What are my legal options if I’m charged with DWI in Houston?

If you’re arrested for drunk driving, we have at least 3 options for dealing with the charge within the confines of Texas law. We can attempt to get the case dismissed, work out a deal with the Harris County Dist. Atty’s Office, or we can fight the charge, head-on, in a full-blown trial.

Is it possible to beat a Houston DWI charge in Harris County?

Absolutely. The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates wields a distinctive set of credentials, training, and is an asset to anyone facing criminal charges related to DWI in Houston. Although every case is different, we also have a solid record of winning in court for our clients.

Can I avoid jail time if I’m convicted for drunk driving?

In short, yes. In reality, there are a number of different factors involved in each and every case we’ve seen in our experience as Houston DWI attorneys. Probation is usually a possibility for most persons that are convicted of DWI in Houston. However, there are no guarantees.

How much jail time can I get if I’m convicted of DWI?

A determination on jail sentencing is the sole priority of the court within the guidelines of Texas criminal law. Depending on the frequency of DWI offenses incurred by the defendant, and the severity of additional factors, a jail sentence could be as short as a few days, to life.

Can you help with truck driver DWI cases involving a CDL?

As a matter of fact we can. The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates is among the premier law firms in Texas for DWI defense. Both lawyers on our Houston DWI defense team are Certified ACS/CHAL Lawyer-Scientists, with Tad Nelson holding a Board Certification.

Will I lose my Texas Drivers’ License if I’m charged with DWI?

In Texas, if you’re arrested for DWI or DUI, the process of Administrative License Revocation is initiated for the purpose of automatically suspending your Texas Drivers’ License. Houston DWI lawyer Tad A. Nelson may be able to intervene, and prevent TDL suspension.

MADD Lobbies for Ignition Interlock Company

April 7, 2015

Updated: Jul 9, 2023 @ 2:23 pm

Less than 1 minute Reading Time: Minutes

Colleen Sheehy-Church, the president of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), recently spoke at a conference sponsored by SmartStart, an ignition interlock company, requesting the use of ignition locks for vehicles of drivers who have been convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI).

MADD believes that Texas should change its DWI laws and require that first-time DWI offenders have ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles.

Texas is one of 26 states that has not implemented this requirement on those who are convicted of DWI. MADD believes that the Texas laws are too lax and points out that the state leads the country in deaths by those who drive in an inebriated state. In 2013, there were 1,336 deaths caused by drunk driving. Disingenuously this is not a per capita number. MADD often misrepresents statistics to strengthen their position and arguments.

How Does The Ignition Interlock Device Work?

The ignition interlock devices are about the size of a cellular phone. The device is installed into the vehicle’s ignition. To drive the vehicle, the driver must blow into the device. If alcohol is not detected, the ignition will start. If the device determines the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is detectable, however, the ignition will not start. While operating the vehicle, the driver may need to submit more breath samples at random intervals.

This is to ensure the driver has not tried to circumvent the device by allowing another person to blow into it and start the car. The device keeps record of every use. Most new machines actually take a picture of the person as they blow into the device. If, while driving, the requested sample is not provided, the device will record the non-compliance. If alcohol is detected, the device will also record the detected BAC level, and an alarm will sound or disable the car.

Ignition Interlock Devices Are Used in Some Texas DWI Cases

Currently, Texas law only mandates the use of ignition interlock devices for drivers whose BAC was .15 or higher when arrested. A person convicted of DWI with a BAC of .15 or higher will be required to obtain the device as well as a restricted interlock license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS is notified of the court’s order and will suspend the driver’s driving privileges if the restricted interlock license is not obtained.

Obtaining an Ignition Interlock Device

If required to use an ignition interlock device, a driver must pay the required licensing fee of $10 and the required license reinstatement fee. Additionally, the device must be installed by a service center that has been certified by the DPS. The installation of the device can cost up to $200 for each car that will be driven by the restricted license driver. Additionally, there are monthly costs associated with the use of the device and monitoring. These costs can easily exceed $1,000 a year.

Arrested for Driving While Impaired?

Get an Attorney

If you have been arrested and charged with DWI in the Houston area, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can help. We will examine your case and provide you with a solid defense.

Call us at (713) 802-1631 to schedule a consultation. The interlock device, unfortunately is just the beginning of the punishment MADD has in store for you as they work hand in hand with District Attorney Offices all over The State of Texas! Especially Galveston and Houston!