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.

DWI & DUI Penalties

Texas Sentencing & Penalty Guidelines

Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Criminal Penalties Following DWI & DUI Convictions

Penal Consequences by Criminal Classification

DWI: First Offense

Criminal Classification: Class B Misdemeanor
Maximum Fine: Up To $2,000.00
Sentencing Guidelines: 72 Hours to 180 Days county jail.
Texas Driver License: Suspension for 90 to 365 days.

Special Note: Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> Learn more about first offense DWI cases.

DWI: With BAC of 0.15 or More

Criminal Classification: Class A Misdemeanor
Maximum Fine: Up To $4,000.00
Sentencing Guidelines: 30 to 180 days county jail.
Texas Driver License: Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

Special Note: Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> Learn more about “high BAC” DWI cases.

DWI: With Open Container

Criminal Classification: Class B Misdemeanor (First Offense)
Maximum Fine: Up To $2,000.00
Sentencing Guidelines: 6 to 180 days.
Texas Driver License: Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

Special Note: Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> Learn more about open container DWI cases.

DWI: With Child Passenger

Criminal Classification: State Jail Felony
Maximum Fine: Up To $10,000.00
Sentencing Guidelines: 180 days to 2 years.
Texas Driver License: Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

Special Note: Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI) and driving under the influence of drugs (DUI).

> Learn more about DWI cases involving child passengers.

DWI: Second Offense

Criminal Classification: Class A Misdemeanor
Maximum Fine: Up To $4,000.00
Sentencing Guidelines: 30 to 180 Days county jail.
Texas Driver License: Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

Special Note: Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> Learn more about 2nd offense DWI charges.

DWI: Third Offense

Criminal Classification: Third Degree Felony
Maximum Fine: Up To $10,000.00
Sentencing Guidelines: 2 to 10 years in prison.
Texas Driver License: Suspension for 90 to 365 days.

Special Note: Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> More on 3rd offense DWI cases.

Intoxication Assault

Criminal Classification: Third Degree Felony
Maximum Fine: Up To $10,000.00
Sentencing Guidelines:
Texas Driver License: Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

Special Note: Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> More on intoxication assault cases.

Intoxication Manslaughter

Criminal Classification: Second Degree Felony
Maximum Fine: Up To $10,000.00
Sentencing Guidelines:
Texas Driver License: Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

Special Note: Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> More on intoxication manslaughter cases.

Habitual DWI Offenders (3rd or more.)

Criminal Classification: Third Degree Felony and Up!
Maximum Fine: Up To $10,000.00
Sentencing Guidelines: Up to life in prison.
Texas Driver License: Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

Special Note: Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> More on habitual DWI offenders.

DWI & DUI Penalties

Criminal Penalties Following DWI & DUI Convictions

Penal Consequences by Criminal Classification

DWI: First Offense

DWI: With BAC of 0.15 or More

DWI: With Open Container

DWI: With Child Passenger

DWI: Second Offense

DWI: Third Offense

Intoxication Assault

Intoxication Manslaughter

Habitual DWI Offenders (3rd or more.)

Houston, TX

League City, TX

Galveston, TX