How Driving While Intoxicated Affects Reaction Time

 Posted on February 02, 2023 in Uncategorized

Sometimes Texas laws against driving while intoxicated can seem overly stringent. After all, what's the big deal about driving after a drink or two? But these laws are in place to keep drivers and those around them, including pedestrians and bicyclists, safe. A good example of why we need these laws happened recently in Houston.

Pedestrian Killed on I-45

On February 20, 2023, a man died when he was hit by a car while trying to cross I-45 in Houston on foot shortly after midnight. He was initially hit by a white Nissan and flipped over the car, where he was then hit by another car. Paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene. According to the police, the driver of the Nissan that initially hit the pedestrian showed signs of intoxication at the scene. The police are still trying to determine if they will file charges.

Driving While Intoxicated in Texas

You can face charges for DWI in Texas if you are:

• Operating a vehicle,
• In a public location, and
• You have a BAC over the limit of.08%, or.04% if you hold a commercial driver's license, or
• You no longer have the normal use of your mental or physical faculties.

A conviction for a first DWI in Texas can result in the suspension of your driver's license for 90 days to a year, up to 180 days in jail, and up to $6,000 in court-imposed and mandatory administrative fines.

When you've been drinking, your reaction time while driving becomes slower, making you less able to respond to roadway threats like unpredictable moves from another car, bicyclists darting through traffic, or a pedestrian unexpectedly darting across the interstate. If the police arrest you for a DWI after hitting a pedestrian, you could also face charges for intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter. Both crimes are felony DWI charges, and you could face years in prison and thousands in fines, even for a first offense.

Hire an Expert in Texas DWI Defense

If you're facing an arrest for a DWI, intoxication assault, or intoxication manslaughter, it's important to remember that an arrest does not mean that a court will find you guilty. You are innocent until proven guilty, and this isn't something you must handle alone. An expert in DWI defense offers you the best possible chance for a favorable outcome. Attorney

Doug Murphy is Board Certified in both Texas DWI Defense and Criminal Defense Law, making him an expert in both specialties. Doug is one of only two attorneys in Texas to hold Board Certifications in both these specialized areas of the law, making him well suited to protect your rights in a complex DWI case.

U.S. News and World Report's Best Lawyers in America recently named Doug a "Lawyer of the Year" for 2023 Houston DWI defense. Moreover, Doug is also well-regarded by his peers in the Houston legal community, serving as a past president and on the board of directors for the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association. Find out how Doug can help you. Contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C., online or give them a call at 713-229-8333 to schedule your consultation.