Bellaire, TX Criminal Defense Attorney

Smart, Strategic DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bellaire, TX

Located in southwestern Harris County, the city of Bellaire is referred to as the "City of Homes" due to its residential nature. After its founding in 1908, Bellaire grew rapidly following World War II. While the city has been known for its safe neighborhoods, there is always the potential for crime. If you have been arrested in Bellaire, you have the right to fight the charges against you. With the right legal counsel by your side, you might be able to avoid a conviction entirely.

No matter the charge, you could benefit from the assistance of a seasoned Houston defense attorney. From driving while intoxicated to violent crime, there are countless grounds for a criminal prosecution within the city. Your best chance at prevailing at trial is with the help of a skilled attorney.

When it comes to defending the accused in Bellaire, attorney Doug Murphy always stands ready. Doug Murphy is a Board Certified in both DWI defense law as well as criminal defense law. In fact, he is one of only two Texas lawyers to hold both distinctions simultaneously year after year. Board certification is a long, challenging process that is only available to Texas' most experienced defense attorneys. That is why these certifications are a great indicator of a quality attorney.

If you are charged with a crime in Bellaire, you are entitled to handle your own defense. Given what is at stake, however, it is best to put your case in the hands of a professional. Even seemingly minor mistakes could result in a verdict against you. To ensure that your legal rights are protected, contact Doug Murphy to discuss your defense options.

What Happens if I am Arrested for DWI or Another Crime in Bellaire, Texas?

If you were placed under arrest for DWI or another crime in Bellaire, you will be booked into the jail following your arrest. Every person arrested in Harris County, regardless of the arresting law enforcement agency, is processed at:

Harris County Jail Inmate Processing Center
700 N. San Jacinto Street
Houston, TX 77002

After booking, you could be released on your own recognizance if the charges against you are minor. However, for more serious charges you will be forced to remain behind bars until your arraignment. Arraignment is the initial hearing in a criminal proceeding, where you are given the chance to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Never enter a guilty plea without first consulting a lawyer.

What is the Punishment for a Bellaire DWI Conviction?

The statutory penalties for a DWI conviction can vary tremendously. While a first offense DWI is a misdemeanor that rarely carries jail time, subsequent offenses can lead to serious time behind bars. For a third or subsequent DWI convictions, you are facing the potential of a felony conviction and time in state prison. Whether your case is a misdemeanor or a felony DWI, you also risk the potential of steep fines.

There are also collateral consequences to a DWI conviction, which include:

• Losing a professional license, e.g., pilot's license, nursing license, medical license, teaching license, real estate license, or CPA license
• Losing security clearance
• Losing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
• Difficulty finding a job in the financial sector
• Difficulty finding good housing
• Difficulty traveling outside the country
• Difficulty with child custody
• Difficulty obtaining loans
• Difficulty getting into a higher educational institution.

If you are charged with a felony, a conviction also puts you at risk of losing the right to vote and the right to own and use a firearm.

For anyone arrested in Bellaire, these consequences could have a major impact on both your personal and professional lives. These consequences are especially important for Bellaire residents working in the following professions:

• Nurses
• Lawyers and paralegals
• Surgeons and physicians
• Retail salespersons
• Managers
• Cashiers
• Sales executives
• Truck drivers
• Elementary school teachers
• Middle school teachers

Contact a Bellaire Defense Attorney Immediately

Getting arrested for even "minor" offenses can still have a tremendous impact on your life. Many employers will fire a worker immediately upon a criminal conviction, and serious charges can lead to time behind bars.

The good news is that an arrest does not guarantee a conviction. You have the right to fight back, and with the right attorney on your side, you could prevail in your criminal case. To discuss your options with a skilled Bellaire criminal defense attorney, contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. right away at 713-229-8333.