The DWI Process
DWI Lawyer in Houston
The DWI process includes both an administrative hearing to determine the status of your driving privileges, as well as a criminal case. You have 15 days from the date of your arrest to schedule an administrative hearing to prevent the suspension of your license. Failure to schedule or attend the hearing will result in automatic revocation. Your criminal case will include an arraignment on charges, the posting of bail as determined by the court, a pre-trial and trial. Both the prosecution and your defense attorney will attend the pre-trial where the evidence and case against you is reviewed. Plea bargaining can take place during this phase of your case. If your case goes to trial, the prosecuti on will need to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A conviction in a DWI case can have a lasting impact on your life. Depending on the facts of the case, you will be facing penalties such as:
- Probation
- Incarceration
- Fines
- Restitution
- Community service
- Loss of driving privileges
- Vehicle impoundment
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
You will also have a permanent criminal record that can affect your employment opportunities and professional reputation . A Houston DWI attorney should be contacted immediately if you have been charged with DWI. An experienced lawyer can explain all of your legal options and work to mitigate the charges against you.
DWI Defense
One of the defense strategies used in a drunk driving case is the invalidation and suppression of DWI testing. The DWI attorney from Jim Medley & Associates, P.C. is an extremely skilled litigator with expertise in field sobriety, blood and breath testing. Mr. Medley has a master's degree in forensic toxicology and is a recognize d DWI test expert. He will analyze your test results and look for testing procedure errors and other viable defense opportunities. This can include contamination of samples, improperly maintained testing equipment and the administration of test by an untrained or unqualified individual.
Contact a Houston DWI attorney for an analysis of your DWI test results and dedicated legal representation.