What to Do If You're Arrested for DUI or DWI in Houston, TX

Anything you say to law enforcement during and after your arrest can be used against you in court. You are required to provide basic identifying information, but you are not required to answer questions about where you were, how much you had to drink, or whether you believe you were impaired. Politely and clearly state that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering further questions.

Texas law distinguishes between DUI and DWI. DUI typically applies to drivers under 21 who have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system, while DWI applies to drivers of any age found to be operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, or while otherwise impaired. The charges, penalties, and long-term consequences differ significantly between the two, which is why it's important to understand exactly what you're being accused of.

A DUI or DWI conviction in Texas can carry consequences well beyond fines and possible jail time. It can affect your ability to hold certain jobs, your auto insurance rates, and in some cases your immigration status. Repeat offenses or cases involving injury to another person carry substantially harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions and mandatory minimum jail sentences.

Every DUI/DWI case is different, and the specific facts, such as how the traffic stop was conducted, whether field sobriety tests were properly administered, and how breath or blood evidence was collected and handled, can all affect the strength of the case against you. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and work toward the best possible outcome, whether that means a reduced charge, a dismissal, or a strong defense at trial.