Yearly Archives - 2012

DWI Does Not Always Mean Alcohol

When most people think of a DWI charge, the first thing that comes to mind is drinking and driving. What many do not realize is that Driving While Intoxicated does not always involve alcohol. It can involve other kinds of drugs as well, including legal prescription drugs. Various types of intoxication that leads to impaired judgment while driving can be classified as a DWI.

If for any reason your driving seems reckless to an officer, he has the right to pull you over and subject you to what is known as a field sobriety test. If you fail that test, your car can then be searched and you can possibly face more charges than just a DWI is illegal drugs are found. A single charge or combination of charges can alter the entire course of your life if your legal case is not handled correctly during your day in court. This is why it is imperative to contact a Houston DWI attorney as soon as you find yourself in trouble.

A good Houston DWI lawyer will look into all aspects of your case, especially how it was determined by the officer that you were indeed driving while intoxicated. Any misstep in how the conclusion of DWI was made and how the actual arrest was handled can prove to be vital to your defense. When first meeting with a DWI lawyer in Houston, he will ask you to be as honest with him as possible about what happened that fateful day or night that you were pulled over. And, your attorney should be just as up front and honest with you about the seriousness of your charges and what you might be facing, including large fines, jail time and the suspension of your license. If there are also drug charges that go along with a DWI charge, things are all the more serious and require an attorney with both know-how and experience defending these types of cases. The more knowledge your Houston DWI lawyer has about all the intricacies that come with the DWI laws in the state of Texas can make a major difference in hour your case is tried and whether you receive a conviction or not.

With charges like this and the type of sentence you may face, a good DWI attorney in Houston can make all the difference on the outcome of your case—and in turn, your life.

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Choosing the Right DWI Lawyer in Houston

When charged with a DWI offense in Houston, TX, one of the most important decisions you will ever make is choosing who will defend you when you have your day in court. You do not need to go through this traumatic time alone and having the right Houston DWI attorney by your side to guide you through the trial process, prepare a viable case and reassure you—while at the same time being up front and honest—are both a mental and legal necessity.

You should contact a DWI lawyer in Houston as soon you can after being charged with the offense. The sooner you have made a decision about who you are going to use, the better. You want a lawyer to begin working on your defense as soon as possible, but that does not mean you should choose just any lawyer out of the phone book. Do your homework before making any commitments.

First, make sure your lawyer specializes in DWI cases. Your Houston DWI lawyer should also have a lot of courtroom experience, and especially have experience in the jurisdiction your case will be heard in. The more familiar your attorney is with the local court, the better your outcome may be. You can contact the Texas bar association for a list of attorneys in your area, and also ask around. You may be surprised that there are others you know who have faced these charges and may have a lawyer they can recommend for you. Judges and police officers also are known for recommending DWI lawyers. Once you have contacted a few a few attorneys, meet with them in person. Choosing a lawyer over the phone is never a good idea. Ask your potential lawyer questions about his or her experience. Queries can include how many DWI cases they have tried in the past year, what portion of their practice is dedicated exclusively to DWI offenses and are they experienced in investigating DWI cases. Up front and honest answers without any hesitation is one of the best ways to know if this is the lawyer for you.

You will want to have a good rapport with whichever DWI attorney in Houston you choose. Feeling comfortable with your lawyer as a person and a professional at the same time is of the utmost importance. A good relationship with your lawyer can open up the communication lines and communication is one of the best defenses against any offense.

 

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DWI Offenses

When charged with a DWI in Houston, TX, it can be an extremely terrifying and daunting experience. One fateful night can change your entire life. Whether you are a first-time offender or whether this has happened before, contacting a Houston DWI attorney is of the utmost importance. You want to make sure your case is being handled correctly from the start and will need a professional to do the job for you.

When first meeting with your Houston DWI lawyer, he will explain to you Texas DWI laws. Different offenses come with different penalties and sentences. A first time offender can be subjected to a $2,000 fine, as well as the possibility of jail time that ranges from three days to 180 days. Your license can be revoked as a first-time offender for anywhere from 90 days to 365 days. If you are a first time offender and it is found that your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was .15 or higher, then you can be tried as a second time offender. Sentences for a second time offender includes a maximum fine of $5,000. There is also the possibility of a jail sentence from 30 days up to one year, as well as your license being revoked for anywhere from 180 days to two years. First and second time offenders have their convictions classified as a misdemeanor, but that does not mean a DWI lawyer in Houston is not of absolute necessity.

A third time offense is considered a third degree felony. It is punishable with a fine of up to $10,000, as well as a possible prison sentence of 2-10 years. Your driver’s license can also be suspended anywhere from 180 days to two years. If there was an accident and serious bodily injury was incurred by another during a DWI offense, this is considered intoxication assault and you can spend 2-10 years in prison, and also possibly be made to pay a $10,000 fine. If a death occurred as the result of a DWI, this is considered intoxication manslaughter and if convicted, you can face up to 20 years in prison.

Being charged with a DWI in the state of Texas is no laughing matter and your best bet if charged with this crime, whether a first time offense or whether someone was injured, is to make a sure a DWI lawyer in Houston is looking out for your best interest.

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Understanding Houston DWI Laws in Texas

If charged with a DWI offense in Houston, TX it is best to understand what the laws on driving while intoxicated mean. Hiring a Houston DWI lawyer and educating yourself with the ins and outs of the charges you are facing are some of the best offenses you can have in court. Knowledge is power, especially when this knowledge can decide your fate on criminal charges.

One of the first things you want to understand is what exactly is intoxication and how is it determined by law? You may ask this question the first time you consult with your Houston DWI attorney, or this may be something you research yourself. Intoxication does not have to be caused only by alcohol. Drugs (even prescription drugs) can cause intoxication. When intoxicated, you do not have full control of your mental or even physical abilities. Even if you feel you do, if you legally have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08% or more, then by law you are considered intoxicated and can face serious legal charges. If your BAC is lower, but you have had a previous DWI offense on your record, then you can still be charged with a DWI and will need a DWI attorney in Houston.

The ways by which a BAC is measured varies. It can be done via blood, a breath test or urine. While a blood test is thought to be much more accurate than a urine test, it is not always as convenient. The most convenient test used is actually a breath test done by a machine called an Intoxilyzer 5000 test. (Typical breathalzyers are not used in Texas.) It can be conducted soon after being pulled over and does not require samples to be sent to the lab. Which method of determining intoxication used can be very important to your Houston DWI attorney when preparing and defending your case.

While it is never considered smart to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking alcohol, whether you are legally impaired or intoxicated is something wholly different. A DWI attorney in Houston specializes in these types of charges and can help put your mind at ease during the entire trial process. Know that you do not need to go it alone when facing DWI charges and contacting and choosing the right lawyer can make a major difference as to whether you can beat the charges against you. Call us today as the first step in getting your DWI charge defended.

 

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When Charged With a DWI in Houston

There are various aspects to a DWI case in Houston, Texas that can involve court dates. One can be the actual trial for the charges themselves and another can be a hearing regarding your license suspension. Known as an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing, it can occur if either you refuse to take a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) test or if you fail one.  Although this hearing does not involve criminal charges, you do not want to handle this hearing on your own and will need to hire a Houston DWI attorney.

Once you receive your notice of suspension, you need to request an ALR hearing within 15 days or your license will be automatically suspended. Your inability to drive legally can have a major effect on your life, especially if you need your vehicle to get to and from work. The officer who pulled you over for the DWI offense is required by law to let you know of your right to a hearing. Making sure a Houston DWI lawyer is with you at this hearing can only help your case overall, as your attorney will be able to learn more of how the prosecution plans to try the case.

Of course, who you choose as your lawyer is of the utmost importance. Do not just pick a name out of the phone book and go with that. Make sure whatever DWI attorney is Houston that you choose is a DWI specialist. Ask for recommendations from friends or even the judge or officers handling your case. You can also contact the Texas local bar association for names of DWI lawyers in Houston. Make a short list of lawyers you think may be a good fit for you and call them. Talk to them a bit and then narrow your list down further. Finally, meet with one or two and be as up front as possible with them about your case. If the lawyer or lawyer you meet with is as up front with you as you are with them, you have possibly met a good match. The best lawyers are the ones who will be honest with you from the start.

Remember, do not waste any time in your attorney search. Your ALR hearing is the first step in a long battle you have ahead of you and you want to be well-prepared for that day in court, as your license and possibly your livelihood may be at stake.

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Driving While Impaired in Houston

If you are accused of transgressing the DWI laws in the state of Texas, particularly in Houston, the most important thing you need to do is get a lawyer.

Many people try to deal with the problem alone.  Instead of getting an attorney, they decide to be the one to answer all the papers, submit to tests, etc.   Most of them think that using an attorney will cost them more money. But actually, for you to have a greater chance of being acquitted, it’s always sensible that you get yourself a lawyer. There are many reasons to this.

Committing a DWI, even if you are only just over the limit, can create detrimental changes in your life and in your career.  What if you’ve just graduated from college and you don’t have a job yet?   Do you think applying to a decent company will be easy when you have a criminal record?  Well, no company would ever want to have an employee who has actually previously been convicted of a wrongdoing.  An employer might think that you are untrustworthy and therefore, you aren’t fit for their business.  Even though driving under the influence can be a less serious thing, employers would always prefer people who have clear track records.

Aside from finding it difficult to find employment, the psychological effect of committing DWI can be very disturbing. Just envisage the reactions of your associates and friends, as well as your family and relatives, when they become aware of it.

DWI also can lead you to many financial setbacks because in Houston, one of the possible penalties that will likely be enforced on you is payment of fines.  It can cost you tens of thousands.  If have you brought damage to any property or person, be prepared to pay even more.

Houston DWI Lawyer Law – how to look for a good attorney

Hiring a skilled Houston DWI lawyer will place you in a better position to face whatever legal accusations have been made against you.  Start your search for a DWI lawyer in Houston. You can scan a public phone directory, the newspaper, and any print advertising to get the contact details of an attorney.  You can ask advice from your friends for recommendations.  You can surf the web.  Talk to at least 3 law firms who are all specializing in DWI.  Call each one and check whether there’s a free consultation.  Reputable lawyers offer such service.  Then, go with the best person to work with.

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What’s Up for DUI Violators in Houston?

Driving while intoxicated is something that many people do over and over again.  Even if they already know the consequences, they still do – for whatever reasons.  Some don’t understand the importance of abiding the law.

So what’s up for DWI violators?

1.     The punishment that normally arises from DRUNK-DRIVING judgment of conviction depends on the kind of case lodged against you. Clearly, the lighter the offense, the lighter the punishment becomes. But however punishments are punishments and infraction or felony can importantly destroy your record.

2.     The fine that might be imposed may range between $ 4,000 and $ 10,000 depending on offense committed. It may also lead to the cancellation of your license to drive for a specified period of time.

3.     Aside from being incarcerated, paying fines, and having your license to drive suspended; the court typically obliges you to serve community service or serve a rehabilitation program for drunk-driving or drug rehabilitation programs. The worst component is that a conviction will essentially put your name on a list of wrongdoers. No one desires to be named a felon! Even serious outlaws don’t want to be called such a word. In addition to that, people can in no time get at your DWI records. If you’re searching for a particular job and your employer secretly directs a criminal record check, he/she might be deterred from hiring you even if you seem to be a positive asset for the company. DWI convictions can remain on a record for a long period of time.

Houston DWI lawyer Law

If you are accused with DWI in Houston, you can maybe escape being incarcerated in Houston County Jail. How? You can do this by getting an outstanding legal counsel.   If you don’t desire these things to happen, better be careful when driving. Then again, there are instances when we can’t easily control the situation or we can be mistakenly charged by any cop. Whatever the case, you need to contact Houston DWI Lawyer Law instantly to have legal help. You can possibly have the charges against you thrown out if you employ a very good DWI attorney.

Contacting a Houston DWI Lawyer Law firm or agency may save you from all the shocking punishments and the embarrassment and disgrace that DWI can involve.

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The Overwhelming Things that May Happen to You when Charged with DWI

Policemen in the state of Texas are very strict about DWI.  So if you intend to hang out with your acquaintances and spend hours in a bar, then don’t risk driving afterwards. You can be accused and even convicted of DWI infraction.

DWI can put you in jail

If you are charged with DWI in Houston, you might be able to avoid being placed behind bars in Houston County Jail. How? You can do this by getting a respectable attorney. Getting through a Houston DWI Lawyer Law firm or institution may save you from all the heavy punishments, along with the embarrassment and disgrace that the whole thing might bring to you.

DWI will cost you lots of money

An offense in the DWI law can range from a misdemeanor to a serious offense so you better be careful.   The average punishment that arises from a DWI conviction depends on the kind of case facing you.  As you can imagine, the lighter the infraction committed, the lighter the punishment becomes. But still penalties are penalties and infraction or felony can importantly destroy your clean record.  The fine that you might be asked to pay may vary from $ 4,000 to $ 10,000, according to the infraction committed. It may also lead to the cancellation of your license to drive for a specified period of time.

Aside from being put behind bars, paying fines, and having your license to drive cancelled; the court may oblige you to render community service or attend a rehabilitation program for drunk-driving or drug use.

DWI can damage your reputation and records

The worst aspect is that a judgment of conviction will basically put your name on the list of offenders. No one desires to be named a crook! Even outlaws don’t want to be called such a word. Moreover, people can quickly and completely access your DWI records. If you’re searching for a job and your recruiter privately conducts a criminal record check, he/she might be deterred from hiring you even if you appear to be a great asset for the company. DWI felonies can  stay attached to your name even after a long period of time has elapsed.

If you don’t desire these things to occur, better be careful when driving. On the other hand, there are instances that we just can’t control and we can be wrongfully accused by any cop. In any case, you need to get through with Houston DWI Lawyer Law straight off to get legal help. You possibly can have the lawsuits against you dropped down if you will employ a very good DWI attorney.

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Penalties Involved in DWI and How to Face It

If you’re a vacationer in Texas, and you intend to spend hours in beer-drinking sessions, then don’t dare drive soon after. You can be charged and even convicted of DWI misdemeanor. An offense in the DWI law can range from a misdemeanor to a serious crime so it is not a charge to take lightly.

The fine that may follow could be several thousands of dollars based on the crime committed. It may also lead to the cancellation of your license to drive for a specified period of time.

Major penalties

The penalty that is imposed from DWI conviction depends on the type of case charged against you. Certainly, the lighter the misdemeanor committed, the lighter the punishment becomes. But notwithstanding penalizations are penalizations and infraction or felony can significantly destroy your clear record.

Other Penalties

Apart from being jailed, paying fines, and having your license to drive revoked; the court may ask you to serve community service or attend a rehabilitation program for drunk-driving or drug rehabilitation. In addition to that, people can easily access your DWI records. If you’re looking for a line of work and your employer confidentially directs a criminal record check, he/she might be deterred from employing you, even if you appear to be a valuable asset for a company. A DWI felony record can still remain attached to your record for a long period of time.

How to deal with DWI in Houston?

If you want to stay out of trouble, better be careful while driving.  But then, there are instances when we can’t control the situation, or we can be wrongfully charged by any cop. Whatever the case, you need to consult Houston DWI Lawyer Law immediately to get legal assistance. You possible can have the suits against you dropped if you hire a very adept DWI attorney.

If you are charged with DWI in Houston, you can maybe escape being imprisoned in Houston County Jail. How? You can start by getting a really good legal counsel. Contacting a Houston DWI Lawyer Law firm or bureau may spare you from all the penalizations not to mention the embarrassment and shame that the entire experience may bring on you.

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What Happens When You Violate DWI Law in Houston?

DWI in Texas is firmly enforced by the police. If you’re in Texas for a vacation and you plan to hang out with your acquaintances and pass the hours in a beer-drinking session, then don’t dare to drive soon thereafter. You can be accused and even convicted of DWI infraction. An infraction in the DWI statute can range from a misdemeanor to a serious offense so you should be aware of this.

The fine that could be imposed might be between $ 4,000 and $ 10,000 depending on the weight of infraction committed. It may additionally lead to the cancellation of your license to drive for a specified time period.

Penalties associated with a DWI Violation

The penalization arising from DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED sentence depends on the type of lawsuit filed against you. Of course, the lighter the infraction perpetrated, the lighter the punishment becomes. But nevertheless, punishments are punishments, and infraction or felony can importantly destroy your clean record.  The worst part is that a judgment of conviction will fundamentally put your name on the list of offenders. No one wants to be named a criminal! Even real criminals don’t want to be called such a word. In addition, people can, without any difficulty, access your DWI records.

Apart from being imprisoned, paying fines, and having your license to drive suspended; the tribunal usually asks you to serve community service or serve a rehabilitation program for drunk-driving or drug rehabilitation programs. If you’re looking for a line of work, and your recruiter secretly leads a criminal record check, he/she might be discouraged from hiring you, even if you seem you could be a good asset to a company. DWI felony records can remain attached to your name even after many years have elapsed.

If you are charged with DWI in Houston, you can get away from being incarcerated in Houston County Jail. How? You can start by getting a reputable attorney. Using a Houston DWI Lawyer Law firm or institution may save you costly penalties, and it goes without saying the embarrassment and shame that the whole experience may inflict on you.

You don’t want these things to happen, better be careful behind the wheel. But then, there are instances that we just can’t control. Whatever the case, you need to consult Houston DWI Lawyer Law straightaway to have legal help. You can have the lawsuits against you dropped if you employ a very skillful DWI attorney.

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