Texas is well-known for having some of the strictest laws in the nation when it comes to driving while under the influence. For instance, those who have an open container of alcohol in their vehicle, even if they haven’t been drinking, could face misdemeanor charges. This is true even if nothing has been consumed from […]
Motorists in Texas are prohibited from possessing an open container of alcohol, not only while driving but also while parked or stopped, as long as the vehicle is located on a public road. Although many people don’t realize it, this prohibition applies to anyone who is sitting in a passenger area, even if they never […]
Texas liquor laws are often confusing for many residents. Behavior that seems harmless enough can easily land you in hot water with a police officer looking to issue a citation. That is why it is important for everyone to understand what the law does–and does not–allow when it comes to alcohol and public places. One […]
Texas is one of the most popular states when it comes to purchases of motorhomes and recreational vehicles. Indeed, many Texans spend a good part of the year living full-time out of their vehicles. And while most activities of daily RV or motorhome living do not raise any legal issues, there is one thing you […]
When police suspect that drunk driving played a role in a car accident, officers may seek a search warrant in order to take a sample of the driver’s blood. But does such a warrant automatically cover the right to analyze the blood sample as well? A recent decision from a Houston appeals court, Davis v. […]
When it comes to drunk driving, the fact someone is a police officer will not necessarily help them avoid an arrest. The Laredo Morning Times recently reported on the arrest of a local officer charged with DWI and open container violations. According to an affidavit reviewed by the Times, the officer was arrested on July […]
Having an open container of alcohol in your car is basically an invitation for police to stop and investigate you for a variety of other crimes, including drunk driving and possession of controlled substances. The mere presence of the open container is often enough to give an officer “probable cause” to believe you have committed […]
Fatal traffic accidents occur every day in the United States. Many of these accidents are the result of negligence or driver error. Some are the result of a driver who is impaired due to the use of alcohol or drugs. In Texas, these cases can be prosecuted as intoxication manslaughter. Prosecutors Fail to Prove Single […]
On February 2, 2020, Harris County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene of a fatal accident on Bammel North Houston Road and Champions Forest Drive. According to the Houston Chronicle, a man in the turning lane of Bammel North Houston Road “attempted to make a left turn onto Champion Forest Drive” on a flashing yellow […]
Most states have some form of open container law. In Texas, this refers to a specific statute that prohibits an individual from operating any kind of motor vehicle while there is an open “bottle, can or other receptacles that contain any amount of alcoholic beverage” in it. In other words, it is perfectly fine to […]