Board Certified Midtown DWI & Criminal Defense Attorney

The neighborhood of Midtown rests in an urban, central part of Houston. For years, Midtown was a booming residential area near the heart of the city. However, over the years, many residents pulled up stakes and moved to quieter corners of the city. This once-aging part of town was filled with empty lots only a few years ago but has since undergone a dramatic facelift. Gone are the crumbling, abandoned Victorian-style homes. In their place, Midtown now boasts modern urban living and a thriving nightlife.

Unfortunately, many neighborhoods with a vibrant nightlife are also home to occasional crime. Not every arrest, however, has to end in a conviction. In some cases, law enforcement could have made a mistake or identified the wrong perpetrator. If you have been arrested in Midtown, you have the right to seek skilled legal representation to help you fight those charges.

There are a variety crimes that commonly lead to arrest in Midtown. Given the presence of bars and nightclubs, arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI) are common. However, law enforcement regularly makes arrests through the neighborhood for anything from drug crimes to assault. Regardless of the type of crime you have been charged with, the right legal counsel could help you avoid a conviction.

Attorney Doug Murphy is one of the most recognized defense attorneys in Houston. He is Board Certified in both DWI defense and criminal defense law, Doug Murphy has developed a reputation as a vigorous advocate for the accused. If you are ready for legal guidance from Houston's top defense lawyer, contact Doug Murphy right away.

What Happens if I am Arrested for DWI or Another Crime in Midtown Houston?

If you have been arrested for DWI or any criminal charge while in Midtown, law enforcement will take you to be booked into jail. Following an arrest in Harris County, including Midtown, the police will take you to:

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

After you are processed, there is a chance you will be released on your own recognizance if your charge is minor. However, if you are facing a serious charge, you could be held until your arraignment. Arraignment is a court proceeding where you must plead either guilty or not guilty to the charge. You should never plead guilty without first consulting a lawyer.

What is the Punishment for a Midtown DWI Conviction?

The penalties for a DWI conviction depend in part on your criminal history. A first-offense DWI is a misdemeanor that will rarely result in additional jail time. However, the penalties for a conviction go up substantially if you have prior convictions. On a third DWI, you face a felony charge that could result in prison time. Additionally, any DWI conviction could lead to major fines.

There are other collateral consequences to a conviction, including:

• 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 if the conviction is a felony
• Losing the right to own and use a firearm if the conviction is a felony.

For anyone arrested in Midtown Houston, these consequences could have a severe impact on their lives and livelihood. There are direct consequences for many professions as well, including:

• Anesthesiologists
• Chief executives
• Surgeons and physicians
• Family and general practitioners
• Pediatricians
• Petroleum engineers
• Marketing managers
• Certified public accountants
• Financial managers
• Real estate brokers
• Teachers

Reach Out to a Midtown Defense Attorney Right Away

Any criminal conviction, from a misdemeanor to a felony, can have a tremendous impact on your daily life. In addition to the statutory punishments that apply to each conviction, there are many other consequences you could face. Finding housing or maintaining employment can be challenging given that most employers or landlords run criminal background checks.

Thankfully, your case will not automatically end in a conviction. You are entitled to fight back at trial, and the best way to do that is with the help of a Midtown defense lawyer. To discuss your legal options, contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. today at 713-229-8333.