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Even if your court is not making you appear right now, you still need to hire a Houston DWI lawyer immediately. Otherwise, your driver’s license could be suspended!
Don’t wait! Call us today if you have been arrested for a DWI.
The Houston DWI lawyers at the Martinez Law Firm understand how difficult and stressful this situation is. As such, we encourage you to download our free DWI eBook for tips and more information regarding how you should choose a Houston DWI attorney.
A Houston DWI lawyer can protect your rights and your license!
If you’ve been caught operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, then you’ve committed a DWI crime under Texas laws. The steps you take now may have a direct impact on your right to drive, your freedom, and your future. Understanding more about these cases and what evidence may be used against you can help you make the right choices and select the proper representation.
At The Martinez Law Firm, we’ve made it our mission to make sure our clients have the resources and representation necessary to seek the best possible outcome for their cases. With former prosecuting experience, we know the state will seek the harshest possible penalties for DWI offenders. However, we also know how to defend against them. It’s this kind of knowledge and incisive representation that has earned our firm “Top Houston DWI Lawyer” recognition in H Magazine five years in a row.
The Martinez Law Firm has invaluable experience and practical knowledge about DWI charges and sentencing, including knowledge about the Pretrial DWI Program. Please note that the Pretrial DWI Program, formally known as the DIVERT Program is unique to drunk driving cases in Harris County, Texas. This program allows a person to avoid a conviction, avoid paying the surcharges that are associated with a conviction, and clears their record after they successfully complete the program.
Unfortunately, not every DWI case qualifies for this program. The lawyers at the Martinez Law Firm have the knowledge to help you completely understand the pros and cons of this program. With our extensive experience, track record of success, and in depth knowledge of the laws surrounding your case, our Houston DWI defense team is fully equipped and qualified to secure a favorable outcome on your behalf. Make the smart choice – retain our representation.
What Are The Penalties For DWI In Texas?
Texas penalties often vary depending on the severity of the circumstances, but all call for competent legal representation. Often there are also annual fees to keep your license valid after DWI convictions and, depending on the details of your case, the costs of interlock mechanisms, restitution, alcohol treatment programs. Along with the basic types of DWI defined by the state, there are a number of variations of the crime that yield serious consequences. Our firm can represent clients for all types of cases and issues regarding DWI.
Field sobriety tests assess a person’s motor skills and “divided attention” abilities to determine if they are intoxicated. Herman Martinez is one of the few DWI lawyers in Houston, Texas who is certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to administer field sobriety tests like the police officers that make DWI arrests. The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand are the typical tests that are used when someone is being investigated for DWI. If these tests are not done properly, you can use them as defense in your trial. By hiring a DWI attorney that is certified to administer these tests and who was also a former Chief Prosecutor, you are truly getting invaluable legal experience in this area of the law.
When you have been charged with driving while intoxicated in Texas, you are subject to what is known as the “15 Day Rule.” Per state law, you are allowed 15 days from your arrest to request an ALR hearing. In this instance, ALR refers to Administrative License Revocation. Should you fail to request a hearing with these 15 days, your driver’s license will automatically be suspended.
An ALR hearing is extremely technical and can be difficult to navigate. That’s why you need to contact a DUI and DWI lawyer immediately after your arrest. With over 20 years of experience, our DWI defense attorneys help clients prepare for ALR hearings to protect and maintain their driving privileges.
As mentioned above, ALR refers to Administrative License Revocation, and an ALR hearing will determine whether you are able to keep your license after a DUI charge. However, ALR hearings are not conducted as general criminal proceedings.
These hearings are presided over by an administrative law judge (ALJ), and these judges are not necessarily trained in the laws surrounding your arrest. You’ll notice that they also have no jury. This can often lead to these hearings being one-sided and difficult for the individual to win on their own. The stronger your defense, the more likely you are to receive a good recommendation or have your charges reduced or dismissed.
Having a skilled Houston criminal defense attorney at your side gives you an advocate who will work with the ALJ. Our experienced DWI lawyers are entirely familiar with the ALR hearing procedures. We will fight to help you maintain as much of your independence as possible while navigating your charge.
Even for first-time offenders charged with a DWI, the courts take these charges very seriously. You may receive a stiff penalty that has a lasting impact on your life regardless of your record. A dedicated defense attorney will help you resolve this situation in your favor, fighting for the best possible outcome.
Whether that means having the charges dropped or reduced or they are able to secure a full acquittal, an experienced DWI lawyer can be a great advocate. Herman Martinez has over 20 years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer as well as the Chief Prosecutor of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and he will fight to help you avoid conviction. Our team of DWI defense attorneys work tirelessly to achieve the best results imaginable for our clients.
Particular DWI situations can result in a felony charge. Whether you have multiple charges of operating under the influence or were involved in a DWI that caused injury or death, you may be facing such charges. Being convicted of a felony might result in paying fines and spending time in jail or prison.
How much time you face in a Texas penitentiary depends upon the circumstances of your case, of course. However, as a convicted felon, you also face an impact on your social life. You won’t have access to certain jobs and may have difficulty attaining any job.
Moreover, you may find that you are unable to secure a loan or even a place of residence. You may on probation for years to come. If you have been arrested or cited for a potential felony, you need the help of an experienced and knowledgable Houston criminal defense attorney.
Have you recently been arrested for driving while intoxicated in the Greater Houston Area? If so, you may find it beneficial to become familiar with the Texas Penal Code regarding drunk driving and DWI laws. When you have questions about the penal code, Houston DWI defense attorney Herman Martinez can provide valuable insight into the drunk driving statutes of Texas.
As you familiarize yourself with these statutes, it is important to remember that you have the right to legal representation. You will find that an experienced DWI defense attorney can be your greatest advocate. Our firm will utilize the law to your advantage and you defend you against the many penalties that may follow an arrest. If you are facing these charges, call on our firm today to speak with a Houston DWI defense attorney.
At The Martinez Law Firm, we are fully dedicated to providing each client with the highest level of service and legal representation possible. We challenge DWI charges for drivers throughout the Houston area, using our resources and experience to seek the best outcome in every case. Because we are led by a former prosecutor, we have the ability to build even more effective defense strategies based on an understanding of how the “other side” thinks and works.
Due to the serious and complex nature of your DWI case, we strongly advise you against navigating through the complexities of the legal system alone. We will build effective and personalized defense strategies and guide you down the path that best suits your needs. Entrust your case to our firm today.
