Houston Multiple DUI Lawyer

Houston Multiple DUI Attorney

Impaired driving in Houston is a serious offense, and even a first-time conviction can lead to harsh consequences like high fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. Subsequent drunk driving charges can have harsher penalties. If you are facing charges, a Houston multiple DUI lawyer at the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, can help you preserve your rights and your freedom through skilled criminal defense.

Texas Multiple DUI Laws

The terms DUI and DWI are often used interchangeably when discussing impaired driving. However, in Houston and the state of Texas, each term has a specific meaning.

DWI in Texas, or driving while intoxicated, is the charge for any driver over 21 operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. A conviction can mean years in state prison, large fines, license suspension, ignition interlock devices, and intervention programs.

Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving in drivers under 21, which means underage drivers are not allowed to have any drugs or alcohol in their systems. Being caught can mean a DUI charge or driving under the influence of an impairing substance. In fact, for people under 21, even non-driving alcohol-related charges can lead to penalties, including license suspension. Some of these include:

• Trying to purchase alcohol
• Lying about age to obtain alcohol
• Using a fake ID to obtain alcohol
• Consuming or possessing alcohol
• Public intoxication

A first DUI offense can lead to up to a year of suspended driver’s license, a $500 fine, an alcohol education program, community service, and an ignition interlock device. The stakes are even higher with multiple DUI offenses, where judges are less likely to be lenient. A second or subsequent DUI conviction can mean longer license suspensions, and if the driver is over 17, a third offense can result in up to $2000 in fines and jail time.

While DUI in Texas does not generally have punishments as harsh as those for DWI, the consequences of a DUI conviction can last long after the trial. In addition to not being able to drive, a criminal record, even if it is only a misdemeanor, can impact options for college and jobs, raise car insurance rates, and leave individuals ineligible for certain professional licenses and certifications.

Houston DUI Statistics

Texas has one of the highest rates of impaired driving of any state. Each year, there are nearly 340 impaired driving arrests made per 100,000 licensed drivers in Texas. The most recent traffic accident data shows just how much the problem contributes to injuries and deaths in the Lone Star State.

There were about 1,090 deaths from accidents related to impaired driving in Texas in 2023 and 2,098 alcohol-related crashes in Houston, with 88 resulting in death.

The worst highway for fatal accidents is I-45. In fact, I-45 was recently named the deadliest road in America.

Legal Defense for Multiple DUIs

For underage Texas drivers facing multiple DUI charges, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can have a significant impact on the outcome of the case. Common defenses challenge the results of the blood or breath test or the actions of the law enforcement officer, such as their reason for stopping a driver.

A skilled DUI attorney in Houston knows that DUI laws are always changing and stays on top of the most up-to-date information about science testing methods like infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography, as well as the intricacies of problems with field testing and calculating BAC. This becomes even more crucial when the person has had multiple DUI charges.

FAQs About Houston, TX Multiple DUI Laws

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Houston?

The cost of hiring a DUI lawyer in Houston can vary, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some factors include whether the charges can be dismissed or reduced, if the case has to go to trial, the severity of the offense, and the defense attorney’s experience and fee structure. Be sure to ask about cost, fee structure, and payment at your initial consultation so you have a clear idea of the expectations.

When Should You Get a DUI Lawyer?

You should get a DUI lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest. There is a limited time frame for driver’s license suspension hearings, and having qualified legal representation early in the process gives you more time to build your defense. Your attorney can challenge test results, negotiate with the prosecutor, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Do You Have to Take a Breath Test in Texas?

You do not have to take a breath test when suspected of a DUI, but if you refuse, it can result in immediate suspension of your driver’s license and even jail time. Texas has an implied consent law, which means that operating a vehicle is considered consent to a blood alcohol test if requested. Houston and Harris County sometimes have no refusal weekends, and refusing the test can also mean getting a warrant to obtain the test.

Can You Get a DUI Dismissed in Houston?

Yes, you can get a DUI dismissed in Houston, especially if it is the driver’s first offense. In some cases, first-time offenders may be given a lesser sentence, such as community service, or have their charges dismissed entirely if they participate in an alcohol education program. However, this depends on the severity of the charges. A knowledgeable DUI lawyer can determine if dismissal is an option in your case.

Get Solid Representation You Can Trust Today – Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC

At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, our legal team has more than ten years of experience and has handled hundreds of jury trials, and we can put those skills to work for you. Our skilled legal team can work to have your case dismissed or your charges reduced. If you or a loved one is facing DUI allegations, contact our office right away to set up an initial consultation and learn your legal options.