A DWI-related auto accident can leave you facing not just serious jail time, but also a crippling financial debt. In addition to criminal fines for intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter, a judge can order you to pay restitution to any victims of the accident. And this can leave you on the hook for a six-figure […]
During the holiday season, many Houston-area residents will attend social gatherings where alcohol is served. Aside from the obvious–never drive while intoxicated–it is also important to remember Texas has strict open container laws. So while it is perfectly legal to transport unopened beer, wine, and liquor bottles in your car or truck, make sure there […]
In Texas, there are separate criminal offenses for DWI and driving with an open container of alcohol in your vehicle. But when you combine the two–DWI with an open container–a defendant may face significantly higher penalties if convicted. And things may get even worse if there are other factors involved in the drunk driving arrest, […]
When there’s an auto accident that seriously injures another person, Houston-area law enforcement will move quickly to determine whether or not the responsible driver was intoxicated. DWI accidents take on an even higher degree of urgency if an innocent person is killed. In such cases, a driver may face an intoxication manslaughter charge, which is […]
Driving with an open container of alcohol in your car is never a good idea. For one thing, it’s against the law. And if you are charged with drunk driving, the open container’s presence may lead to enhanced DWI penalties. But you also need to consider that once a police officer spots an open container […]
A DWI accident is obviously more complicated than the run-of-the-mill drunk driving arrest. There tend to be more police involved with the investigation of an accident, especially where someone has been seriously injured or killed. And if you are the person suspected of causing the accident, you need to be prepared to deal with the […]
An open container violation can lead to more legal problems than you think. If a police officer finds an open liquor container in your car, you can be cited for a Class C misdemeanor. But if the officer uncovers evidence you committed another offense–such as DWI or possession of illegal drugs–you may face significantly more […]
A DWI accident can lead to multiple criminal charges, especially if the crash results in serious injury or death to another person. For example, a drunk driver who “causes the death of another by accident or mistake” may be charged with intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony under the Texas Penal Code. Separately, the driver may […]
A Texas woman who struck a group of bicyclists has recently been charged with intoxication assault. Upon arrest, the 50-year-old woman she showed signs of intoxication. The report shows that she struck a group of five bicyclists, leading to the death of one. One other bicyclist suffered from bruises and fractures, but is expected to […]
Not all DWIs are created the same in Texas. In many cases there may be special circumstances that justify an “enhanced” DWI charge–i.e., one that may result in more jail time or higher fines. One of the more common enhancements in Texas is the DWI with open container charge. Plastic Cup, Empty Bottle Helps Justify […]