Reader’s Question:

I was once stopped by police officers in Houston, Texas for erratic driving. I stopped and explained that I have faulty brakes at the time and looking for the nearest auto repair shop. Still they wanted me to submit to a Breathalyzer test but I refused. What consequences may arise for these kinds of situation?

James

Houston, TX

There may be a lot of instances that a suspected drunk driving may lead to an arrest for DWI. One term being used is what we call “Probable Cause”. If a police officer noticed that you are driving erratically, he can ask you to pull over to check for signs of drunk driving. If his reasonable belief has been justified by physical evidences (such as booze bottles inside your vehicle), he may then ask you to prove that you are not under any kind of substance and alcohol influence. He may first ask you to take tests like walking a straight line. If his suspicions are still strong, they may even ask you to take a breath analyzer test. Refusal to do so may possibly lead to an arrest based on facts and circumstances.

There had been strict law enforcement with regards to safe driving Houston, Texas. There had already been a long debate as to speed limits, alcohol and breath tests just to maintain road safety. So in case you get pulled over by a police officer for a reasonable cause such as over speeding, possible drunk driving and the likes, I suggest you hire a lawyer who is expert in defending road offenses such as DUI. I also recommend getting an affordable auto insurance carrier that would not beat you hard for such troubles.

Tags: auto insurance, DWI, DWI arrest, DWI lawyer

Reader’s Question:

I just moved here in Houston, Texas a few months back and I remembered being apprehended for DWI two years back when I was in Austin and now, I would be getting a new car insurance. Would my previous DUI record affect the cost of car insurance that I plan to get?

Mary

Houston, TX

Probably one major thing to ask is that, were you convicted or acquitted for DUI? This needs to be confirmed because if you have been convicted, this record will remain under your name for a long period of time even if you move to a different city. Houston, Texas has stricter DUI laws and this would definitely affect the kind of premiums you can get from insurance companies depending on the gravity of the offense you have committed.

Many people may have access to your DUI records, even for a long period of time after your conviction. Insurance companies may try to avoid people with prior DUI records. Even employment opportunities may also suffer because of this. DUI help in the form a legal professional is really important in dealing with such case. Lawyers or attorneys may be able to help you after a DUI conviction. Especially that there are stricter DWI laws here in Houston, Texas, DUI attorneys can help you expunge your DUI records. With conviction of DUI on your record, or even if you do not declare it on agreements and application forms, insurance companies still have access to such information and thus will give you higher premium options or refuse application as a worst case scenario. I was able to find an interesting deal in terms of auto insurance for people who are previously apprehended for DUI like me on this website.

Tags: auto insurance, DUI, DUI conviction, DUI lawyer

Reader’s Question:

My entire family agreed to move in Houston, Texas. My eldest son is already taking driving lessons and would be ready to hit the road in a month’s time. I would just like to know, how do DWI laws in Houston worked so far?

Marc

Houston, TX

Like most of the States, Texas also implemented statues and laws on Driving While Intoxicated. Houston, Texas DWI law describes DWI as driving while intoxicated. This may actually include driving any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Stricter and harsher DWI laws have been implemented as brought about by the increasing motor population and road accidents. But I can tell that it has a positive impact, because accidents caused by drunk driving were brought down. Some major impacts of DWI may include but not limited to losing your driver’s license (especially for repeated violation), pay a penalty, or even get barred from getting a driver’s license ever (that’s on top of jail imprisonment). Punishment can be further aggravated under a variety of circumstances. If you have a previous Houston DWI conviction, you will naturally face stiffer penalties for subsequent DWI offenses. The alcohol percentage in the blood must not be greater than 0.08.

It therefore makes sense to know about these laws and try not to get caught napping while in a DWI situation. You can search internet websites and article resources for thorough details on Houston DWI laws. I recommend at great DWI lawyer on this website who is really helpful in educating us about DWI laws. And since your son is about to drive on his own, I also suggest that you start hunting for a good DWI insurance just in case something happens.

Tags: drunk driving laws, DWI, DWI lawyer, DWI penalties

Reader’s Question:

My brother was caught for DWI here in Houston, Texas and I heard that Houston has stricter DWI laws as compared to any other city in Texas. Do you have any information as to how much is the usual penalty or fine for DWI?

Albert

Houston, TX

There are more rigorous driver responsibility laws put in place in Houston, Texas now than ever before. You may come to a point of paying a high price for a DWI conviction. On your first offense, you could end up paying around $1,000 and a second DWI offense could set you back by $1,500. The charges being cumulative, a convicted driver can end up paying potentially $2,500 in a year. Now that is really a good amount of money that you can end coughing up. It is important that you charter the services of a good DWI attorney to fight your case. A Houston DWI attorney may be able to defend you and substantially reduce the amount of the fine.

A Houston DWI attorney is capable of pointing out the mistakes that the law enforcement agencies may be made during the conviction or argues on the basis of wrong procedures adopted during the chemical tests. The sooner you hire a professional, the better your chances of winning in a Houston DWI charge. Aside from that, being charged with DWI also makes significant factors in getting DWI insurance. These companies may either give you higher rates or if you are on auto insurance, the insurance company may drop off your eligibility. I suggest that you and your brother may need to research more about available DWI insurance on this page and check their free quotations.

Tags: DWI, DWI lawyer, DWI penalties, DWI insurance

Reader’s Question:

How important is the auto insurance issue for someone who is charged with drunk driving? I heard that my father is worried about his insurance after being charged with DWI here in Houston, Texas.

Mai

Houston, TX

Auto insurance is a very significant issue for your father since he is charged with drunk driving in Houston, Texas. Insurance companies depend on many factors regarding their rates, and this includes driving record. DWI convictions would cause many insurance carriers to drop someone who is insured, and others would raise their rates significantly.

A lot of people who have been arrested for drunk driving who are in the process of fighting their DWI case are confused about what to tell their auto insurance company. It would be best if your father will consult with an experienced DWI lawyer who knows the issue about drunk driving insurance. But remember that our American system of justice presumes that those who stand accused are innocent until they are proven guilty in court. So it would be best not to reveal a pending DWI case to an insurance carrier. Keep in mind that without a DWI conviction, there would be no obligation to do so. You can advise your father to find the best insurance company for his auto insurance if he is currently not insured. He can definitely get an online rate quote from a great and affordable auto insurance company available from this website.

Tags: auto insurance, drunk driving insurance, DWI, DWI conviction

Reader’s Question:

My cousin got arrested for DWI here in Houston, Texas and it’s nearing her first court date. Question is, what usually happens in the first courtroom proceeding?

Jayden

Houston, TX

The first courtroom proceeding for your cousin’s DWI case in Houston, Texas would be the arraignment. During the arraignment, she will be called before a criminal court judge. She will be referred to as the “defendant,” be provided with copies of the charges against her, read the charges and her rights to her. She will also be asked if she has an attorney, or in the event that she cannot afford one, if she would like a court-appointed attorney.

During this proceeding, your cousin will also be asked how she wishes to plead to the charges. At this point, she should provide an answer or “guilty” or “not guilty.” In case an attorney is not present with her, or she fails or refuses to answer the question, or is conscious but unable to answer the question, a lot of courts would simply enter “not guilty” plea on her behalf and set a future court date to give the defendant time to either retain an attorney or decide how to proceed going forward. At this hearing, it will also be decided whether or not to set bail, or whether any preliminary bail amount set by the police should be changed.

Tags: DUI, DUI lawyer, DUI trial

Reader’s Question:

I was lucky enough not to have been charged with DWI after being pulled over a few days ago here in Houston, Texas. During the stop, I was asked to do some tests like walking on a straight line among other things. I knew that the officer was looking for a clue that I was intoxicated, if he found at least one clue, will I be charged with DWI then?

Larry

Houston, TX

DWI lawyers in Houston, Texas usually see the walk and turn test offered with only an imaginary line. It would be difficult to tell that the test would be hard without the studies. DWI lawyers would also commonly see their clients who were ordered to stand heel to toe while the instructions are delivered. Standing in this unnatural pose for one minute while listening to a police officer for important instructions may be more challenging than intended.

It is generally common for a police officer to identify one (and only one) clue would seem to indicate probable impairment. An example is that a police officer would generally say that a DWI suspect “stumbled on the turn.” But according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Study, this would amount to only one indicator of impairment and does not show that the accused is probably impaired.

Tags: DWI, DWI lawyer, field sobriety tests

Reader’s Question:

I was recently arrested for DWI here in Houston, Texas and I’m about to request for the ALR hearing. Where will the hearing for my driver’s license suspension be held?

Ralph

Houston, TX

The State Office of Administrative Hearings or SOAH is the one which will conduct the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing that is dedicated to the sole purpose of suspending your driver’s license. After your DWI arrest in Houston, Texas, a green “Notice of Suspension” was served to you and your driver’s license was literally taken by the police officer in exchange for a temporary permit. If the Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not receive a request for hearing within 15 days upon your arrest, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended.

The driver’s license suspension ranges from 90 days to two years and without a hearing request, the suspension begins on the 40th day after you have been served of the notice. If you request the hearing within 15 days, it will entitle you to an administrative hearing to determine if your driver’s license will be suspended. Just a little reminder that the hearing should not only be sent, it should be received by the DPS within 15 days. You can drive while you are waiting for your hearing and if you win your hearing, your license will not be suspended. If you lose your hearing, you may apply for an occupational driver’s license that permits you to drive to and from work.

Tags: driver’s license, DWI, DWI lawyer

Reader’s Question:

My brother was arrested for his second DWI offense here in Houston, Texas. What are the penalties involved and will he be imprisoned?

Efren

Houston, TX

DWI is a very time-sensitive case so your brother needs to act quickly because his DWI charge in Houston, Texas is already his second DWI offense. Before I educate you on the penalties that would be involved if your brother will be convicted, let me remind you first the he must employ the services of an experienced DWI lawyer to help him file the necessary paperwork and defend him on his DWI case. Several aspects of his life will be greatly affected if he once again will be convicted for DWI.

Your brother will be imprisoned or pay fines if he gets convicted for his second DWI offense. That would be between 30 days to one year and the fines would be up to $4,000. He could also be penalized for both incarceration and fine. The probationary period could be up to 24 months long and include several conditions set by the judge. Having jail time as a condition for the probation is also normal. The driver’s license suspension would be from six months to two years. If the judge doesn’t set a term of suspension, the Department of Public Safety would suspend his license for one year. The completion of the required DWI Intervention Program would not prevent the suspension of his license.

Tags: driver’s license, DWI, DWI cost, DWI lawyer, DWI penalties

Reader’s Question:

I know that if someone is arrested for DWI in Houston, Texas, the driver’s license could be suspended. But what I need to know is that, do all DWI arrests end in the suspension of the driver’s license of the DWI suspect?

Holly

Houston, TX

The driver’s license suspension that you are referring to is the Administrative License Revocation (ALR), but not all DWI arrests end with suspended driver’s licenses. In most DWI cases, a “Notice of Suspension” is served immediately after the breath or blood alcohol test is failed or refused by the DWI suspect. Unless and until the driver’s license becomes suspended, the DWI suspect could drive without restriction.

A lot of police officers in Houston, Texas tell the people they arrest for DWI that the license is suspended as of the moment of arrest, which is not true. The DWI suspect would automatically lose his driver’s license unless a hearing request is received by the Department of Public Safety within 15 days upon the DWI suspect’s receipt of his notice of suspension. Making a timely and proper request would entitle the accused to a hearing if the driver’s license would be suspended. This administrative hearing would be conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and this usually happens within six weeks of arrest. The driver’s license suspension ranges from 90 days to two years.

Tags: driver’s license, DWI, DWI lawyer