Trusted DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyer in Missouri City, TX

DWI & Criminal Defense in Missouri City, TX

A suburb of Houston, Missouri City, Texas, is primarily located in Fort Bend County. The area has a long history, from its place as the home of Texas' first railroad to its role in the oil industry. Missouri City is relatively affluent, with most residents above the poverty line. Despite the prosperity, arrests in Missouri City still occur.

Compared to parts of Houston, the crime rate in Missouri City is low. While assaults and other violent crimes are relatively low, other charges are more common. Most arrests in Missouri City are for driving while intoxicated (DWI). DWI arrests can occur across demographic and socio-economic lines.

No matter the charge, an arrest in Missouri City can have a profound impact on your life. When facing the justice system, you could benefit from the guidance of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Doug Murphy is an experienced defense lawyer who proudly serves the residents of Missouri City. A Board Certified specialist in both DWI defense law and criminal defense law, Doug Murphy has the skill and experience that can make a difference in your case.

Following an arrest in Missouri City, finding the right attorney to represent you should be your priority. A conviction on your permanent record could have life-long effects on your personal life, career, and freedom. To discuss your case, contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. today.

What Happens if I am Arrested for DWI or Another Crime in Missouri City?

The process following an arrest in Missouri City depends primarily on the part of the city the arrest occurred in. While most of Missouri City is in Fort Bend County, a small portion falls into Harris County. If you are arrested in Harris County, you will be taken to the Harris County Jail Inmate Processing Center for booking. The Center is located at:

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

If you are arrested in Fort Bend County, the arresting officer will take you to the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility to be processed. It is located at:

Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility
1840 Richmond Parkway
Richmond, TX 77469

When you arrive, you will be fingerprinted and booked. In cases involving minor charges, you could be released immediately on your own recognizance. For more serious charges, you will be required to stay in jail until your arraignment.

The arraignment is the initial hearing in your criminal case. At this hearing, the judge could agree to grant you bail. If you meet the requirements set by the court and post bail, you will be able to await trial outside of jail.

In addition to the bail decision, the court will also hear your initial plea. Pleading guilty at arraignment is not in your best interest. When you plead guilty at your arraignment, you waive the right to an attorney. What's more, the judge has the ability to sentence you to the maximum. By pleading not guilty, you allow yourself a chance to meet with a defense attorney and prepare your case for trial.

What is the Punishment for a Missouri City DWI Conviction?

The consequences of a DWI conviction in Missouri City depend on the number of your prior convictions. A first-offense DWI is a misdemeanor that will most likely not result in additional jail time. However, a third-offense DWI is a felony charge that could lead to serious jail time.

In addition to the statutory penalties, a DWI conviction also leads to collateral consequences, including:

• Suspension or revocation of a professional license, e.g., pilot's license, nursing license, medical license, teaching license, real estate license, or CPA license
• Loss of security clearance
• Suspension or revocation of 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
• Loss of the right to vote
• Loss of the right to own a firearm

Some professions are impacted by a DWI more than others. In Missouri City, these include:

• Teachers
• Lawyers
• Bankers
• Bus Drivers
• Real Estate Agents

Call a Missouri City Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges in Missouri City, choosing a defense attorney will have a significant impact on how your case proceeds. To get the vigorous representation you deserve, contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. at 713-229-8333 right away.