If you are arrested for drunk driving, the presence of an open container of alcohol in your vehicle can add fuel to the legal fire. In Texas, a first-time DWI is charged as a Class C misdemeanor, but with an open-container enhancement that gets bumped to a Class B misdemeanor. In practical terms, this effectively […]
Government or public figures implicated in a scandal may take a variety of approaches. Some may deny all charges, while others offer no comment. At a minimum, it is often advisable to consult with an attorney before making public admissions. However, the Travis County district attorney did none of these actions. The district attorney was […]
Texas readers may have heard about a cable television show called “Black Gold.” Set in Texas, the documentary profiles the real-life exploits of workers on Texas oil drilling rigs. The work demands imposed on workers on the rigs can be grueling and dangerous. Yet as might be expected, the drama that is recorded on the […]
Readers of this blog may recall many posts where an alleged traffic violation alerted authorities to someone driving while intoxicated. Observable behavior, such as erratic driving or the commission of traffic offense, may satisfy the probable cause element needed by police to pull over a driver. Today’s story begins with that common scenario. Texas A&M […]
In recent posts, we’ve noted how many drunk driving penalties have increased in severity in the last few years, and also discussed some of the escalating penalties that can apply to repeat drunk driving offenders under Texas law. One example is the Driver Responsibility law, which essentially raised the amount of fines — akin to […]
Texas readers who question whether local authorities are investing more time and money into drunk driving enforcement efforts need only read about the third annual awards ceremony hosted by the local Montgomery County District Attorney’s office. The event, held in the Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe, honored local officials and agencies in five categories. […]
Texas readers may have read about an ignition interlock penalty for repeat drunk driving offenders. The device works similar to a breath test. A driver must blow into the device before starting the car, and the vehicle won’t start for blood alcohol content readings above a designated level. At least one Texas judge has taken […]
Today’s post is a follow-up regarding the arrest of Texas state Rep. Naomi Gonzalez for driving while intoxicated. The 34-year-old lawmaker recently apologized to her peers on the floor of the Texas house. Gonzalez stated that she made a mistake, asked for understanding, and pledged that nothing similar would ever happen again. Her peers responded […]
A recent story illustrates some concerns that Texas drivers may have about tests that screen for substances other than alcohol. Authorities in a nearby state recently pulled a 38-year-old driver over after responding to another driver’s 911 call about the woman’s erratic driving. The responding officer decided to administer a field sobriety test after the […]
Texas authorities recently arrested state Representative Naomi Gonzalez for allegedly driving while intoxicated. Officials were called to the scene because of a car accident: Gonzalez reportedly rear-ended a car at 2 a.m. in downtown Austin. The crash apparently had enough impact to also push the rear-ended car into a bicyclist. Fortunately, none of the victims […]