Seasoned DWI & Criminal Defense Attorney in Montrose, TX

Montrose is a popular neighborhood located in west-central Houston. The neighborhood was first plotted in 1911 and was designed as one of Houston's first suburbs. Since then, the city of Houston has grown far beyond the borders of Montrose. This area of Houston has long been a central hub of art and inclusiveness.

Like any neighborhood, however, arrests are a common occurrence. If you have been arrested in Montrose, you have the right to defend yourself against all criminal charges. In some cases, you could avoid a conviction or have your charges reduced.

The most common charge that leads to an arrest in Montrose is driving while intoxicated. Other charges can include drug crimes, prostitution, or violent crimes. Regardless of the charges you face, a skilled Houston criminal defense lawyer can help you defend yourself at trial.

Attorney Doug Murphy is one of Houston's premier criminal defense attorneys. He is Board Certified in both DWI defense law and criminal defense law. Only two attorneys in the State of Texas have obtained both distinctions due to the steep requirements each certification demands. These certifications are only one set of accolades earned by Doug Murphy during his career.

At every phase of your criminal case, you have the right to an attorney. The guidance a skilled attorney could provide might make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. To learn more about your legal options, reach out to the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. as soon as possible.

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

Upon your arrest in Montrose, you will be taken to the:

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

Every person arrested within Harris County is taken to this facility in Houston regardless of the agency responsible for their arrest.

Following your booking, you could be released pending trial if your crimes were minor. However, if you are facing serious charges you can expect to wait behind bars until your arraignment. An arraignment is the first hearing in your criminal case. It is your opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty before a judge. At your arraignment, the judge could grant you the opportunity for bail.

Pleading guilty at your arraignment is never a good idea, as the court can sentence you as they see fit. If you plead not guilty, you will get additional time to discuss your case with an experienced Montrose defense lawyer.

What is the Punishment for a Montrose DWI Conviction?

The potential penalties for a DWI conviction can vary. In some cases, a DWI is charged as a misdemeanor. In other circumstances, however, a DWI is treated as a felony. For first-time offenders, a conviction will rarely result in additional jail time. However, a person with multiple prior convictions can expect to spend significant time in prison as well as face thousands of dollars worth of fines.

In addition, there are collateral consequences you could experience, like:

• 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
• Losing the right to own a firearm

The consequences of a conviction can be especially damaging to your professional life. Some of the professions in Montrose that are impacted by a DWI conviction include:

• Librarians and library workers
• Nightclub owners
• Bartenders
• Waiters
• Lawyers
• Teachers
• Doctors and surgeons

Discuss your Case with a Montrose DWI Defense Lawyer As Soon As Possible

A Montrose DWI conviction will complicate your life in a variety of ways. In addition to the jail time and fines that a conviction carries, there are several other collateral consequences you could face. These consequences could include the loss of your driving privileges, challenges maintaining employment, and the loss of certain rights.

The good news is that a conviction is not guaranteed in your case. You have the right to fight back against the charges levied against you, and attorney Doug Murphy is ready to help. Contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. today at 713-229-8333 to discuss your legal options.