
DWI in Texas: Can You Lose Your Job?
Can you lose your job in Texas when you get a DWI? Avoid a DWI conviction, it’s not worth your job. In Texas, employment is at-will, which means your employer does have the right to fire you upon a DWI conviction in many cases. Legal statutes prevent your boss from firing you for a variety of reasons protected by the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission. However, these laws do not apply to criminal convictions.
Union and government workers have some additional protections from at-will termination. Unfortunately, though, a majority of Texas workers do enjoy these protections. Therefore, your employer more than likely has the right to terminate your position when you get a DWI in Texas.
A majority of employers likely won’t terminate you without a specific cause. Still, it’s important to avoid having a DWI in Texas for this reason and many others. If you face DWI charges, a lawyer can help you avoid the complex unemployment program in Texas.
What Jobs Have a Higher Chance of Termination for a DWI in Texas?
While many employers have the option to fire you for a DWI in Texas, some companies have their hands forced in drunk driving cases.
Driving or Operating Heavy Machinery
When driving is a core aspect of your job duties, your employer may have restrictions on their insurance that do not allow them to keep you employed. Jobs that require the operation of heavy machinery or where safety is an issue are likely to face a similar problem.
Moreover, truck drivers should remember that they could lose their commercial driver’s license (CDL) over a DWI in Texas. After a commercial DWI, your employer has no choice but to let you go.
Jobs Involving Children or At-Risk Adults
People who work with children, such as a therapist or teacher, may face termination of a DWI conviction. This is because drunk driving convictions create potential liability issues. Similarly, you might lose your job over a DWI when you work with vulnerable adult populations. This includes the elderly as well as special needs adults.
Sensitive Data or Financial Assets
When your job involves financial assets or sensitive information, you face termination because your conviction makes you a criminal. These assets range from securities and medical assets to insurance, real estate, and banking. However unrelated your conviction is, it puts your employment at risk.
Professional Licenses
A majority of the professional licensing boards in Texas reject applications with DWIs on their records. Similarly, a DWI in Texas can result in losing your professional license. Teachers, realtors, and nurses all require professional licenses. A DWI conviction puts your livelihood in jeopardy. Even outside of these industries, a DWI conviction puts your job at risk.
Avoid Getting Fired for a DWI in Texas
When you have a DWI on your record, the best thing to do is be upfront and honest. Eventually, every employer finds out, so staying ahead of it is of benefit to you. If you make it clear that this DWI in Texas was a one-time occurrence, they might be understanding.
Of course, your best bet is to avoid a DWI conviction altogether. Herman Martinez is a lawyer with decades of experience helping people mitigate DWI charges. Schedule a free consultation to explore your options. Our DWI defense attorneys fight to reduce or dismiss your charges, always pursuing your best interests.
Contact the legal team at The Martinez Law Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Controlled Substance DWI: What Is It?
Oftentimes, a controlled substance DWI comes as a surprise to many. Typically, people associate driving while intoxicated (DWI) laws with alcohol and nothing more. However, Texas law does not agree with them. Because the effects of controlled substances are at times similar to alcohol, the law views intoxication the same.
The vast majority of controlled substances may have an impact on your driving because they impair your motor functions. Even some prescription drugs could lead to a controlled substance DWI in Texas.
If you or a loved one faces charges for a DWI that involves drugs, contact an experienced DWI attorney. At The Martinez Law Firm, we have decades of experience with DWI defense cases. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Do DWI Laws in Texas Include Drugs?
A controlled substance DWI is a serious charge in the state of Texas. While many believe that only alcohol leads to DWI charges, the truth of the matter is that driving while intoxicated due to the use of drugs can also lead to a DWI.
Per Texas Penal Code § 49.04, you commit a DWI when you:
• Operate a motor vehicle on a public road and
• Your BAC is at or above .08 OR
• You have lost the normal use of your mental or physical faculties due to the use of a controlled substance of alcohol
With alcohol, law enforcement may have a much easier time detecting intoxication. Moreover, a chemical test and field sobriety test allows them to assess your physical and mental condition. When it comes to a controlled substance DWI, it is a bit more complex.
Controlled Substance DWI Testing
Oftentimes, the police default to blood or urine analysis when they suspect drugs are what caused the driver to drive intoxicated. However, neither of these processes are perfect. This is because traces of some drugs remain in your system long after their effects have worn off.
For instance, marijuana has the potential to stay in your system for two weeks, even when you do not use it regularly. This is because the metabolites and other chemical components remain in your body for days or even weeks after using the drug. The police might charge you with a controlled substance DWI because drugs you used days ago appeared in your test results.
While blood tests are more accurate in terms of drug use, this analysis still has problems. For example, human error can lead to a false positive when a lab technician makes even a slight mistake. Additionally, outdated equipment in a crime lab can lead to incorrect results.
People often ask DWI defense attorneys whether they should submit to DWI testing. Typically, attorneys respond with, “No, you should not comply.”
When you refuse a test, it makes their job more difficult because they need to rely on objective or circumstantial evidence if they do not obtain a search warrant to obtain your blood.
Charged with a DWI for Controlled Substances? Call A Lawyer
If a controlled substance led to a DWI for you or someone you know, it is crucial to contact an experienced DWI defense attorney. It would be best if you never took chances with DWI charges because they can have a severe impact on your life.
Contact The Martinez Law Firm at (713) 242-1779 today to schedule a free consultation with our trusted legal team. At your consultation, we can discuss your charges and set the path for your defense.

Avoid a Thanksgiving DWI Arrest
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the holiday season is in full swing. While they look a little different this year, many people decide to take calculated risks to see their loved ones. Whether you plan to drive out to see your in-laws or stop by a friend’s house for Friendsgiving, be careful of Thanksgiving DWIs.
As experienced Houston DWI lawyers, we see these instances peak every year around the holiday season. Many don’t consider Thanksgiving to be a day of heavy drinking. However, law enforcement agencies often think of Thanksgiving as one of the busiest when it comes to DWI arrests.
A quick note:
If you gather with your family this holiday season, we hope you take full advantage of the free drive-through COVID testing locations around Houston. Before you put anyone at risk, a quick test can ensure you have a much safer Thanksgiving. Results take up to 72 hours but often come back as quickly as the next day.
Holiday Season and Thanksgiving DWI’s
Frequently, the holiday season comes with an increase in checkpoints across Harris County. Police stop cars to check the driver’s condition in hopes of preventing severe car accidents. Per this information from Scram Systems, over 800 people died in drunk driving accidents in the mid-2010s during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
As with most holidays, alcohol tends to be a significant part of seasonal celebrations. After all, there’s a reason people refer to Thanksgiving Eve as Blackout Wednesday. Law enforcement officials know this and often plan extra measures to keep the roads safe.
Every year people plan extensive road trips or even short trips across town to see their loved ones. Hopefully, this year sees fewer people on the road. However, it is essential not to let drunk driving squash the holiday spirit.
However, a Thanksgiving DWI arrest is not always handled unlawfully. That’s why you need an advocate on your side. Call our legal team to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Thanksgiving DWI Arrest? Call on Our DWI Defense Attorneys
Our experienced Houston DWI lawyers will help you stand up for your rights at The Martinez Law Firm. While the best way to avoid a Thanksgiving DWI is not to drink and drive, people find themselves in these situations. Remember that even though Texas is strict with DWI cases, you have options.
Our DWI defense attorneys understand how to evaluate the evidence. We can help you fight for the best possible outcome for your case, working to reduce or dismiss charges. Have a safe holiday season, and call on The Martinez Law Firm whenever you require an advocate.

You have the option to appeal a DWI in Texas per Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 44.02. This code establishes the defendant’s right in any criminal case to appeal the court’s decision. Typically, the basis for your appeal must state that the court misapplied the law or allowed inappropriate behavior that led to a wrongful conviction.
For example, some common errors utilized in DWI appeals include the following:
• Court rulings that were made in error
• Testimonies that should have been excluded
• Improper conduct on the part of the prosecutor
When you work with an experienced Houston DWI defense lawyer, they will help you identify and demonstrate errors made in your case. In doing so, the court may grant your request for a new DWI trial.

How to Appeal a DWI in Texas
To appeal a drunk driving conviction in Texas, you have to file a motion for appeal with the court’s Clerk where your initial trial occurred. Similarly, you can file a Motion for New Trial, which is the next step in the process if the court grants your request to appeal a DWI.
Generally, the clerk forwards the motion and relevant documentation to the appeals court. Then, the court obtains the necessary information they require to consider the motion. Oftentimes, this includes a subsequent appellate brief that explains the justification for the appeal. Upon consideration, the court files its own brief and rules on your appeal.
When you work with a Houston DWI lawyer, their law firm handles this process on your behalf. Typically, the legal process is difficult to navigate, leaving people open to missteps that have their appeals thrown out. When you face a charge of driving while intoxicated, you need a defense attorney fully familiar with the process.
At The Martinez Law Firm, we have decades of experience helping people appeal DWI rulings. Contact us today for a free consultation on our legal representation and let us help you appeal to a DWI in Texas.
How Much Time Do I Have to Appeal a DWI in Texas?
To be frank, you don’t have much time when you want to appeal a DWI decision. When you miss the deadline, you lose your right to appeal. Keep this in mind.
You have 30 days to file a petition and appeal to a DWI in Texas.
Time is not on your side, and you need to act quickly. With a DWI on your record, your options are severely limited. When you have a chance to fight, it’s important to work with a Houston DWI lawyer to appeal your case.
However, missing the deadline does not mean you are out of options. When you miss the deadline, a Houston DWI defense attorney with the right experience will know how to help you find other potential options.
What If I Lose My Appeal?
In Texas, if you lose your DWI appeal, you might have another option. Depending on your initial trial location, your appeal proceeding takes place in a Texas Court of Appeal. When you want to appeal their decision, you have the option to file a motion with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Generally, people only pursue this level when they face potential felony charges, which come with severe penalties. Your DWI defense lawyer is there to act as your advocate and provide legal advice so that you can determine the best path for your defense.
What Happens If I Win the Appeal?
When you appeal a DWI and win, the court schedules a new trial for your original charges. While you are not in the clear just yet, your Houston DWI defense lawyer should have a better understanding of the evidence and what went wrong in the first case.
While this does not guarantee a victory, you often stand a better chance to gain a favorable result. Moreover, your attorney has the opportunity to negotiate before the trial. In doing so, they may be able to reduce the charges or even have them dismissed entirely.
When to Hire a Houston DWI Lawyer to Appeal a DWI
There is no requirement to have legal representation in Texas when you appeal a DWI or even go to trial. However, it is important to consider the experience of a Houston DWI defense lawyer. The appeals process for drunk driving cases is quite complicated.
Moreover, many criminal defense attorneys lack full knowledge of the process and proceedings, so handling it yourself can lead to many missteps. When you miss a deadline or commit an error while filing motions, it puts your appeal in jeopardy.
An experienced Houston DWI lawyer knows how to evaluate the evidence and facts within your case. In turn, they determine how viable your appeal is and how best to approach it.
Want to Appeal a DWI in Texas? Call Us for a Free Consultation
Our Houston criminal defense attorneys at The Martinez Law Firm offer comprehensive legal representation to people who face charges related to DWIs and drunk driving. With decades of experience in the courtroom, our Houston DWI lawyers understand how Texas’s criminal justice system works.
With our legal team, we utilize this knowledge and experience to advocate for your best interests. Let us fight for your future and help you attain the best possible outcome in your DWI case.
If you have questions about how to appeal to a DWI in Texas, contact our law firm for a free consultation. We can discuss and evaluate your case and provide legal advice on how to proceed.

Having a DWI Dismissed in Texas
Having a DWI dismissed in Texas may seem like an impossible task. However, with the right Houston DWI lawyer on your side, it is entirely possible. Still, the Lone Star State is known for having some of the strictest DWI laws across the United States. In the state of Texas, you can be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) when your blood alcohol concentration is .08% or higher (.04% for commercial drivers).
When you test above the legal limit, a DWI conviction can feel almost inevitable. However, it is important to know that it is possible to have DWI charges dismissed or reduced. Even when the prosecution has evidence against you, you have options. The right Houston DWI lawyer will advocate for you and guide you through the process.
How Can a DWI Charge be Dismissed?
For a talented criminal defense attorney, there is an array of options to have DWI charges dismissed or at least reduced. Oftentimes, these are options that the average person may not think to explore. For instance, when a breathalyzer is not properly maintained, any evidence it produces cannot be used against you. Similarly, when your rights are infringed upon in any way throughout the arrest process, your DWI case could potentially be dismissed.
While these are just two examples of how a DWI lawyer might defend you, it is also important to remember that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. This means that they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. If they are unable to show that the arrest process was handled properly, the court may not convict you.
This is one reason why it is crucial to work with experienced criminal defense attorneys, such as Herman Martinez. When you do, it dramatically improves your chances to have your DWI dismissed or your charges reduced.
What Happens After a DWI Dismissal?
A DWI dismissal is the best possible outcome for anyone accused of driving drunk. While it is not always possible, a Houston DWI lawyer can still work to reduce the penalties. In the State of Texas, DWI penalties can be severe.
DWI consequences include:
- Fines
- Driver’s License Suspension
- Higher Car Insurance Costs
- DWI Education Programs
- Community Service
- Possible Jail Time
Are DWI Courts Closed Due to the Pandemic?
No. Most locations throughout Texas have reopened courts or shifted to virtual hearings. However, a backlog of cases may cause DWI cases to be postponed for at least a 30-day period. Some Texas DMV locations may remain closed during this health emergency, which may cause delays for DWI driver’s license suspension hearings for many people.
When you want to have your DWI dismissed, it is crucial for any DWI defendant without a court date or with a postponed hearing to seek legal advice. An experienced Houston DWI lawyer will pinpoint the best defense to beat DWI charges as quickly as possible.
Working with a Houston DWI Lawyer
Have you been arrested for DWI? Whether you’ve had a breath or blood test, our defense team will examine the police report to find the best possible defense to have your case dismissed. When you work with a defense lawyer, they will examine every aspect of your arrest and help you avoid criminal charges.
When you need a DWI dismissed, a Houston criminal defense attorney is essential. An experienced DWI lawyer will fight for your rights and strive to attain the best results possible for your case. If you find yourself facing DWI charges and in need of a talented DWI defense team, please contact us today.

Navigate Your First DWI in Texas with a DWI Lawyer
In the state of Texas, drinking and driving is a serious offense. With a DWI in Texas, you face severe penalties regardless of whether it’s your first, second, or third DWI. Your first DWI in Texas is a class B or A misdemeanor. If the court convicts you, it can cost you thousands of dollars in fines and up to one year in the county jail. However, these are still the lesser of the punishments you could face when your situation is more complex.
A Houston DWI defense attorney can help you navigate the proceedings and advocate to reduce or dismiss your charges.
Houston’s Rise of DWI Cases
As Texas began to reopen earlier this summer, we saw an increase in DWI cases in Texas. According to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, 278 people were charged with DWI over the course of the Memorial Holiday weekend. This is just 43 cases fewer than the same long weekend in 2019.
“As things began to open up and restrictions ease, you saw a gradual increase (in DWIs),” Sean Teare, head of the Vehicular Crimes Division of the Harris County DA’s Office was quoted saying. “We’re in the middle of a pandemic, we have bars and restaurants open at 25 percent capacity, and we see no drops as in years past. My concern is as we open up, you’re going to see more people try to make up for a lost time, so to speak.”
Typically, when the police arrest someone for a crime in Texas, they don’t receive any penalties until they receive a conviction from the court. However, this is not true for drunk driving in Texas.
A first-time DWI offender is likely to face administrative penalties before they go to court. Should they go to court and receive a conviction, they may face criminal penalties.
Your First Penalty: Suspension of Your License
When you fail or refuse to take a chemical test, Texas law allows the officer to seize your license. Then, you receive a “Notice of Suspension” from them. This notice allows you to drive, functioning as a temporary driving permit.
You have 15 days to request a hearing to save your license. Otherwise, you can continue to drive on the temporary permit for 40 days. However, it is important to know that when you do not contest the decision, your license will be automatically suspended anywhere from 90-180 days.
The good news is that if your driving privileges get suspended, you can apply for an occupational license. This license restricts all your driving privileges except the allowance to drive to school, work, and essential locations.
To obtain an occupational license, you must agree to an ignition interlock device and provide evidence of an SR-22.
The Second Penalty: Potential Criminal Penalties
Oftentimes, a first conviction is a class B misdemeanor. There are exceptions to this, though, which include a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 percent. The legal limit in Texas is .08 percent. When you hit or exceed .15 percent, it becomes a class A misdemeanor.
Upon conviction of a DWI in Texas, you receive a fine, a jail sentence, or both. The maximum penalties are $2,000 for class B and $4,000 for class A. Your potential jail sentence could range from 72 hours to 6 months (or a year for class A).
These fines and sentences are standard. However, even for a first-time DWI in Texas, there’s more.
- Probation
- DWI Education
- Community Service
- Further License Suspension
When the suspension of your license ends, you may also have to pay an annual surcharge for three years. This surcharge is often between $1,000 and $2,000.
Potential Additional Penalties for DWI in Texas
While the penalties above cover the DWI in Texas, the situation may call for additional penalties. For instance, when you are caught drunk driving with a minor in the car, you face escalated penalties. DWI with someone under 15 in the vehicle is a felony, and your fine can increase up to $10,000. You may also face up to two years of State jail time.
If you get in an accident where someone dies, the charge can include Intoxication Manslaughter, which is a second-degree felony. This crime can give an offender 2-20 years in the Texas Department of Corrections
Examples of DWI Defense Plans
While a DWI in Texas is incredibly serious, you have legal arguments when pulled over while intoxicated but have a good reason. Oftentimes, it is not possible to argue that you weren’t intoxicated unless the tests prove it. Instead, some DWI defense plans include:
- Drove because an officer told you to
- Drove drunk out of necessity
- Was not intoxicated at the time of the arrest
In other cases, you may be able to argue a technicality.
- Improper or unlawful traffic stops
- Chain of custody issues for blood tests
- Inaccurate field sobriety tests
You may refuse a blood test or chemical test.
You Need a DWI Lawyer
A DWI in Texas is one of the most common crimes. Sometimes, drivers do not take DWIs as seriously as they should. However, treating them as inevitable is a mistake because the state takes them quite seriously.
Have you been arrested for a DWI in Texas? Call on our DWI defense attorneys to stay in control of what happens next.

Any skilled DWI lawyer can tell you that having a DWI on your record puts serious limitations on your freedom and your future. When you are convicted of a DWI, you could face probation, the loss of your license, and even jail time.
When your probation ends or when your license is returned, the limitations don’t simply end. If you decide to operate a vehicle under the influence, you may find that this decision haunts you for years to come. Being pulled over for suspicion of a DWI has a significant impact on your lifestyle and reputation for years to come.
Criminal defense attorneys in Houston TX, such as Herman Martinez, see an array of cases while serving Houston. At our law firm, we place a special focus on DWI defense and arrest for DWI because we know the impact it can have on your life. If you have been arrested in Houston Texas for driving while intoxicated, call our law offices today.
A DWI Harms Your Reputation
If you are charged with a DWI, your mugshot is taken, processed, and posted online. Left there, it can impact your personal and professional reputation. An experienced DWI defense attorney knows how to prevent this from happening. Even after an arrest, there are steps an attorney can take to help you have these charges removed from your record.
An Interlock on Your Vehicle
In Harris County, you may be required to install an interlock ignition device on your vehicle. An Interlock is installed on the ignition of your vehicle. This device requires you to test your blood alcohol content before you are able to start your car. Oftentimes, you must pay for the installation of this device as well as a monthly fee to have it recalibrated.
Without this device fitted, the state may refuse to allow you to drive. If you find yourself facing a difficult case, hire a trusted Harris County DWI lawyer so that you have an advocate on your side to fight for your best interests.
A DWI Can Increase Your Car Insurance Premium
The premium you pay for care insurance is based upon how risky the insurance company believes you are behind the wheel. Having a DWI on your record makes you a high-risk driver, meaning that insurance companies may elect not to provide you with insurance. When they do, they have the opportunity to charge you a higher premium than you might pay otherwise.
Custody Battles at a Disadvantage
Your reputation is impacted in more ways than one. Another possibility is that a recent DWI charge may be used against you if you are engaged in a custody battle. The judge may view a DWI charge as a sign of a drinking problem and deem you an irresponsible parent.
Employment Difficulties
Regardless of your progression, a DWI charge is a blemish on your record. You may find your employment at risk, and finding new employment can become quite difficult. Doctors, teachers, and other individuals in “respectable” fields may be unable to obtain a license in their respective fields with a DWI.
Travel Limitations
Many states place travel limitations for those on probation. You may be required to request permission from your probation officer before you are allowed to travel. After your probation ends, you may still find travel difficult. Certain foreign countries won’t allow entry to visitors with minor convictions.
Added Expenses
When you are convicted of a DWI, you may face more expenses than you realize. From paying to get your car out of the impound lot to bail and court costs, it quickly becomes an expensive process. An experienced local DWI attorney will help you navigate these situations, recommending the best route for your situation.
Clearing Your Name with a Local DWI Defense Attorney
When it comes to DWI cases, expunction is difficult to obtain. Certain situations qualify for a non-disclosure of your DWI. This is often implemented to help first-time offenders. The most important thing you can do is have a skilled DWI lawyer at your side.
Herman Martinez has over 20 years of experience defending clients in an array of criminal defense cases. His success and skill are evident in his superior ratings. If you find yourself in need of a DWI law firm, call our firm immediately and let us fight for you.

It is important to understand that the circumstances directly surrounding your DWI arrest could greatly affect your charges. In the state of Texas, first and second time DWI convictions are only considered to be misdemeanors. You will have automatically been charged with a felony DWI in Texas if it is your third conviction.
What Could Cause a Misdemeanor DWI to Become a Felony DWI in Texas?
Certain factors could transform a misdemeanor into a felony DWI, including:
- You are arrested for a DWI while driving a child under 15 years of age.
- Penalties for this offense include anywhere from 180 days to 2 years in state jail and fines up to $10,000.00.
- You are arrested for a DWI after getting in an auto accident that resulted in serious injuries.
- Penalties for intoxication assault in Texas include incarceration for 2 to 10 years, as well as up to $10,000.00 in fines. It is also mandated by Texas law that the judge in these cases must order at least 160 hours but no more than 600 hours of community service.
What If I Was Charged With a Felony DWI in Another State?
If you are arrested in another state for a felony DWI, Texas will still be informed about your conviction. As long as the state you were charged in is a part of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. In addition, the only states who are not members of this compact include Tennessee, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Georgia, and Michigan.
Call Our Experienced Houston DWI Defense Lawyers
Having spent over 15 years defending the rights of the accused throughout Houston, Attorney Martinez is a top-rated legal advocate. Being rated as a Clients’ Choice DUI Lawyer on Avvo for 2012. Also named a Top DWI Lawyer by Houston Texas Magazine for 2011. In addition, Attorney Martinez has a 10.0 Rating on Avvo, which is the highest possible score he can receive. This score was from his peers for his exemplary work in the legal community.
Leave your felony DWI charges in the hands of an attorney who truly knows how to best protect your rights, call The Martinez Law Firm for a free consultation!

Refusing a Blood or Breath Test
In Texas, the “implied consent” law means that you consent to
a test to determine the amount of alcohol in your system. The law measures intoxication by the blood-alcohol content (BAC) percentage. A measurement of .08% and above is considered over the limit. Even if you do not “feel” drunk, an officer can arrest you for being considered legally drunk. However, note an officer must have reasonable suspicion that you were driving while intoxicated to pull you over.
When you submit to the test, you have the right to request to be tested
within at least two hours of your arrest. You can even choose with a doctor
or health care practitioner to take the test for you.
How Do The Courts Convict DWI?
Although DUI refusal can leave you culpable for penalties, this cannot
be used against you should your case be brought to trial. At the same
time, prosecutors may still have mounted enough evidence for a conviction. There may also be reasons why a chemical or blood test could not be obtained at the time of the arrest.
These are some examples:
- The judge ruled that the bodily fluids obtained were not admissible to trial.
- The equipment failed at the scene, and could not be used for a chemical test.
- Field sobriety tests determine that your actions demonstrated intoxication.
- The officer provided testimony that persuades the jury you were driving drunk.
- You refused to submit to either a chemical or blood test.
Do I Have the Right to Refuse the Test?
It does not help with the outcome of your case by refusing a blood or breath test.
These are the penalties for refusing to submit to the tests:
- 1st offense: 180-day license suspension
- 2nd offense: 2-year license suspension
- 3rd offense: 2-year license suspension
You may face numerous penalties, such as the standard
DWI penalties, which could include fines, DUI classes, probation, and even imprisonment. These will be in addition to license suspension or revocation. Therefore, it is imperative that if you are facing any DWI charge, even if you believe the evidence against you has no merit, you should fight.
We at The Martinez Law Firm are known for going above and beyond to help
our clients.
Call us today and let’s get started on building your defense!

Know Your Rights
One of the first things you need to do if you want to have any chance of
fighting a DWI in Houston, is you need to understand and exercise your legal rights. The law does not require you to submit to field sobriety tests, nor does it require you to answer an officer’s questions without having your attorney present.
Fight Evidence From Your Breath & Blood Test Results
While you are legally obligated to submit to a breath, blood, or another chemical testing, even what appears to be conclusive evidence gathered from these tests can be disproven with the help of a skilled DWI defense attorney. Having a skilled DWI attorney fighting a DWI in Houston for you is imperative if you have any chance of winning.
Schedule Your ALR Hearing & Have the Proper Defense
You only have 15 days to schedule your Administration License Revocation (ALR) hearing, so act quickly. An attorney from our firm can also help you fight to retain your driving privileges by providing representation at the hearing.
Let a Qualified Lawyer Thoroughly Investigate Your Charges
The sooner you are able to retain counsel, the sooner we will be able to
get started on strategizing for your defense. Above all, we take an individualized, client-driven approach to each of the cases we have taken on. Therefore, our clients are able to benefit from a defense that has been personalized to their individual situation.
Hire a Top-Rated Houston Defense Lawyer With a History of Success
If you have been arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, we
advise you to waste no time in hiring a DWI attorney in Houston who you can trust to defend your rights. Furthermore, The Martinez Law Firm is a well-established criminal defense firm that has been providing legal
representation and counsel to those accused of DWI and other
criminal charges for nearly 20 years.
Attorney Martinez has received a 10.0 Superb Rating on Avvo and was named as the 2014 Avvo Clients’ Choice DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyer as well. He is well-versed on DWI laws and his track record of success clearly shows that he has the skills necessary to beat your DWI in Texas.
To get the help you need, contact a Houston attorney
from our firm now.