What Exactly Is Houston DUI Law?

Everything You Need To Know About DUI Law In Houston

In every state, it is criminal to operate a vehicle as a motorist when you are impaired by either the effects of drugs or alcohol. This includes being impaired from prescription medications. While it varies from state to state, the offense is either called Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). While the offender’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) may showcase that the driver was impaired, an experienced attorney will likely look to have the penalties reduced or even dismissed completely. Likewise, a lawyer may look to enter negotiations to get a lesser sentence or punishment.

You will receive some sort of punishment in the form of a criminal sentence if you are convicted of a DUI. This could include something as little as community service and something as much as jail time. You will likely lose your driver’s license for some time due to a suspension or have it revoked completely. Your attorney will likely be able to assist you in getting your driving privileges back as long as you are willing and able to use an ignition interlock device or by requesting the court’s permission to use a vehicle to get to and from your workplace.

Terms You Should Know

  • Implied Consent: In each state, a motorist must consent to a police stop and a BAC test to acquire a driver’s license in the first place. Not submitting a BAC test will cause the driver to violate this and it results in an automatic driver suspension.
  • Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): This is the amount of alcohol that is found in someone’s bloodstream. It is measured and used to figure out the driver’s level of impairment for the courts.
  • Drug Recognition Experts: Some officers are experienced and trained to be able to figure out how impaired a suspect is.
  • DUI Checkpoints: These are the roadblocks that are positioned by the police. They are meant to patrol busy roads and they are regularly used during big holidays when a lot of people are drinking. Drivers are meant to be checked at random at these checkpoints.

When You Need An Attorney

Being charged with a DUI is a serious offense and it is punished heavily by the court system. After all, it can be a very deadly mistake. Because of this, the stakes are very high and they look to make examples regularly. Those who are convicted of a DUI tend to lose their license for a certain period and they are forced to pay a significant fine. Some do face jail time which is more likely if it is a repeating offense. If your attorney is not able to get the charges and the case dismissed, they may be able to get your sentence reduced.

Getting the proper legal representation isn’t something that comes cheaply. However, hiring an experienced and skilled attorney is one of the best ways to ensure the outcome is as favorable as possible.

Contact The Butler Law Firm Right Now

Mr. Butler is the owner of this criminal law office in Houston. He will do everything in his power as a legal official to receive the justest outcome for his client. Feel free to contact or call the DWI Attorney Jim Butler right now to get your free consultation to see what a skilled attorney can do for you.