Board Certified DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyer in Spring Valley, TX

A small Houston enclave located in the center of Harris County, Spring Valley Village was first incorporated in 1955. The population of the small city has remained steady for the last 50 years. This affluent Houston suburb has a low crime rate, but that does not mean arrests never happen. Unfortunately, some of those arrests are based on bad information or a rush to judgment. If you have been arrested in Spring Valley, you are entitled to seek legal counsel to aid in your defense.

There are a variety of charges that could result in a Spring Valley arrest. The charge that most commonly leads to an arrest in the city is driving while intoxicated. However, there are other charges that frequently lead to arrests in the city, including drug crimes, prostitution, or violent crimes. No matter the charge, you have the right to defend yourself at trial.

Attorney Doug Murphy has earned the reputation as one of Houston's top DWI and criminal defense lawyers. In fact, he is one of only two attorneys statewide that is Board Certified in both areas of the law. Board certification for both DWI defense and criminal defense law is a strong indicator of an attorney's experience and skill.

During a criminal case, you are entitled to represent yourself. However, the advice and legal strategy of skilled legal counsel can make an enormous difference in your case. To discuss your options with one of Houston's top DWI and criminal defense law lawyers, contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. right away.

What Happens if I am Arrested for DWI or Another Crime in Spring Valley, Texas?

Following an arrest in Spring Valley, you will be taken to the Harris County Jail Inmate Processing Center in Houston for booking, located at:

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

Every arrest that occurs within Harris County results in the defendant's processing at this facility.

After booking, you could be released on your own recognizance if you face relatively minor charges. However, for more severe charges, you can expect to stay behind bars until your arraignment.

An arraignment hearing takes place before a judge. You have the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, at which time the court may grant you the opportunity for bail. Pleading guilty at arraignment is a risky proposition and should never be done. By pleading not guilty, you will give yourself additional time to discuss your options with a Spring Valley defense attorney.

What is the Punishment for a Spring Valley DWI Conviction?

There is a wide range of potential penalties following a DWI conviction. Your charge could be a DWI misdemeanor or a DWI felony depending on the nature of your arrest and your criminal background. In most cases, a first-time DWI offender will receive no jail time following a conviction. However, a third DWI conviction could result in years behind bars and thousands of dollars in fines. Any DWI arrest can lead to suspension of your driving privileges.

There are other consequences collateral to a DWI conviction (or any conviction for that matter), 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

These consequences can have a tremendous impact on your life and livelihood in Spring Valley. Some of the professions that will be most impacted by a DWI conviction in Spring Valley include:

• Librarians
• Teachers
• Doctors
• Surgeons
• Oil company executives
• Lawyers
• Real estate agents
• Mechanical engineers

Discuss your Case with a Spring Valley DWI Defense Lawyer As Soon As Possible

Following a conviction for DWI or any serious criminal charge, you can expect consequences that will make your life more difficult. If you are convicted of a felony, you could lose some constitutional rights forever.

Your case does not necessarily have to turn out that way. DWI cases are defensible, and Doug Murphy has a long history of prevailing at trial. To discuss your legal options, contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. today at 713-229-8333.