DWI Defense Attorney Representing Clients in Rice Military, TX

The Rice Military neighborhood in Houston shares a namesake with the founder of Rice University. Earning the "military" part of its name from its proximity to Camp Logan, this neighborhood has grown from a rural exurb of Houston to a vibrant part of the city. The neighborhood has developed rapidly in recent years, seeing many bungalows and shotgun houses torn down and replaced by townhouses and condominiums. While not at the top end of the Houston real estate market, Rice Military has developed a reputation as a destination neighborhood with a low crime rate.

As with any neighborhood, however, arrests are a part of life in Rice Military. There is less violent crime in Rice Military compared with some other parts of the city, but crime is still an issue. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is by far the charge that leads to a number of arrests within the neighborhood regardless of age, socio-economic background, or other demographic.

No matter the charge, if you have been arrested in Rice Military you have the right to seek experienced defense counsel. If you are ready to speak with an attorney, contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. Attorney Doug Murphy has earned the reputation as a top defense attorney in Harris County. A Board Certified expert in both DWI defense law as well as criminal defense law, Doug Murphy has spent years cultivating the skill and experience necessary to earn those distinctions.

If you were arrested in the Rice Military neighborhood, it is imperative that you have the support of strong legal counsel. In some cases, your attorney could have your charges reduced or even dismissed. To learn about how an attorney could help your case, 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 Rice Military, Houston?

If you are arrested anywhere within Harris County – including Rice Military – your arresting officer will take you to the Harris County Jail Inmate Processing Center to be booked. This is true regardless of the law enforcement agency that takes you into custody. The Center can be found at:

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

Once you arrive at the Center, you will be booked into jail and your fingerprints will be taken. For minor charges, they might release you on your own recognizance. However, serious charges will likely see you stay behind bars until your arraignment date.

An arraignment is the initial court appearance in your case. At your hearing, the judge could grant you bail. If you are able to post the bail amount and meet certain conditions, the court will allow you to remain out of jail until your trial date. In addition to the bail decision, the court will also have you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

Pleading guilty at your arraignment is a mistake. If you do so, you waive your right to an attorney and can only hope for mercy from the judge. It is within the judge's right to sentence you to the maximum if he or she chooses. Pleading not guilty will reset your case to a new hearing, which will buy you time to consult an attorney to discuss your defense options.

What is the Punishment for a Rice Military DWI Conviction?

The penalty you face for a conviction of DWI in Rice Military will depend primarily on your criminal history. First-time offenders rarely receive a stiff penalty. The charge is a misdemeanor, and in most cases will not result in additional jail time. With each prior DWI conviction, the stakes increase dramatically. For example, a third-offense DWI is a felony charge that could put you behind bars for years.

In addition to the serious penalties facing these charges, a DWI conviction could also have 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

Although a DWI arrest presents a problem for almost any profession, some lines of work in Rice Military are more likely than others to encounter series problems following an arrest. These include:

• Teachers
• Doctors
• Real Estate Agents
• Bus drivers
• Lawyers
• Librarians
• Bank executives

Call a Rice Military Defense Attorney Right Away

Upon your arrest in the Rice Military neighborhood, your first call should be to an experienced Houston defense lawyer. Attorney Doug Murphy has the experience and skill necessary to help you put together the strongest possible defense. Call the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. at 713-229-8333 to learn more.