Experienced DUI Defense Lawyers

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We fully explore all of your legal options after a drunk driving arrest

An arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs can disrupt your entire life, especially if you face jail time or a driver’s license suspension. If you’ve been accused of drunk driving, a trusted DUI lawyer may be able to help. We deliver personal attention and creative legal strategies when you need them most. We’ve built a strong reputation throughout the area for our high standards regarding conduct, ethics and diligence in DUI/DWI and other criminal law issues.

Your rights and obligations under implied consent law

After being arrested and charged with a DWI, drivers are within their rights to choose not to take a breath or blood blood alcohol content (BAC) test. However, refusing to submit to chemical tests has serious consequences under Texas’ implied consent laws.

Penalties for DUI/DWI

Our state’s laws call for some serious consequences for those convicted of DUI, including fines, jail time and a suspension of driving privileges. The following are the standard penalties for first, second, third and subsequent DUI convictions:

The First-Offense conviction with less than a .15 BAC includes the possibility of a fine not to exceed $2,000.00 and/or a jail sentence from 3 days to 180 days, and a driver’s license suspension of 90 to 365 days. (Class B Misdemeanor). Where, however, there is a BAC .15 or more, the possibility of a fine increases to $4,000 and jail increases to one year (Class A misdemeanor).

First-time offenders who had a BAC of .08 to .14 may apply for a “non-disclosure” two years after your probation ends. But you must install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle and keep it for 6 months. A non-disclosure restricts who can see your criminal record. Ask your attorney for more information about this program.

A Second Offense means the maximum fine increases to no more than $4,000.00 and/or jail from 30 days to one year, and a possible driver’s license suspension ranging from 180 days to 2 years (Class A Misdemeanor).

For a Third Offense, you may receive a fine up to $10,000.00 and/or 2 to 10 years of imprisonment, and suspension of your driver’s license ranging from 180 days up to 2 years (3rd Degree Felony). Note that imprisonment is in a state-run penal institution whereas jail is a county-run institution. A felony conviction also disqualifies the person from voting and possessing a firearm.

 

Protection From Insurance Companies

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The success of your personal injury lawsuit and the amount of your settlement is affected by and, in many situations, directly correlated with the experience of your representation in that case. Knowledge of tort laws, negotiation skills, experience in the courtroom, and professional reputation are all factors contributing to the successful representation of a personal injury case.

When you or a loved one has been injured or if you have lost a family member to a wrongful death, it may be difficult to focus on the specific details inherent in gaining compensation for your losses. The issues pertaining to accident and injury lawsuits are complex, requiring knowledge of tort laws and state regulations regarding statutes of limitation. Establishing negligence, a key factor in personal injury lawsuits, can be complicated, especially when more than one party is at fault. These are just some of the reasons you should have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side.

Are you ready to take on insurance companies and attorneys?

Many of us are not sure what to say to insurance company adjustors and are afraid they may attempt to trick us out of our rightful compensation for losses. Insurance company attorneys are looking after the interests of their client and will do all that is necessary to minimize or dismiss your claim. An experienced attorney knows exactly how to deal with adjustors and insurance company attorneys because they are familiar with their strategies and understand the laws as they apply to your case. Also, insurance companies tend to offer small and unreasonable settlements to those with inexperienced lawyers or to those who choose to represent themselves.

A reputation for professionalism and success often can eliminate some of the legal posturing that tends to delay settlements. An accomplished and respected attorney can competently negotiate your claim and successfully settle your injury lawsuit in or out of court. Further, only an experienced injury attorney will know how to optimize the value of your claim by fully determining all sources of negligence and evaluating all of your losses. It is highly likely that a novice will omit important considerations when evaluating the value of your compensation.

Skilled Criminal Defense Attorneys

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The criminal justice system can be an intimidating place, and it’s important to work with a defense attorney you can trust to explore all of your legal options and protect your rights. Our lawyers have served clients facing a wide range of criminal charges since 1990. We are dedicated to providing the very best service and personal attention to your case, backed by our experience and high standards of conduct, ethics and diligence. To work with a respected law firm, turn to us.

Representation for various criminal charges

When you’re facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges, it’s critical to seek an experienced defense lawyer to protect your rights and give you the best chance at success. We provide comprehensive representation for the following issues:

DUI and DWI. The legal blood alcohol content limit for most motorists is .08 percent,  and .04 percent for commercial drivers. Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. If you’re under 21, are asked to take a breath test and blow anything over 0, then you’re probably looking at getting a driver’s license suspension at the very least. The First-Offense conviction with less than a .15 BAC includes the possibility of a fine not to exceed $2,000.00 and/or a jail sentence from 3 days to 180 days, and a driver’s license suspension of 90 to 365 days. (Class B Misdemeanor).

Traffic violations. Speeding, moving violations, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident are all examples of traffic offenses. Although many of these citations involve only minor penalties, others may result in the suspension of your driver’s license and large fines.

Drug crimes. Prosecutors aggressively pursue criminal charges against those accused of drug offenses such as possession, distribution, manufacturing and trafficking. In some cases, law enforcement officers use illegal searches and seizures to make arrests, and a skilled attorney must question these tactics to seek reduced or dropped drug charges. We also advocate for diversion opportunities such as drug treatment and community service for individuals facing first-time misdemeanor drug charges.

Theft crimes. Theft is defined as a person illegally taking the personal property from another person with the intention of depriving the rightful owner of that property. Our attorneys represent clients in theft crimes involving shoplifting, burglary, robbery, fraud, embezzlement and more. For a first time shoplifting offense, you may be able to avoid incarceration with pretrial diversion programs.

Probation violations. Failing to adhere to the terms of your probation can have major consequences, including jail time or fines. Probation requirements can be confusing, and you may violate the terms without knowing it. Our attorneys can help you plead your case in a hearing or, if necessary, appeal a judge’s ruling.

Assault and battery. To be charged with battery, you must make physical contact with another person with the intent to harm. However, to be charged with assault, there has to be the threat of physical harm but actual contact is not necessary. Assault and battery are serious charges with potentially severe consequences.

Sex crimes. The most common sex crimes include sexual assault, rape, statutory rape, prostitution and indecent exposure. Our experienced attorneys have the knowledge and skills to build your defense against a sex crime accusation.

Murder. Homicide is the most serious criminal charge you can face. Whether you have been accused of first degree murder, second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter or voluntary manslaughter, we can help fight your case.

White collar crimes. The most common types of white collar crimes include fraud, embezzlement, bribery and money laundering. The consequences include large fines, incarceration, probation or community service. This is a serious offense that can negatively affect your professional reputation.

What are the differences between felonies and misdemeanors?

Generally, misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, but they may still come with serious penalties for those convicted. These crimes include traffic violations and minor criminal offenses, such as petty theft, public intoxication and trespassing. A conviction on a Class A misdemeanor offense will carry a punishment of up to a year in a county jail, and a fine of up to $4,000. Class B Misdemeanor: Charges at the level of a Class B misdemeanor are punishable by up to 180 days in a county jail, and a fine of up to $2,000.

Felonies, on the other hand, can be quite serious and result in major consequences, including incarceration and large fines. Common examples of felonies include aggravated DUI, assault, battery and robbery. The penalties range significantly from fines and short jail sentences for minor felonies to 25 years to life imprisonment for rape, homicide and other violent crimes.