I got a drunk driving charge here in Houston, Texas but the insurance policy is not under my name. Will the rates go up for the auto insurance policyholder?

Carina

Houston, TX

Yes, your drunk driving charge in Houston, Texas can have an effect on the rates of the policyholder if you’re a driver listed under the policy. The driving record of any licensed motorist on a policy or in a household could have an influence on the insurance rates as well as insurance provider’s choice to insure the automobile. Certain violations could cause an insurance company to turn you or the policyholder down for insurance coverage or to pay higher premiums.

A motorist with a bad driving record would be more of a risk for an insurance provider than a motorist with a clean driving record and thus their premiums are typically higher. The whole policy, therefore, could be affected by one motorist’s drunk driving charge or serious driving violation. If the policyholder’s insurance premiums increase because of your drunk driving charge, they might want to check if they can have a better rate so you can advise the policyholder to check online rates from this website.

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.

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.

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.

I’m very much concerned about my job after being arrested for drunk driving in Houston, Texas and I fear that I might just be terminated or something. Shall I take the risk and tell my employer that I was recently charged with DUI?

Buck

Houston, TX

Many employers would not hire someone who has a drunk driving conviction in their driver’s history. Most companies go back a certain number of years to check a potential employee’s background. Since you are currently employed, I hate to tell you that a DUI conviction could end your employment. If your drunk driving arrest in Houston, Texas would be reported to your employer, you may either be suspended or terminated. I suggest that you check your employee handbook to see what it says about being arrested for any criminal charge. Some companies even periodically check’s a driver’s history of their employees.

The question of reporting an arrest for DUI is a very important issue that you need to address to your DUI attorney immediately. Do not disclose your DUI arrest with your employer until you have spoken to your DUI attorney. Your DUI attorney would give you the best advice possible on what you should do after your DUI arrest. You have to be knowledgeable on your rights and obligations before risking immediate termination because of your DUI arrest.

After my drunk driving arrest here in Houston, Texas, my first instinct is to hire a DUI lawyer. Is it right for me to hire a DUI lawyer who has the lowest fee?

Zaylie

Houston, TX

That is actually one of the biggest mistakes that you could do after your drunk driving arrest in Houston, Texas- to hire a DUI lawyer based on the amount of fee alone. The state of Texas most definitely has unlimited resources when it comes to DUI cases. It is very important for you to hire a lawyer and pay a fee which will allow him/her to put time and effort into your DUI case to counter the prosecution.

Lawyers should earn enough in the time they spend on your DUI case for them to keep their doors open and make a living wage. If you go too low, the DUI lawyer would not be able to put in the time necessary to protect you. You should look for a reasonable and predictable fee, not the lowest fee. After all, you would not want a DUI lawyer who would bargain at the lowest rate to represent you on your DUI case.

My daughter has been arrested for drunk driving in Houston, Texas. She was asked to perform field sobriety tests and she failed them. I was told that these tests do not accurately determine driver impairment. Can she use this as a defense?

Madison

Houston, TX

Yes, it’s true, field sobriety tests (FST’s) do not accurately measure the driver impairment for probable cause to support an arrest for DUI. So your daughter can use that as a defense in her DUI case in Houston, Texas. Many researchers observed that FST’s determine balance, reaction time and steadiness but concluded that a connection between these factors and driving ability was not apparent. That’s because neither a simple movement time nor steady stance is essential to the safe operation of a motor vehicle. The researchers conceded that FST’s may show the presence of alcohol but did not necessarily measure driving ability.

In general, police officers do not give the FST’s uniformly and there is no scientific basis for assuming these tests are valid. Many of these officers either improperly instruct the suspect driver on how to perform the tests or administer the wrong tests. A DUI defense lawyer can obtain a pre-trial suppression ruling to exclude the FSTs and their alleged indication of impairment due to lack of improper instructions and scientific foundation.