By Nathaniel Pitoniak on October 22nd, 2018 in
Texas DWI Plea Bargaining
You need to know all of your options before you agree to anything or decide to proceed through a trial in a drunk driving case in Texas. If you have the right lawyer, a plea bargain could be an option for you.
A knowledgeable DWI defense attorney will discuss with you whether or not a plea bargain is an option. Since every city and county in Texas has their own ways of determining DWI plea bargains, you need to have an attorney who can explain this to you. The first stage of your DWI plea deal process is the negotiation between your defense attorney and the district attorney’s office.
Accepting A Plea Bargain
If you elect to accept a plea bargain for DWI from the state of Texas, this is essentially a way of agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced punishment. By taking a plea bargain, you are allowing the state to make the final decision on your DWI case rather than going through the process of a trial by jury. A plea bargain might be the right fit for you but only in particular situations. It can be hard to make these decisions on your own and this is where the support of a DWI defense lawyer who has represented numerous other people in this situation can help you make the right call for you.
Just because another person you know who received a DWI opted for a plea bargain, does not mean that you should or that you have to. Instead, this can be a mistake that costs you significantly if your lawyer believes that there is ample evidence that you could use to fight back as part of your criminal defense strategy. The support of an attorney is instrumental in helping you to articulate your next steps and how to appropriately protect yourself.
Get Help With You DWI Case Today
No one should have to go through this process alone and thankfully, you don’t have to when you retain a criminal defense attorney immediately. Hire someone you can count on for the entirety of your legal case. Contact our office for immediate assistance?
Verified By: Nathaniel Pitoniak, Criminal Defense Lawyer & Former Prosecutor
Last Modified: August 5, 2026
Nathaniel Pitoniak is an experienced criminal defense attorney and former Harris County prosecutor based in Houston, Texas. With nearly two decades of legal practice, he has tried over thirty jury trials, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of individuals facing criminal charges.
Experience
- Proven Results: Has successfully tried more than 30 felony and misdemeanor jury trials and obtained hundreds of case dismissals. Secured notable outcomes, including a Not Guilty verdict in a serious felony trial carrying up to 99 years in prison, and substantial charge reductions in complex homicide matters.
- Prosecutorial Perspective: Served as a former Assistant District Attorney, felony prosecutor, and chief prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, gaining firsthand insight into how cases are built, evidence is evaluated, and risk is assessed by the state.
- Client-Centered Resolution: Skilled in positioning cases for trial while actively seeking pre-trial intervention agreements and charge dismissals to help clients avoid conviction, preserve professional licenses, and protect immigration status.
Education & Academic Leadership
- Education: Earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from The University of Houston Law Center.
- Academic & Professional Foundation: Trained extensively at the University of Houston Law Center and honed his trial advocacy during his tenure at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Credentials & Recognition
- Courtroom Credibility: Earned praise from opposing prosecutors for trial advocacy, as well as high acclaim from clients for steady, honest, and persuasive representation in high-stakes criminal matters.
- Broad Legal Expertise: Represents clients facing a wide range of state and federal charges, including drug offenses, violent crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, and white-collar offenses.
Connect with Nathaniel: Bio | Firm Office: (346) 589-7074
