Monthly Archives - December 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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