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.