First Offense DWI | Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer

When erratic or illegal driving patterns prompt a traffic stop, an arrest for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be triggered by one of the following circumstances:

The driver fails to pass a field sobriety test
A police officer notices drugs or alcohol in the vehicle
The driver admits to using alcohol or drugs

Conviction on a DWI charge requires that the prosecution prove one of the following legal criteria:

The driver had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .08
The driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs

Houston First Offense DWI Attorney

An arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in the state of Texas requires prompt and effective action. Even a first DWI conviction can have lasting effects that should be avoided at all costs. The truth is that being represented by a qualified Houston-area DWI lawyer will greatly increase the possibility of having a DWI charge reduced or dismissed.

A First DWI Offense in Texas

A professional criminal defense attorney is prepared with just the right questions and answers. Never lose sight of the fact that a driving while intoxicated charge requires that the prosecution and law enforcement officials prove their case beyond any reasonable doubt in court.

The defendant can be punished in one or more of the following ways:

Incarceration for up to six months
A fine of no more than $2,000
Probation, community service or driver’s education classes
Enhanced charges and penalties for driving with a minor child in the vehicle

First DWI Penalties

The state of Texas is tough on drivers who operate a motor vehicle, watercraft or airplane while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Depending on the severity of the charge, a first DWI conviction is a Class B misdemeanor.

A DWI assault charge can result in a third-degree felony conviction for severely injuring someone while driving. The associated penalties include as many as 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. When a driver causes the death of another person while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can be charged with DWI manslaughter. Conviction could mean a second-degree felony, as many as 20 years in prison and a fine of no more than $10,000.

CONTACT A HOUSTON DEFENSE ATTORNEY

The police cannot legally pull a driver over for suspicion of driving while intoxicated without probable cause. A Houston DWI attorney will ensure that the police followed proper procedures at the time of the arrest. Rand Mintzer has an exceptional record of safeguarding the legal rights of Houston-area drivers who have been charged with driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Call Rand Mintzer, Attorney at Law at 713-862-8880 for a complimentary consultation.