A DWI arrest in Arlington starts a clock you can't see: 15 days to save your license, court dates that arrive whether you're ready or not, and evidence that disappears by the week. The single most important decision is getting a defense attorney who actually practices in the courthouse where your case will be heard — browse listed Arlington-area attorneys and contact the one you choose, free.
Where Arlington DWI cases are heard
Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap St, Fort Worth. Arlington DWI cases are Tarrant County cases — county charges are heard in Fort Worth, while municipal citations go to Arlington Municipal Court.
DWI enforcement in Arlington
The entertainment district around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field draws heavy event-night DWI enforcement, as do I-20, I-30, and SH-360. Arlington sits between two county systems, and arrests near the Grand Prairie line can involve either — knowing which courthouse your case lands in is step one.
What a Arlington DWI can cost you
Texas penalties don't vary by city — a first-offense DWI anywhere in the state is a Class B misdemeanor carrying 72 hours to 180 days in jail, up to a $2,000 court fine, a separate $3,000 state fine, and up to a year of license suspension. Repeat offenses, a BAC of 0.15+, or a child passenger can escalate to felony charges. See the full 2026 penalty chart.
Why local experience matters in Arlington
Diversion programs, plea policies, interlock requirements, and even which judges favor which motions differ by county — sometimes dramatically. The directory includes attorneys who appear regularly in the Tarrant County courts, know the local prosecutors, and can tell you in one free consultation what your options realistically look like. Listings also cover nearby Fort Worth, Irving, Dallas and the rest of the metroplex.
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