2024 What Does a Houston DWI Attorney Do?

If you are facing criminal charges for DWI, you may be wondering, “What does a Houston DWI attorney do?” Criminal defense attorneys focus on representing clients who stand charged with violating one of Texas’ criminal laws.

Having legal representation in criminal court comes with many benefits, especially when you work with an attorney who has a track record of protecting the rights of defendants and helping them receive favorable settlements to their DWI charges. The following are some of the more common tasks performed by a Houston DWI attorney.

Review Your Case

One of the first steps your criminal law attorney will take is to review your case. This could include reviewing police video footage, police reports, breathalyzer data, and other aspects of your criminal charges.

Feedback and information from the client are important for putting context into what led up to the arrest. There may be mitigating circumstances that the prosecution does not know about. Or there may be elements of the case that can put you in a more favorable light. If the police said you were uncooperative, for example, video footage from the scene of the arrest may contradict the arresting officer’s narrative.

Develop a Legal Strategy

Once your defense attorney understands the details of your case, they will formulate a strategy that works to question the charges you are facing or to present a case that could lead to lower penalties. Sometimes, that requires taking a novel approach to your defense. One example could be using breathalyzer calibration records to question the accuracy of the BAC levels.

Or, your attorney may take a more traditional approach by emphasizing their client’s clean criminal record, history of being an upstanding member of the community, and other positive traits when seeking leniency from the courts.

Navigate Criminal Charges

Anyone facing criminal charges for the first time may find that they are navigating several unique problems at once. There are court hearings to attend, bond conditions to comply with, paperwork to file, and steps that may need to be taken to restore driving privileges. Attorneys are called counselors for a reason. They can provide advice on a range of topics related to your criminal charges. They can help you stay in compliance with the courts while your case moves forward.

Work to Expedite Your Case

Without legal representation, defendants risk having their cases linger for an extended period of time. Many Texas criminal courts have backlogged dockets. Without an attorney, defendants lose an important voice. One job that a DWI lawyer performs for clients is to make sure that their cases move along. Attorneys can expedite the resolution of cases by working with prosecutors or filing motions.

Tell Your Side of the Story to Prosecutors

A DWI lawyer has the job of getting the defendant’s side of the story across. Facing DWI criminal charges can be frustrating for defendants who have important facts to get across. A Houston DWI attorney gives a voice to the sometimes voiceless people who are placed in the criminal justice system.

Resolve Your Case

One of the most important jobs for any Houston DWI lawyer is to resolve a case on favorable terms for their clients. Facing criminal charges is financially burdensome and emotionally stressful. For people who need a fresh start, resolving a case affords the opportunity to put the past behind them.

Resolving a DWI could mean going to trial or presenting evidence that questions the legal basis of the criminal charges. In other cases, the solution comes through the plea-bargaining process. A Houston DWI attorney negotiates on behalf of their client to reach a resolution to the criminal charges that satisfy both the prosecution and the defendant.

While many defendants understandably would prefer to have their charges dropped, sometimes probation and a small fine are preferable to the uncertainty of a criminal trial.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is a DWI Lawyer in Houston?

A: A DWI lawyer in Texas typically charges rates that reflect their years of experience and success in securing favorable settlements for clients. Criminal defense attorneys usually either bill by the hour or charge a flat fee. When you first consult with your attorney, you can discuss the fee structure and the expected cost of your defense.

Q: What’s the Difference Between DWI and DUI in Texas?

A: The criminal penalties for a DWI are generally more severe than those for a DUI. DWIs apply to adults over 21 who are caught driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance. In contrast, DUIs are for individuals under 21 who are found driving under the influence of alcohol. A DUI is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas.

Q: How Likely Is Jail Time for a First DWI in Texas?

A: The likelihood of a jail sentence is hard to predict, but non-violent offenders who are facing a lower-level criminal offense have a good chance of avoiding jail if they are working with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Probation is often offered in lieu of jail time for defendants who do not have aggravating factors involved in their case.

Q: What Are the Chances of Beating a DWI in Texas?

A: When you have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side, the chances of beating a DWI go up considerably. Not every “win” in a criminal case results in charges being dropped. Often, the goal is to reduce the charges or penalties that the defendant is facing so they can focus on their personal and professional life without the looming worry of ongoing criminal charges.

Schedule Your Houston DWI Consultation Today

A criminal defense attorney performs many important tasks on behalf of their clients. Giving advice and legal counsel is one important task they perform. Attorneys also take direct legal action on behalf of clients by filing motions, subpoenaing witnesses, and taking steps to remove evidence that was not gathered lawfully.

The ultimate goal is to reduce the penalties you are facing. If you are facing DWI charges, you do not have to face them alone. Contact the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, or leave us an online message so we can set up a consultation.