Reputable East Downtown Attorney for DWI & Criminal Defense

Commonly referred to as EaDo, East Downtown is a popular area located to the east of downtown Houston. Just north of Interstate 45, this neighborhood is managed by the East Downtown Management District. Among other cultural locations, EaDo is home to Houston's original Chinatown near Emancipation Avenue. Despite recent revitalization in parts of East Downtown, the area has a significant issue with crime. If you were arrested in EaDo, you are entitled to fight back against the charges brought against you.

There are countless charges that are brought daily in EaDo. While driving while intoxicated is one of the leading causes of arrest throughout Harris County, violent crime is also a common issue. No matter the charge, your defense will be best served by hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney to defend your rights.

If you are ready for a strong advocate to take up your cause, reach out to attorney Doug Murphy today. A skilled Houston criminal defense attorney, Doug Murphy is Board Certified in both DWI defense law as well as criminal defense law. As one of only two attorneys in the state to hold both accreditations, it should come as no surprise that Doug Murphy is considered one of Houston's top defense lawyers.

If you are facing prosecution in East Downtown, you are not required to hire skilled legal counsel. While you can proceed with your case on your own, that is never in your best interest. The prosecutor brings the full weight of the state of Texas and has extensive police resources at his disposal. To even the playing field, contact Doug Murphy to discuss your case right away.

What Happens if I am Arrested for DWI or Another Crime in East Downtown, Houston?

If you are arrested in EaDo, your first stop will be the Harris County Jail Inmate Processing Center in Houston for booking. Anyone arrested throughout Harris County is taken to this central location for processing after an arrest. Some of the other jails in Harris County include:

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

Once the police book you, there is a chance you will be released on your own recognizance if your charges are not serious. If you face major charges, however, you could be forced to wait in jail until your arraignment.

An arraignment is the initial hearing on your case in front of a judge. At this hearing, you will have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. The court could also potentially grant you bail. Pleading guilty at your arraignment is never a good idea, as you are at the mercy of the court. You also waive your right to discuss your options with an attorney or appeal your case. Before pleading guilty, be sure to discuss your options with skilled legal counsel.

What is the Punishment for an East Downtown DWI Conviction?

The punishment for a DWI conviction in East Downtown depends on a few factors. First and foremost, your criminal record will play an important role in your sentencing. While first-time DWI offenders typically face misdemeanor charges, repeat DWI offenders could face a felony prosecution. The difference between the two is enormous. Misdemeanor DWI convictions rarely result in additional jail time, while a felony conviction could lead to prison time, major fines, and more.

In addition to these statutory penalties, there are many collateral consequences to a DWI conviction. These consequences 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
• Losing the right to vote (in felony cases)
• Losing the right to own a firearm (in felony cases).

Some consequences impact certain professions more than others. Examples of common professions in East Downtown include:

• Homeless center employees
• Teachers
• Interior designers
• Contractors
• Librarians
• Waiters
• Bartenders

Contact an East Downtown DWI Defense Attorney Right Away

If you have been arrested in East Downtown, you have the right to legal representation throughout the entire process. To discuss your defense options, contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. today at 713-229-8333 to schedule your free consultation today.