Misconceptions Regarding a DWI Arrest in Houston
If you find yourself under arrest for DWI in Houston or Harris County, it could be beneficial to speak with a Houston drunk driving attorney before you inadvertently make a mistake which could harm your case, and, ultimately, your future. Many people have misconceptions regarding DWI charges; a Houston drunk driving attorney can more fully explain the legal process which will follow Texas DWI charges. For instance, many people feel that if they failed the Breathalyzer test, their case is already lost and they might as well accept the first plea bargain the state offers. A Houston drunk driving attorney understands the fact that many breathalyzer machines can give false positive readings for a number of reasons.
Others, who are truly not guilty of DWI may believe they don’t have the money to fight the charges through the legal system, therefore might as well take whatever the prosecutor offers. Your Houston drunk driving attorney knows this is simply not true and that you cannot allow yourself not to fight. Taking a plea deal could cost you in many ways. The fines and court costs could be as high as $4,000-$5,000, your insurance rates will certainly increase, you could be off work while you are fighting the charges and you could end up with a permanent blot on your criminal record. There are any number of things a Houston drunk driving attorney can investigate regarding your DWI charges, such as the validity of the stop, your actual execution of the field sobriety tests, and the potential issues with the breathalyzer results.
Can You Be Charged With DWI When You Were Not Driving?
Many people are also under the impression that a DWI arrest can only occur when an impaired person was actually driving a vehicle on a road. As your Houston drunk driving attorney will tell you, it is not necessary to actually be operating the car in order to be arrested for DWI in Texas. It is possible to be found guilty of DWI if you were doing nothing more than sitting behind the wheel of your car with the keys in the ignition. Although your Houston drunk driving attorney would certainly fight those charges, the law considers you to be in physical control of the car under those circumstances, even if the motor is not running.
Should You Take a Breathalyzer Test?
The decision as to whether or not you should take a breathalyzer test when asked, is debatable. Your Houston drunk driving attorney can likely tell you that the machines have a dubious reputation, at best, and can yield inaccurate, false positive results. While you may have your license suspended for a time, should you refuse the breathalyzer test, it could be the better choice under certain circumstances. Your Houston drunk driving attorney will assess the facts surrounding your DWI stop and subsequent charges and determine the best course of action.
An experienced Houston drunk driving attorney will work hard to help you avoid as many of the serious consequences of a DWI conviction as possible. A well-qualified Houston drunk driving attorney will have knowledge of the law, a history of trying DWI cases, a solid reputation and be truly concerned about your future. In the end, don’t treat your DWI charges like a traffic ticket—speak with a Houston drunk driving attorney and determine the best option for your particular circumstances.