The outcome of a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge in Harris County can significantly affect your life. Besides being found guilty or not guilty at trial, one way to resolve your case favorably is through the Harris County DWI pre-trial intervention program. Pre-trial intervention—also known as diversion—is similar to probation. The program is designed to …
Like all states, Texas has adopted open container laws that limit the ability to carry open alcoholic beverages – specifically, in motor vehicles. While you might assume you have the right to carry an alcohol beverage in your vehicle as long as you are not impaired, that is not the case if it’s open. Texas …
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) occurs in Texas when a person operates a motor vehicle in a public space while intoxicated. Per Texas Penal Code § 49, a person is deemed intoxicated if their blood, urine, or breath has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater. If you have been charged with a DWI, you are innocent …
Were you arrested for a DWI in Houston? You may feel a rush of panic, fear, and uncertainty, but know that an arrest does not automatically mean guilt or a conviction. The steps you take during and immediately following the DWI arrest can significantly impact your case’s outcome. This article covers some of the steps …
Were you or a loved one arrested recently for DWI (driving while intoxicated)? If so, you might wonder whether the police actually have sufficient evidence for a Texas DWI case, such as a reliable breathalyzer or blood test result or testimony from an eyewitness. You might also wonder whether there may be evidence of your …
One of our most frequently asked questions is, what should I do if I am pulled over during the holidays? Everyone knows lawyers can’t give a straight answer so here is what you’re expecting: it depends! Our recommendation — refuse the field sobriety tests and take a breath test. Wonder why? Keep reading. During the …
With bird and lime scooters being thrown all over cities in Texas, the lawyers at Blass Law are being asked, Can I get a DWI on a scooter?. There is not a specific law that defines riding electric scooters while intoxicated so we look to the general DWI statute. In Texas, the elements of DWI …
On May 23, 2018, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston, and held that evidence of a single prior DWI conviction must be delayed until the punishment stage of trial if a person is found guilty. A DWI second is a misdemeanor offense and any evidence of a …
The Governor of Texas has signed a new bill making some people convicted of DWI eligible for a petition for nondisclosure, or more commonly known as getting charges sealed from criminal record. In the past, a DWI could never be removed from your record, on September 1, 2017 this will change (and it applies to …
Utah lawmakers voted to lower the legal limit for a driver’s blood-alcohol concentration from 0.08 to 0.05. If the Governor signs the bill, it would go into effect December 30, 2018. Compared to Texas, this is significantly different. In Texas a person can be convicted of DWI if they have lost the normal use of their …
If you’re like most people, when you realize you’ve received a DWI you’re hungover and feel like dirt. Knowing you tried to drive last night doesn’t make you feel any better. The fact that you feel such remorse shows you aren’t a bad person, but just someone who made a mistake. It’s different for someone …
Getting a DWI in the state of Texas carries more than just legal repercussions and court fees; it can significantly increase your car insurance, rate, too. A recent article published by The Dallas Morning News highlights the high costs of insurance in the state of Texas (especially for drivers with a low credit score) and …
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office received almost half a million in dollars in funding from the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure every day is a no refusal day. This no refusal policy means they have additional prosecutors on duty to assist in preparing search warrants to forcibly obtain a sample of your blood. …
Houston is known for its warmer climate and is home to a number of golf courses, where residents can enjoy a round of golf for most of the year. It is not uncommon for golf enthusiasts to throw back a few drinks while playing 18 holes with a group of close friends. Driving around the …
Mario Williams was the Texans’ first draft pick in the 2006 NFL draft. If you follow the draft you’ll remember that the Texans surprised the draft predictions by picking him over Reggie Bush, who speculators predicted would be their first pick. Mario Williams played for the Texans until 2011 when he then began playing defensive …
In Canada, one court has ruled that a citizen accused should be permitted access to the internet in order to contact a lawyer. After a citizen had been pulled over for DWI the officer read his “Charter” rights (Canada’s version of our “Miranda” warnings). Once in jail, the citizen testified that he didn’t see any …
