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.

Glossary of Common DWI-Related Terms

Updated: Mar 5, 2023 @ 7:22 pm

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Sometimes you need a lawyer just to explain the lingo used in references to your case. The following list defines some of the acronyms that are used in a drunk driving arrest.

DUI

Driving Under the Influence

In most cases this stands for Driving Under the Influence. This is the most common acronym for a drinking and driving charge around the nation. Usually, alcohol is the impairing substance, but it can also apply to drugs, toxic fumes from paint and paint thinner, butane, and other chemicals.

In Texas it stands for the same thing, however it has a different meaning. It is used to describe the crime committed when a person under the age of twenty-one (21) is driving a car with any alcohol on his breath. The charge is a Class C misdemeanor.

DWI

Driving While Intoxicated

This is the next most common acronym in the State of Texas. DWI is interpreted at Driving While Intoxicated or While Impaired. The impairing substances do not have to be alcohol, they can be caused by plants, chemicals, or drugs to name a few.

OUI

Operating Under the Influence

This acronym stands for Operating under the Influence and is probably the next most used acronym associated with drunk driving in Houston. This term is actually a better description than the term driving as almost all states say it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while Under the Influence of alcohol, drugs, etc.

OWI

Operating While Intoxicated

Is not as common an acronym as some of the others terms. The letters stand for Operating while Intoxicated.

DUIL

Driving Under the Influence of Liquor

This is another less common acronym and stands for Driving While Under the Influence of Liquor.

DUID

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

If you’re arrested for driving while smoking marijuana, high on another controlled substance, or impaired by prescription drugs, this is the acronym associated with those cases.