Push Back With a Houston DWI Lawyer
Being charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) can have serious consequences. Immediate legal help is essential to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your life. At Universal Law Group, our experienced DWI defense attorneys are ready to provide strong representation and guide you through this challenging time.
Your DWI Defense Team in Houston
When results matter, you need a Houston DWI lawyer with the experience to secure the best possible outcome of your case. Whether it’s your first offense or third, our trial attorneys are well-versed in criminal law and DWI defense. You need an aggressive, trial-tested defense, and Universal Law Group is the Houston-based law firm to protect your rights.
Texas takes DWI cases seriously, and the penalties are severe. You deserve a defense attorney who treats you with the respect you deserve while fighting tirelessly to get your charges dismissed. Our criminal law firm can guide you through the legal process and prevent your DWI case from derailing your life.
First, we schedule an ALR hearing to save your driver’s license. Then, we build a strong defense to secure the best outcome possible. It all starts with a phone call, so schedule your consultation now.
Were You Charged With A DWI?
Whether it’s your first offense or you have previous DWI convictions, our defense attorneys are ready to help you every step of the way. Universal Law Group is a full-service law firm with the resources necessary to build a strong defense plan for your case. We leverage over 20 years of experience to prevent the prosecution from derailing your life.
Texas takes DUIs and DWIs seriously, and the penalties are severe. Common penalties for a conviction include:
- Jail time
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Higher car insurance premiums for years
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Loss of your driver’s license
- Ignition interlock device in your vehicle
- DWI probation
Our top priority is to dismiss or reduce your charges and keep your life on track. Step one is to request an Administrative License Hearing or ALR Hearing to save your license. You only have 15 days from the day of your arrest, so ACT NOW.
Experienced Former Prosecutors
Trial-Tested DWI Defense Strategies
ALR Hearing Representation to Save Your License
What Is a DWI in Texas?
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas refers to operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) above the legal limit or while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
BAC Limits in Texas
Drivers 21 and older: 0.08% BAC
Commercial drivers (CDL): 0.04% BAC
Drivers under 21: Any detectable amount of alcohol
Other Factors Leading to a DWI Charge
Failing field sobriety tests
Reckless or erratic driving
Evidence of drug use
Being charged with a DWI can trigger both criminal and administrative proceedings, making legal representation vital.
You Have Two Cases to Fight
Criminal Case
This involves defending against charges in court. A skilled Houston DWI lawyer can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and negotiate for reduced charges or dismissal.
ALR Hearing
This administrative hearing determines whether your driver’s license will be suspended. Having legal representation increases your chances of retaining your driving privileges.
Unmatched Legal Representation for DWI Cases
Tested & Proven Houston DWI Lawyers
Universal Law Group offers unrivaled legal defense from trial-tested attorneys with over 20 years of experience as DWI attorneys in Houston. With experience as former prosecutors, we know how the state handles drunk driving cases. That’s how our Houston DWI lawyer picks apart their case.
Over the past 20 years, our legal team has helped numerous people avoid the harsh consequences of a DWI conviction, including loss of employment, license suspension, time in prison, and the financial burden of fines. Our attorneys commit themselves to protecting your rights, your livelihood, and your future.
Steps to Take After a DWI Arrest
If you have been arrested for DWI, take these steps to protect yourself:
Contact a Lawyer Immediately: Secure legal representation as soon as possible. Your attorney will take over from here to protect your license and your future.
Request an ALR Hearing: You have 15 days to request a hearing to prevent license suspension.
Gather Evidence: Document all details of the arrest and any witnesses who can support your case.
DWI Arrests Don’t Mean You’re Guilty
Often, people feel that an arrest is the end of the road. Or, they think a positive breath test means they are automatically guilty. Simply put, that is far from the truth.
Navigating a DWI in Texas is no easy feat, and it’s easy to feel completely underwater. The stakes are high when you face a DWI or DUI charge. You are not alone after an arrest for a DWI offense. Universal Law Group is here to level the playing field and secure the best possible outcome of your case.
Houston DWI attorneys commit themselves to your protection, and we drill down on the details to find cracks in the prosecution’s case. Our Houston attorneys safeguard your rights at every stage of your case. Universal Law Group tirelessly advocates for your best interests with our eyes focused on dismissal or reduced charges.
When Can I Be Arrested for DWI?
Many people believe you have to register a blood alcohol level of .08 for a police officer to arrest you for a DWI. Unfortunately, that is not the case. If a driver appears impaired, it’s possible for that to be enough for the officer to charge them.
Here are a few examples:
- Nearly hitting someone or something
- Swerving to correct the course of the vehicle
- Erratic braking
- Rolling through a stop sign or red light without stopping
- Driving in multiple lanes
- Drifting between lanes
- Being overly cautious
- Driving too slowly
- Turning too widely or narrowly
Any of these can be enough for the police to pull someone over and charge them with driving while intoxicated (DWI). A simple mistake can lead to a life-changing conviction. It doesn’t sound fair, does it?
A DWI conviction can cause you to lose your license for anywhere from 90 days to 2 years. If you have a commercial driver’s license, refusing or failing a breath test can result in license revocation for up to a year.
DWI cases in Texas are complex and difficult to navigate on your own. That’s why you need an experienced Houston DWI lawyer to advocate for you. An experienced attorney understands these tight deadlines and knows how to build an effective defense. At Universal Law Group, our team regularly protects the rights of our clients against criminal charges. We’ve helped hundreds of people through the legal process, ensuring they stay informed every step of the way.
A criminal case is a long, upsetting path, but you never have to walk it alone. Our Houston DWI defense attorneys are here to protect your rights. We fight for the best possible outcome in every case, focusing on dismissing or reducing your charges. Schedule your consultation today to learn about your options.
The Penalties for a Texas DWI Are Life-Changing
In Texas, the penalties for a DWI vary. Generally speaking, it depends on the severity of your situation. However, every drunk driving case requires competent legal representation.
After a DWI conviction, you often face annual fees to keep your driver’s license valid. In addition, depending on the details of your case, you may also have to cover the cost of alcohol treatment programs, interlock devices, and restitution.
- 1st offense: Up to 180 days of jail, $2,000 in fines, and one year of license suspension.
- 2nd offense: Up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 in fines, and two years of license suspension.
- 3rd offense: Up to 10 years in prison, $10,000 in fines, and two years of license suspension.
In addition to the primary form of driving while intoxicated, there are numerous variations of a DWI. All of them yield serious consequences. At Universal Law Group, our Houston attorneys handle all DWI charges.
Your Houston DWI lawyer is your advocate, and you can trust our team to fight for your future.
Contact Us
- 10350 Richmond Ave. Suite 450, Houston, TX 77042
- (+1) 832-767-0339
- info@ulg.law
- Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Facing DWI Charges? Partner
with a Problem Solver
As a full-service law firm, our attorneys know how to solve problems. However, experiencing an arrest for a DWI is an incredibly stressful experience. While the consequences for a first-time DWI are less severe, they are far harsher than your standard traffic ticket.
Moreover, drunk driving charges often carry a social stigma and a real-world impact on your future.
Universal Law Group handles various aspects of DWI cases, including the following.
- ALR Hearings
- Breath and Blood Tests
- CDL DWI
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Drugs & DUI
- Felony DWI
- Field Sobriety Tests
- Occupational Driver’s License & DWI
- Unlawful Traffic Stops
Experienced Houston DWI lawyers can help you or a loved one facing criminal charges in Houston, TX. Remember that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Contact our firm to schedule to have our team evaluate your case.
Texas DWI Defense FAQ
What is an ALR Hearing?
ALR refers to an Administrative License Revocation. At an ALR hearing, a judge determines whether you have the right to keep your license after a charge for a DWI. However, these hearings are quite different from other criminal proceedings.
An administrative law judge (ALJ) presides over this type of hearing. It’s important to note that these judges don’t necessarily have training in DWI law. Moreover, the hearing has no jury.
Often, this makes an ALR hearing one-sided and complicated for someone to win without representation. Still, the stronger your defense, the better your chances are of receiving a good recommendation. In addition, this effort leaves you with the potential to reduce or drop charges and save your license.
When you partner with our team of skilled Houston criminal defense attorneys, you have an advocate. We understand how to deal with an ALJ. Your Houston DWI lawyer works with you to navigate the ALR hearing and fight to maintain your independence.
Does a DWI stay on my record?
Ultimately, this depends on the facts and outcome of your case. However, it’s essential to recognize that a charge and arrest stay on your record until you take action. In some cases, you have the potential to seal or erase your record.
Expungement or expunction refers to this process of erasing something from your record. Again, when you partner with a DWI defense attorney at Universal Law Group, you have the guidance and assistance necessary to navigate this process.
Expungement offers you a clean slate. As such, it is crucial to work with an experienced attorney.
What Happens if I Miss the ALR Hearing Deadline?
Failure to request an ALR hearing within 15 days will result in automatic license suspension.
Can the Court Expunge a DWI Charge?
In some cases, you may be eligible for expunction or record sealing. Consult with your attorney to explore your options.
What’s the Difference Between a DWI and DUI in Texas?
DWI refers to driving with a BAC over the legal limit or while impaired, while DUI applies to underage drivers with any detectable alcohol.
Protect Your Future with a Dedicated Houston DWI Lawyer
If you or a loved one are facing a Houston DWI, don’t make the mistake of choosing a low-cost lawyer. A DWI conviction, even a first offense, can be life-altering. You need a skilled Houston DWI attorney who has a track record of success, especially in handling serious charges like intoxication manslaughter or challenging DWI evidence such as blood and breath tests.
Universal Law Group offers experienced defense strategies for DWI cases across Texas. Contact us for a free consultation and get the legal support you deserve.