Texas Drunk Driving Defense

Find a DWI DUI Drunk Driving Lawyer in your state.

Attorney Offices by Municipality

Abilene
Addison
Alice
1. Gary Scoggins: Traffic citations can have serious negative consequences for both your driver's license and insurance rates. Speaking to an experienced attorney can help you minimize, and often eliminate, the adverse effects of a traffic citation.
Allen
Alvin
Amarillo
Angleton
Arlington
Austin
1. A-B
2. C-K
3. C-K
4. C-K
5. C-K
6. C-K
7. C-K
8. L
9. M
10. N-Z
Azle
1. William Copenhaver: bad things happen to good people
Beaumont
Bedford
Belton
Big Spring
1. Donald Richard: You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
Brownsville
Bryan
Burleson
1. Williams, Kevin: DWI/DUI Because Texas convictions for DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) carry heavy penalties, even for the first offense, it is essential to have a criminal attorney defend you. State law sets the limit for intoxication at .08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, regardless of BAC, a police officer can issue a DWI charge for impaired driving due to alcohol or other drugs, legal or illegal. The Texas zero tolerance law makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol. When you are arrested and charged with drunk driving, you will be dealing with two separate casesÑan administrative hearing dealing with license suspension and a DUI/DWI criminal proceeding. Generally you must appear in court where a judge or jury renders a decision. However, once you are convicted, Texas law sets mandatory punishments, that leave the judge no discretion.
Cameron
Clerburne, College Station, Conroe, Corpus Christi
Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas
Conroe
1. Duane Corley: If you have been arrested or accused of a crime or traffic offense, you need an experienced trial attorney who is able to honestly answer your questions and zealously defend your individual and constitutional rights.
Coppel
Decatur
1. Williams,Steven: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM ARRESTED? KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS! WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ARRESTED! I am told that I am under arrest. What does that mean? When you are arrested, you are taken into custody. This means that you are not free to leave the scene. Without being arrested, you can be detained, however, or held for questioning for a short time if a police officer or other person believes you may be involved in a crime. For example, an officer may detain you if you are carrying a large box near a burglary site. You can also be detained by storekeepers if they suspect you have stolen something. Whether you are arrested or detained, you do not have to answer any questions except to give your name and address and show some identification if requested. 1. WHAT RIGHTS DO I HAVE? Answer: Whether you are an adult citizen or non-citizen, you have certain rights if you are arrested. Before the law enforcement officer questions you, he or she should tell you that: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you. You have a right to have a lawyer present while you are questioned. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you. These are your "Miranda" rights, guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. If you are not given these warnings, your lawyer can ask that any statements you made to the police not be used against you in court. But this does not necessarily mean that your case will be dismissed. This does not apply if you volunteer information without being questioned by the police. 2. ONCE I AM TOLD MY RIGHTS, CAN I BE QUESTIONED? Answer: You can be questioned, without a lawyer present, only if you voluntarily give up your rights and if you understand what you are giving up. If you agree to the questioning, then change your mind, questioning must stop as soon as you say that you want a lawyer. If the questioning continues after you request a lawyer and you continue to talk, your answers can be used against you if you testify to something different. You may be required to give certain physical evidence. For example, if you are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol you may be requested to take a test to measure the amount of alcohol in your system. If you refuse to take the test, your driver's license will be suspended and the refusal will be used against you in court. Once you are booked, meaning your arrest is written into official police records and you are fingerprinted and photographed, you have a right to make and complete three telephone calls that are free within the local dialing area. 3. WHEN SHOULD I SEE A LAWYER? Answer: If you are arrested for a crime, particularly a serious one, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. He or she has a better sense of what you should and should not say to law enforcement officers to avoid being misinterpreted or misunderstood. The lawyer also can advise you or your family or friends on the bail process. There is no substitute for a good Maryland criminal defense lawyer. 4. WHO CAN ARREST ME? Answer: All law enforcement officers - such as police officers, county sheriff officers, investigators in a district attorney's or an attorney general's offices and highway patrol officers - can arrest you whether they are on or off duty, in most cases. A probation or parole officer also can arrest you. They can arrest you - even if they do not have an arrest warrant - if they have probable cause or good reason to believe you committed a felony, such as armed robbery. (A felony is a crime of a more serious nature than a misdemeanor, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than a year.) They do not have to see you commit a felony in order to arrest you. They do, however, have to see you commit a misdemeanor in order to arrest you. If you commit an infraction, instead of taking you into custody, they may ask to sign a citation or notice. This is a minor offense, such as a moving violation, where the punishment usually is a fine. If you sign the citation, you are not admitting guilt; you are only promising to appear in court. If you have no identification or refuse to sign, however, an officer may take you into custody. 5. CAN SOMEONE OTHER THAN A POLICE OFFICER ARREST ME? Answer: Any person, such as a private security guard, can make a citizen's arrest if they see a misdemeanor being attempted or committed. (A misdemeanor is a criminal offense, usually punishable with a fine or short jail term.) They also can make a legal arrest for a felony as long as it actually was committed and they have good reason to believe you did it. They must take you to a police officer or judge who is required by law to take you into custody. 6. WHEN IS AN ARREST WARRANT USED? Answer: Usually a warrant is required before you can be taken into custody in your home. But you can be arrested at home without a warrant if fast action is needed to prevent you from escaping, destroying evidence, endangering someone's life or seriously damaging property. The warrant must be signed by a magistrate or judge, who must have good reason to believe that you, whom the warrant names, committed a crime. If your name is unknown, "John Doe" can be used on the warrant - along with your description. Once an arrest warrant is issued, any law enforcement officer in the state can arrest you - even if the officer does not have a copy of the warrant. Generally, there is no time limit on using a warrant to make an arrest. Before entering your home, a law enforcement officer must knock and identify himself or herself and tell you that you are going to be arrested. If you refuse to open the door - or if there is another good reason - the officer can break in through a door or window. If the police have an arrest warrant, you should be allowed to see it. If they don't have the warrant with them, you should be allowed to see it as soon as practical. The police may search the area within your reach. If you are arrested outdoors, they may not search your home or car. Resisting an arrest or detention is a crime. If you resist arrest, you can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony in addition to the crime for which you are being arrested. If you resist, an officer can use force to overcome your resistance or prevent your escape. The officer can even use deadly force if it appears you will use force to cause great bodily injury. 7. WHEN CAN I BE RELEASED? Answer: If, during the questioning and before a charge is filed, the police are convinced that you have not committed a crime, they will give you a written release. Your arrest then will be considered a detention and not recorded as an arrest. 8. WHAT IS BAIL AND HOW IS IT SET? Answer: The amount of bail - money or other security deposited with the court to insure that you will appear - is set by a schedule in each county. You may be notified that you can forfeit or give up bail instead of appearing in court if you receive a traffic citation. However, if you have any doubt, go to court so a warrant is not issued for your arrest for failing to appear. Bail forfeiture does not apply to misdemeanors or felonies. Forfeiting bail does not mean that the charges are dropped and usually works as a conviction for a traffic offense. A Magistrate at the jail will usually set bail or you maybe held for a Judge to set bail. If you cannot post or put up the bail, you will be kept in custody. Depending on where you are arrested, you may have the opportunity to request a bail reduction from a Judge. When you are taken to court for bail setting or release, the judge will consider the seriousness of the offense you are charged with, any prior failures to appear (even for traffic tickets), any previous record, your connections to the community, as well as the probability that you will appear in court. The amount of bail is set according to a written schedule based on your charges. The law presumes you are guilty of the charges for purposes of setting bail or release. Instead of paying bail, you might be released on your own recognizance or "O.R." (or supervised O.R.). This means that you do not have to pay bail because the judge believes that you will show up for court appearances without bail. 9. WHO MAINTAINS ARREST RECORDS AND WHAT DO THEY INCLUDE? Answer: Local police departments and the Judiciary keep arrest records. Your past criminal record maybe in a national data bank. The arrest record includes when and why you were arrested, whether the charges against you were dropped or whether you were convicted of the charges, and the subsequent sentence imposed. Both pleading guilty and being found guilty after a trial count as convictions. If you are convicted of committing a misdemeanor, placed on probation and stay out of trouble, you are able to have the conviction removed from your record for such purposes as employment background checks. This is often called "probation before verdict". 10. WHAT HAPPENS AT AN ARRAIGNMENT? Answer: You have a right to be arraigned without unnecessary delay - usually within a short period of time- after being arrested. You will appear before a judge who will tell you officially of the charges against you at your first arraignment. At the arraignment, an attorney may be appointed for you if you cannot afford one, and bail can be raised or lowered. You also can ask to be released on P.R., even if bail was previously set. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you can plead guilty or not guilty at the arraignment. Or, if the court approves, you can plead nolo contendere, meaning that you will not contest to the charges. Legally this is the same as a guilty plea, but it cannot be used against you in a non-criminal case, unless the charge can be punished as a felony. Before pleading guilty to some first-time offenses, such as drug use or possession in small amounts for personal use, you may want to find out if your county has any drug diversion programs. Under these programs, instead of fining you or sending you to jail, the court may order you to get counseling which can result in dismissal of the charges if you complete the counseling. If misdemeanor charges are not dropped, a trial will be held later in municipal court. If you are charged with a felony, however, and the charges are not dropped, the next step is a preliminary hearing. 11. WHAT HAPPENS AT A PRELIMINARY HEARING? Answer: During the preliminary inquiry or hearing, usually within a short period after arrest, the States Attorney's office must present evidence showing a reasonable suspicion that a felony was committed and that you did it to convince the judge that you should be brought to trial. In lesser offenses in the District Court of Maryland the preliminary inquiry is only to find out if you have an attorney and understand the charge. This hearing is often waived if your attorney enters his appearance in your case. If you are charged with a crime and unable to understand English, you have a right to an interpreter throughout the proceedings. REMEMBER THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL LAWYERS! You could be sentenced to time in jail for driving while intoxicated, possession of drugs or reckless driving. It is important to contact a lawyer immediately. WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS YOU CAN NOT AFFORD ANYTHING LESS!!
2. Smith & Green: There are two separate procedures that are going on. One is the criminal case for DWI that will be referred to the County Attorney's office. (If you had two prior convictions for DWI, the case becomes a felony and would be referred to the District Attorney's office.) First time DWI is a Class B misdemeanor and carries with it a range of punishment up to 180 days in the Wise County Jail and up to a $2,000 fine. The second procedure that is ongoing involves your driver's license. Make no mistake about it: if you do nothing your license will be suspended by DPS if you refused to take a breath test or if you took the test and failed it. This suspension normally takes place on the 40th day after your arrest.
Deer Park
Denison
1. R.J. Hagood: ... goal is to provide the highest quality legal services to you in a timely fashion.
Denton
Desoto
1. Fred McDanieL: You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
El Paso
Edinburg
Fair Oaks Ranch
1. James Mitchell: DWI and DUI charges are an increasingly common social problem in today's world. Throughout Texas and in all other U. S. jurisdictions, it is considered a serious offense and can lead to severe criminal penalties, including heavy fines, loss of driving privileges, and incarceration. The authorities in many states are currently cracking down on DUI offenses by reducing the blood alcohol content level at which a person can legally operate a motor vehicle. However, knowledgeable legal counsel can help you avoid hefty fines, license suspensions, or large insurance increases.
Floresville
1. Andres Cedillos: The Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment, which generally prohibits the government from putting any person "in jeopardy of life or limb" for the same offense twice, does not bar successive trials for the same offense by "separate sovereigns."
Flower Mound
Fort Bend
1. Anthony Segura: A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. Intoxicated means: a) not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body; or b) having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. Alcohol concentration means the number of grams of alcohol per: a) 210 liters of breath; b) 100 milliliters of blood; or c) 67 milliliters of urine.
Fort Worth Fort Worth Fort Worth Fort Worth Fort Worth Fort Worth
Frisco
Garland
1. Ronald Cross: DWI is a very serious offense in our Lone Star State. Anyone arrested today in Texas for DWI will encounter confusing procedures and potentially devastating punishments: suspension of driving privileges, fines, possible jail time, perhaps prison if a motor vehicle accident resulted in injuries, and particularly if this isn't the defendant's first offense. Sometimes the punishments can be more severe than in some felony cases. There is also the personal, human toll. Stories of loss of reputation, rescinded employment opportunities, and soaring automobile insurance costs aren't just stories. They're the new reality. As opposed to other traffic citations handled by our DWI attorney, DWI is the only offense of a criminal nature that uses subjective evidence for convictions. Evidence against you is based on the speculation of the arresting police officer during the few minutes you were in each other's company.
2. Daniel Strann: Being charged with a crime can leave a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. If the State is trying to convict you of a crime it is imperative that you have someone with experience in criminal defense protecting your rights. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor, a DWI, or a felony charge such as theft or assault... ... You do not have to walk into court alone.
Friendswood, Galveston, Georgetown, Gonzales, Grand Prairie, Hallettsville, Heath
Hico
1. Ricky Bryan: If you have been accused of a crime, the decisions you make now can literally affect the rest of your life. The strength of your defense should be assessed by an attorney who fully understands the unique facts of your case and who knows how the law applies to your circumstances. Only then can you make the critical decisions that will protect your future.
Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston
Hurst, Irving, Kileen, Kingsville, Kingwood, League City, Lewisville
Kaufman
Kingwood
1. Williams, Andrew: Consequences of a DWI The consequences of driving while intoxicated (DWI) vary depending on other convictions you have had, and consequences get stricter with each conviction. Consequences can include: * Jail time of up to six months for a first offense * Prison sentence of up to one year for a second offense * Two to ten years in prison for subsequent offenses * Potential suspension of drivers' license
2. Garrison Law Firm: Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) are serious charges. Taking immediate action to protect yourself can affect your life for years to come. Even if this is your first brush with the criminal justice system, prosecutors will not go easy on you simply because you choose to plead guilty. No matter what police or prosecutors tell you, it is in your best interests to remain silent until you have spoken to a criminal defense attorney. The District Attorney represents the state, not you. The penalties for DUI/DWI are severe. A conviction for your first offense can lead to at least 180 days in jail and a hefty fine. In addition to the criminal penalties, DWI situations also have civil proceedings regarding license suspension or license revocation. Most Americans depend on their driver's licenses.
Longview
Lubbock
Lufkin
1. Flournoy & Deaton: Many states have enacted statutes that grant non-law enforcement citizens the right to detain others if the citizen knows that the detained individual is engaged in the commission of a crime. This detainment is frequently referred to as a "citizen's arrest." These statutes usually set forth specific guidelines regarding the circumstances under which a person may place another under citizen's arrest. Even states without specific statutes, such as Florida, often allow average citizens the right to arrest others, based on general principles of law.
Manor
McAllen
McKinney McKinney McKinney McKinney McKinney McKinney
Mesquite, Mount Pleasant, Nacogdoches, New Braunfels, Odessa, Pearland
Pfarr
1. Orozco, Damien: Drunk driving can have a serious and lasting impact on you. You may lose your vehicle, struggle to go to work, lose your job and be unable to care for your family. To ensure that you do everything possible to protect yourself and your future, you need to be aware of your rights and your options. DWI / DUI- What You Need to Know * DWI/DUI enforcement has increased greatly over the past few years. * Being arrested for a DUI/DWI can lead to criminal charges and license revocation * You can be arrested and convicted for Flying While Intoxicated and Boating While Intoxicated In Texas, the State can prosecute your third or higher DWI as a felony. The penalties become higher, including time in prison. Our experienced criminal defense lawyer will handle your automatic suspension right away if you have a DWI issue. Do not add to your convictions. You Need a DWI Attorney From Beginning to End If you or a family member has a DWI issue, you need an attorney from the day you post bond through to the final resolution of your matter.
Plano
Richardson
Richmond
Rockwall
Rosenberg
1. Becerra, Colgin, & Perwin" Being accused of a crime and having a government attorney prosecuting you is often a difficult and troubling situation. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you have a competent attorney looking out for you if you are in this situation.
Round Rock
San Angelo
1. McKillop, Shawntell: t's important to remember that you have only 15 days to file for an ALR (Administrative License Review) hearing to contest a suspension of your driver's license. There's an automatic suspension of your license 40 days after your arrest. Speak to an experienced DWI/DUI attorney to assist with obtaining an occupational driver's license.
2. Jimmy Stewart: Need help with a criminal offense?
San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio
San Marcos, Sea Brook, Sherman, Snyder, South Padre Island, Spring, Stafford, Stephensville, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, Temple, Texarkana
Seguin
1. Kolb & Murray, P.C. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
2. Kolb & Murray: Has worked on many types of Criminal Cases including Possession, Trafficking and Delivery of Illegal drugs; Assault and Domestic Violence Cases; Sexual Assaults and Sex Offense Crimes; Weapons Violations; Thefts; Burglaries; Vandalism; and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) & Driving Under the Influence(DUI ) - Felony & Misdemeanor; and Juvenile Crime.
Spring
1. Buskirk, Bruce: Protect Your Freedom Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and such offenses are taken very seriously in a court of law. Increased awareness about the negative effects of drunk driving as well as pressure from numerous activist groups has caused law enforcement officials, judges, and politicians across the nation to make a more concerted effort toward securing convictions for those accused of drunk driving. This makes it extremely difficult for individuals charged with drunk driving offenses to receive a fair trial. If you or someone you know has been accused of drunk driving, don't face the charges alone. A knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney can ensure your rights are not violated and help reduce or dismiss your charges. Drunk Driving Conviction Penalties Essentially, drunk driving also referred to as DUI, DWI, refers to an individuals inability to adequately operate a vehicle as a result of substance abuse, whether the substance is alcohol, narcotics, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medication. Drunk driving laws vary according to state and the consequences typically depend on a number of factors surrounding the case including prior convictions, parole status, and more. Punishments and penalties of drunk driving convictions include, but are not limited to: * Jail time * Loss of drivers license and insurance * Vehicle impounded * Parole/probation * Court ordered rehab or driving school * Hefty fines * Other
Temple
1. Michael White: When you face a criminal charge, it is crucial to secure skillful representation.
Texarkana
1. Alwin Smith: You should consult with an attorney for individual advice regarding your particular situation.
2. Friedman & Friedman: Criminal law is the body of law that relates to so-called "public wrongs." Criminal law does not concern itself with disputes between individuals, but relates to offenses against the public order. The federal government, along with cities and states, define and prosecute people who commit crimes that range from minor traffic violations, to serious, violent offenses, like rape or murder. People who are charged with a crime are called defendants, and they are represented by criminal defense attorneys. The governmental body that pursues the charges against the defendant is represented by a lawyer called a prosecutor. If you find yourself charged with a crime, you need the legal counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney, to protect your rights now, and in the future.
Texas City
Tyler
Unknown
Waco
Waxahachie
1. Danny Freisner: Think! Every action you make is being observed, which includes your words, movements, emotions. If you appear nervous (especially unusually nervous) then the law enforcement officer will most likely pick-up on your behavior, which may arouse his or her suspicion. As a result, you are probably going to move past " here’s a ticket or warning, have a nice day, you can get on your way" to “please step out of the car.”
2. Joseph Gallo: In order to mount such a defense, it is important to have the resources necessary to match those put forward by the government.
Weatherford
Webster
1. Tylka Law Firm: Many people who face legal challenges, like those after a drunk driving arrest, have questions about criminal defense.
West Columbia, Wimberly, Woodlands
Wylie
1. Deborah Matern: The prosecutor has immunity from civil liability for actions undertaken during their official duties. The prosecutor enjoys both absolute and qualified immunity. The prosecutor has absolute immunity in initiating a prosecution and in presenting the State's case, so long as the prosecutor's actions are done in conformity with the judicial process.
Wichita Falls

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