Seasoned Southside Place DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyer

Since 1925, Southside Place has been a well-to-do city in Harris County. For years, it has been in the top 15 wealthiest cities per capita in the state. The size of Southside Place has been steady, with little change in either direction since the 1960s. As an incorporated city, Southside Place has its own police force that serves the small city. Despite fewer than a dozen police officers, the city police force is a constant presence. While these officers are sworn to protect and serve, at times their poor judgment can result in a wrongful arrest. If this has happened to you, it is critical that you seek out legal guidance right away.

There are countless criminal charges that you could face in Southside Place. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is by far one of the more common charges that can lead to an arrest in Southside Place. However, there are other charges that frequently lead to arrests in the city, including drug crimes, prostitution, or violent crimes. You have the right to fight back against any of these charges, and a skilled criminal defense attorney can help you in that fight.

Attorney Doug Murphy has represented the accused throughout Harris County for years. He is Board Certified in both DWI defense and criminal defense law. These distinctions are challenging to come by, and they are reflective of an attorney with the skill and experience needed to prevail at trial.

You are under no obligation to hire a criminal defense attorney. However, the process of defending your rights is complex, and one mistake can cost you dearly. If you are ready for guidance from a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, contact attorney Doug Murphy as soon as possible.

What Happens if I am Arrested for DWI or Another Crime in Southside Place, Texas?

Following an arrest in Southside Place, you will be taken to the Harris County Jail Inmate Processing Center in Houston. Every arrest that occurs within Harris County results in the defendant's processing at this facility, located at:

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

There, you will be booked into jail. In some cases, you may be released on your own recognizance. For serious charges, however, you can expect to face an arraignment hearing. Your arraignment is your first opportunity to go before a judge and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. It is never a good idea to plead guilty at arraignment, especially without the guidance of a lawyer. By pleading not guilty, you will give yourself time to review your case with legal counsel and craft the appropriate defense.

What is the Punishment for a Southside Place DWI Conviction?

The penalties associated with a DWI conviction vary dramatically depending on the circumstances. Additionally, your criminal history will play a major role in the potential penalties you face. For example, a first-offense DWI is a misdemeanor. While it carries a maximum jail sentence of one year, most defendants will not face additional time behind bars. The same cannot be said for a third offense. For a third DWI, you will face felony charges that include the potential for years in prison and thousands of dollars' worth of fines.

There are other collateral consequences to a conviction, 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

Following an arrest in Southside Place, these consequences could have a major impact on your life and livelihood. There are direct consequences for many professions as well, including:

• Doctors and surgeons
• Chief executives
• Family and general practitioners
• Engineers
• Teachers and professors
• Bowling alley clerks
• Lawyers
• Real estate agents

Contact a Southside Place Defense Attorney Today

A conviction for a DWI or any crime could have a significant impact on your life. However, a conviction is never guaranteed. With the right legal counsel, you can build a strong defense and prevail at trial. To discuss your legal options, contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. at 713-229-8333 today.