affect status.
Good to know: Ask about the DWI's effect on any pending immigration case.
1820 W Bell St, Houston, TX 77019
You have 15 days from the date you were served notice to request an ALR hearing, according to Texas DPS. If you don't, the suspension takes effect on the 40th day after notice.
Generally 90 days for a failed breath or blood test, and 180 days for a refusal, with longer periods if you have certain prior contacts. See the DPS page and confirm what applies to you.
Usually a first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor, although a higher blood alcohol level, a crash causing injury, or a child passenger can raise the charge. Ask a lawyer how it applies to your facts.