With football season and the year-end holidays comes an increase in drunk driving enforcement, and a corresponding increase in the number of marginal or unfair arrests.

An experienced Houston DWI lawyer understands that simply being arrested does not mean someone is guilty. Unfortunately, for those who fail to take it seriously, a conviction can result in jail time, driver’s license suspension, hefty fines and court costs, and even job loss. Nationwide, the cost of a conviction is often $10,000 or more, including skyrocketing insurance premiums. Seeking professional legal advice in the aftermath of arrest is the first crucial step.

Whether college or pro, the link between football and DUI is real. A study by the University of Colorado found a 76 percent increase in alcohol violations on game day in college towns and a 13 percent increase in drunk driving accidents. Football leads us into the year-end holiday driving period — which is the most dangerous time of the year on our nation’s roads. Authorities typically respond with targeted enforcement efforts and more manpower. Here in the Houston area, this means “no refusal weekends.” In some cases, that can result in inexperienced officers making arrests, or older officers typically responsible for inside jobs. In some cases, even voluntary or auxiliary officers may be involved. Enforcement efforts may also place unrealistic expectations on law enforcement, thus leading to probable cause violations and marginal or unfair arrests.

Knowing your rights is important. You have the right to remain silent and to refuse roadside sobriety tests, including hand-held breathalyzers. And you have the right to refuse a blood sample without a warrant. Under Texas DWI Law, if you take the breath test and fail (test over .08) or if you refuse to take the test, the state’s Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process will attempt to suspend your driver’s license. While the officer at the scene may take your driver’s license for refusing a breathalyzer, a temporary permit will be issued good for 41 days.

Within 15 days of arrest, a driver can request a hearing to challenge license suspension – your defense attorney can explain in more detail. Failure to do so can result in a suspension of 6 months. For a second or subsequent refusal within 10 years, an automatic two-year suspension may be applied to those who fail to assert their legal rights to a hearing. You want an attorney who will know the ALR process and help you keep your license.

A third DWI in Texas is a felony offense punishable by 2-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Felony DWI charges must always be handled by experienced legal counsel.

The truth of the matter is there are many ways to fight a DWI arrest. The experience and training of officers, the reliability of the breathalyzer test, probable cause for the traffic stop and the results of field sobriety tests. With the legal and social consequences of a drunk driving conviction growing more serious with each passing year, keeping a DWI conviction off your permanent driving record can save you time, money and headaches for years to come.

You need an experienced, aggressive Texas DWI lawyer.  Call 1-800-395-5951 today for your free consultation. More than 20 years experience.

Drunk driving laws in Texas are among the toughest in the nation. If you are convicted of DWI, your whole life can be turned upside down. A conviction may affect your job, your reputation, child custody issues and your driving privileges. With so much at stake, you don’t want to risk going into court on your own. You will need the best DWI attorney in Texas to handle your case. It’s important to find the right lawyer for your DWI arrest promptly. A delay may affect your legal rights.

A qualified DWI lawyer in Houston can represent you and work hard to help you get the results you need to get on with your life. A drunk driving conviction can lead to a jail sentence, costly fees and penalties, increased insurance rates, and a loss of your driving privileges.

Even people who are arrested for their first DWI offense can face serious consequences. Whether it’s your first offense or you have been arrested in the past, you should not hesitate to contact the best attorney you can find. Some people make the mistake of settling for the lawyer who charges the lowest fee. They may regret that decision, as the attorney may not provide thorough and aggressive representation. A DWI case may involve a lengthy investigation as well as expert witnesses who can testify on behalf of the person charged with drunk driving. Be sure to find a lawyer who is not going to have you enter a guilty plea to your charge because that is your “best option.” You need to fight the charge and have an experienced lawyer who is willing to go the distance.

A drunk driving arrest can be a frightening experience. Your future is uncertain, as you face the possibility of expensive fines and even a jail sentence. One of the wisest decisions you can make is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a DWI arrest.

If you are arrested for DWI in Conroe, The Woodlands, Montgomery, Houston or elsewhere in Texas, contact Joseph LaBella & Associates. Criminal defense lawyer Joseph LaBella has a successful record of defending drivers charged with DWI. He has obtained dismissals and has tried more than 100 cases, with a 90 percent success rate.

You need an experienced, aggressive DWI lawyer on your side. Call 1-800-395-5951 today for your free consultation with an attorney who has protected clients’ rights for more than 20 years.