One of our most frequently asked questions is, what should I do if I am pulled over during the holidays? Everyone knows lawyers can’t give a straight answer so here is what you’re expecting: it depends! Our recommendation — refuse the field sobriety tests and take a breath test. Wonder why? Keep reading. During the …
Can you get a DWI in Texas on an electric scooter?
With bird and lime scooters being thrown all over cities in Texas, the lawyers at Blass Law are being asked, Can I get a DWI on a scooter?. There is not a specific law that defines riding electric scooters while intoxicated so we look to the general DWI statute. In Texas, the elements of DWI …
DWI 2nd, Evidence of One Prior Conviction is not Admissible During Guilt Innocence
On May 23, 2018, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston, and held that evidence of a single prior DWI conviction must be delayed until the punishment stage of trial if a person is found guilty. A DWI second is a misdemeanor offense and any evidence of a …
New law allows removing a DWI from your record
The Governor of Texas has signed a new bill making some people convicted of DWI eligible for a petition for nondisclosure, or more commonly known as getting charges sealed from criminal record. In the past, a DWI could never be removed from your record, on September 1, 2017 this will change (and it applies to …
DWI laws, they are a changin’
Utah lawmakers voted to lower the legal limit for a driver’s blood-alcohol concentration from 0.08 to 0.05. If the Governor signs the bill, it would go into effect December 30, 2018. Compared to Texas, this is significantly different. In Texas a person can be convicted of DWI if they have lost the normal use of their …
First DWI Offense: What You Need to Know
If you’re like most people, when you realize you’ve received a DWI you’re hungover and feel like dirt. Knowing you tried to drive last night doesn’t make you feel any better. The fact that you feel such remorse shows you aren’t a bad person, but just someone who made a mistake. It’s different for someone …
DWI – Possible Prison, Large Fines, and High Insurance Costs
Getting a DWI in the state of Texas carries more than just legal repercussions and court fees; it can significantly increase your car insurance, rate, too. A recent article published by The Dallas Morning News highlights the high costs of insurance in the state of Texas (especially for drivers with a low credit score) and …
Harris County DA Receives Huge Grant for No Refusal Program
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office received almost half a million in dollars in funding from the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure every day is a no refusal day. This no refusal policy means they have additional prosecutors on duty to assist in preparing search warrants to forcibly obtain a sample of your blood. …
Driving a Golf Cart Under the Influence of Alcohol
Houston is known for its warmer climate and is home to a number of golf courses, where residents can enjoy a round of golf for most of the year. It is not uncommon for golf enthusiasts to throw back a few drinks while playing 18 holes with a group of close friends. Driving around the …
Ex Houston Texans Player Mario Williams Donates 5 More Cars to HPD
Mario Williams was the Texans’ first draft pick in the 2006 NFL draft. If you follow the draft you’ll remember that the Texans surprised the draft predictions by picking him over Reggie Bush, who speculators predicted would be their first pick. Mario Williams played for the Texans until 2011 when he became a free agent and …
You have the right to Google a lawyer
In Canada, one court has ruled that a citizen accused should be permitted access to the internet in order to contact a lawyer. After a citizen had been pulled over for DWI the officer read his “Charter” rights (Canada’s version of our “Miranda” warnings). Once in jail, the citizen testified that he didn’t see any …
More DWI units on the streets of Houston this holiday season
A state grant is providing funds to put more officers on the streets this holiday season. The Houston-Galveston Area Council said $50,000 of a $295,000 grant will be used to put more officers on the streets through New Years Day. The officers will be trying to catch suspected drunk drivers. Be careful this holiday season! …
DWI Arrests Over Thanksgiving Lower Than Expected in Houston
Last weekend, like every weekend, was a mandatory blood draw weekend in Houston, meaning that police could obtain a warrant to forcibly take your blood if they suspected you had been driving under the influence. This usually sparks a dramatic increase in DWI-related arrests over the Thanksgiving holidays, because people are traveling so much throughout …
DWI Attorney Earns DWI Dismissal for Former FAA Head
Earlier today General District Judge Ian O’Flaherty of Fairfax, VA dismissed DWI Charges against the former FAA Head Randy Babbit. Babbit resigned from the FAA in December of 2011 after being arrested for DWI. When asked if he regrets resigning he said no, that he plans to do some contract aviation work. In this case, …
DWI Cop charged with DWI
Houston Police Officer Roy Marquez has been charged with DWI and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon. Witnesses say Officer Marquez ran a red light at the intersection of Red Bluff and Beltway 8 Northbound Frontage Road and caused an accident. Officer Marquez, a HPD officer, refused to provide a sample of his breath or blood. …
Increased Penalties for DWI Convictions
Texans could be facing tougher penalties for DWI convictions if they have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher. A new DWI law that went into effect on September 1, 2011 doubles the penalties for first-time DWI offenders who have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher. The maximum penalty has increased from …