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 …
Texas Open Container Laws
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 …
Actions to be Taken after being Charged with DWI in 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 …
First Steps After DWI Arrest in Houston, Texas
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 …
Reasons Not to Ride in a Car Driven by a Drunk Person
There are many reasons not to ride in a car driven by a drunk person. You put yourself, the other driver, and others at risk of harm—and even death—due to the driver’s intoxication. However, another reason is that you put yourself at risk of legal consequences. Those aren’t the only reasons not to ride with …
Evidence in Texas DWI Cases
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 …
Difference Between DWI and DUI in Texas Laws
Depending on your age, you may face either a DWI (driving while intoxicated) or a DUI (driving under the influence) charge if you operated a vehicle while intoxicated in Texas. The difference between DWI and DUI in Texas laws applies to the age of the charged driver. If you’re 21 or older, the DWI charge …
Common Mistakes After a Car Accident
With car accidents on the rise in the United States, it’s important to know what to do in case you find yourself in one. Your actions following an accident can have a definite impact on your financial recovery. At any point, you could be implicating yourself as the one to blame, diminishing your injuries, or …
Harris County Criminal Court Relocation
RIC Judge Brock Thomas 6th floor Call 713-225-1900 or fill out our contact form if you need help from a criminal defense lawyer in Harris County. Updated 07/07/2020 Harris County Court Coronavirus COVID-19 Updates: Updated: 07/07/2020 We have a list of the latest updates: The Texas Supreme Court has suspended jury trials until September 1, …
Should you Refuse a Breathalyzer Test During the Holidays?
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 …
Can you get a DWI in Texas on an electric scooter?
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 …
Keep Honest Kids Honest: Cell Phone Safety for Kids
If you’ve seen our other newsletters and videos you know we appreciate our rights and privacy. This month we are talking about kids, and we all know kids don’t remain silent unless they have a cell phone 📱 in their hands. Here are some ways to keep your kids safe while online. No photos without clothes! …
Blood Alcohol Tube Recall Is Bigger Than Anticipated
BD issued a recall because of an error that could change the results of blood alcohol analysis. The Houston Police Department has confirmed they have tubes from the lot that was recalled, approximately 2,600. BD also manufactures blood tubes for other companies like Sirchie and TriTech. Many agencies in Harris County and other counties in …
5 ways to secure your cell phone from the police
Set a password. You can use a numeric password, Face ID, Touch ID, or whatever your phone supports. Keep nosey acquaintances from seeing your private items. Set up an iCloud or Google account and KNOW your password. If your phone is confiscated or lost you can locate it or remotely wipe it. We’ve had cases …
New Year’s is no-refusal and “you’re probably going to jail”
Thanks to the Harris County District Attorney’s office for putting it out there. If you’ve had anything to drink over the New Year’s weekend, you’re probably going to jail. The encounter with police will go something like this: You get pulled over for a traffic offense (speeding, swerving, going too slow, etc.). Don’t admit to …
Don’t get charged with assault during the holidays
We are all getting ready for Thanksgiving, and that usually means a lot of family time, turkey and alcohol. Every year we represent many people charged with assaulting family members (and we get great results). Here are a few tips to help you stay out of trouble during the holidays, and how to react if you find yourself in a situation. …