DWI

Driving While Intoxicated charges probably have the highest success rate for an acquittal or dismissal than any other type of charge.  The reasons for this is because Law Enforcement casts such a large net, that many innocent Texans are arrested.  At Midence & Skillern, we know how to defend a DWI case.  From challenging the legality of the stop, attacking the untrustworthy field sobriety tests, or exposing the unreliable chemical tests that are taken, the lawyers at Midence & Skillern will be relentless in protecting the wrongfully accused.

Under Texas law, there are two charges that can result from driving under the influence of alcohol: driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of alcohol. The criminal defense law firm of Midence & Skillern in Houston, Texas, provides aggressive, knowledgeable defense you can rely on.  Most people charged with a first DWI offense have never been in trouble with the law before. We know that this is a difficult time for you, and we are ready to help.

What is driving while intoxicated (DWI)?

If a person is arrested for driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% in Texas, he or she may be charged with driving while intoxicated or DWI. A first offense for DWI is a class B misdemeanor.  If a driver has been convicted of DWI on two previous occasions, or caused an accident with injuries, he or she may be charged with felony DWI. In addition, driving while intoxicated with a passenger under the age of fifteen may also result in a felony DWI charge.

Commercial license DWI

If you hold a commercial driver’s license, a DWI conviction can be devastated.  A DWI conviction in Texas means an automatic revocation of a commercial driver’s license.  Also, if your blood alcohol content is .04% or higher, you may be lose your license at an ALR hearing.

What is driving under the influence (DUI)?

Drivers under the age of twenty-one are subject to being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. Texas is a zero tolerance state, which means that any detectible BAC at all can result in DUI charges.

For a minor’s first DUI offense, the possible penalties include sixty days license suspension, a fine of up to $500, community service, and mandatory enrollment in an alcohol-awareness program.

If the driver is under eighteen years of age, a DUI charge will require a parent or guardian to accompany all court appearances. The penalties may include community service, alcohol-awareness training, and a suspended driver’s license. The parents are also subject to being ordered to accompany the minor to the awareness class. Successful completion of the penalties may result in having the minor’s record expunged (cleared) upon turning twenty-one years old.