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What should you do if you are investigated for DWI in Texas?
As Houston criminal defense attorneys with extensive experience in DWI or DUI cases, many people ask us what is the best way to stay out of trouble if you find yourself the target of a DWI or DUI investigation in Texas Of course, the smartest approach is to not drink and drive at all Choose a designated driver Get a cab Walk
Of course, it is not illegal to drink and drive Any criminal defense lawyer with...
Understanding the “Phases” of a DWI or DUI Investigation – The Police’s Perspective
If you were arrested for DWI or DUI in Houston or anywhere in Texas, an experienced criminal defense attorney should work to challenge each phase of the police's investigation In DWI and DUI investigations, police officers follow guidelines set out by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration ("NHTSA") These guidelines cover DWI detection and the administration of Standardized Field Sobriety...
Texas “Extreme” DWI Law Now in Effect
Criminal defense lawyers in Houston and all over Texas have been bracing for the new "Extreme" DWI law, which took effect last Thursday That law doubles the penalties for first-time DWI offenders who have a blood alcohol concentration of 015 or higher
Up until now, the maximum penalty for most first time DWIs was 180 days in jail, a $2000 fine, or both Now, drivers charged with Extreme DWI will face up...
Choosing to Refuse on a “No Refusal” Weekend
As with most major holiday weekends (and more and more non-holiday weekends), Labor Day Weekend will be a "No-Refusal" weekend for DWI investigations in Houston, and in many other places in Texas Additionally, State and local law enforcement agencies will have additional patrols and checkpoints in Houston and all over Texas to beef up DWI enforcement
There seems to be some confusion as to what "No-Refusal"...
Driving “Cues” in DWI Investigations
Criminal defense lawyers in Houston and everywhere understand that DWI investigations usually begin before a person is pulled over Officers who have been certified to administer Standardized Field Sobriety Tests ("SFSTs"), are trained to look for driving behaviors thought to be consistent with alcohol intoxication In its training materials, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") claims...
Understanding the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test in Texas DWI Investigations
If you are pulled over for on suspicion of DWI, DUI or any alcohol related offense in Houston, Texas or anywhere, it is likely that you were subjected to sobriety tests known as Standardized Field Sobriety Tests ("SFSTs") A good criminal defense attorney will be familiar with the three SFSTs employed by law enforcement in DUI or DWI investigations - the horizontal gaze nystagmus test (known and "HGN" or...
False Accusations in Sexual Assault Cases
In Texas and elsewhere, criminal defense lawyers understand that sexually-related offenses, like sexual assault or possession of child pornography, carry some of the most severe penalties in the penal system Additionally, in Texas, these offenses usually require mandatory sex offender registration which can do immeasurable damage to a person's reputation That is why it is important to talk to a criminal...
What Justification Do The Police Need to Stop Your Vehicle?
A police officer is required to have reasonable suspicion of unlawful conduct in order to stop a driver (this is a lower standard than the probable cause needed for an arrest) Grounds for reasonable suspicion can vary, although reasonable suspicion is usually made in reference to a criminal or traffic statute Your Houston DWI lawyer can analyze your case and determine whether law enforcement had an adequate...
Lo Que Usted Debe Saber De Un Cargo De Assault-Family Violence
El delito de asalto contra un miembro de la familia (assault-family violence) puede incluir actos violentos contra un miembro de la familia, un habitante de la misma casa, o una persona con quien se mantiene una relación romántica Los castigos pueden ser severos Pero a veces, los cargos pueden ser desestimados Casos de asalto contra un miembro de la familia pueden ser defendidos en muchas maneras
Lo...
The Problem With No Refusal Weekends
As this blog reported last week, over the Fourth of July Weekend, the Department of Public Safety in Texas made over 1400 arrests for DWI statewide (that number does not include arrests for DWI made by local agencies) Fourth of July was a no refusal weekend, so undoubtedly, a large percentage of those arrested had their blood drawn after refusing a breath test As criminal defense attorneys know, no...