The best DWI lawyers in San Antonio in 2026 include George Scharmen, who says he has focused only on DWI defense for 30 years, Brad Thornton, whose firm has a DWI special unit, and Mario Del Prado and Patrick L. Hancock among board-certified and experienced criminal defense lawyers.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. George Scharmen, Attorney at Law | Downtown San Antonio | DWI defense only | Clients who want a DWI-only lawyer |
| 2. Thornton Criminal Defense | Midtown & Monte Vista | DWI, first offense and felony | First-time offenders |
| 3. Del Prado Law | Midtown & Monte Vista | DWI and criminal defense | DWI with serious consequences |
| 4. Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock | Midtown & Monte Vista | DWI and DUI | Clients with other charges |
In Texas, a DWI arrest starts two cases: the criminal charge and a license case, and you have just 15 days to request a hearing on your license. Call a lawyer within days.
Says he has focused only on DWI for 30 years.
George Scharmen says he has dedicated the last 30 years exclusively to DWI defense, and his office is on Dwyer Avenue, downtown.
Good to know: Bring your DIC-25 notice.
214 Dwyer Ave, Suite 304, San Antonio, TX 78204
A DWI special unit, per the firm.
Thornton Criminal Defense has a DWI special unit and separate pages on first-offense DWI. Brad Thornton says he's a former chief prosecutor.
1800 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
A dedicated San Antonio DWI page.
Mario Del Prado has a dedicated San Antonio DWI page and says he's a board-certified criminal law specialist.
342 W Woodlawn Ave, Suite 302, San Antonio, TX 78212
A dedicated DWI and DUI page.
The Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock has a DWI and DUI page within a broader criminal practice on McCullough Avenue.
1800 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
You have 15 days from being served notice to request an ALR hearing, per Texas DPS. If you don't, your suspension takes effect on the 40th day after notice.
Generally 90 days for a failed test and 180 days for a refusal, with longer periods for certain prior contacts. See the DPS page.
Usually a Class B misdemeanor, although a higher blood alcohol level, an injury crash or a child passenger can make it more serious.