Experienced Westchase DWI & Criminal Defense Attorney

Near the International District on the western side of Houston, Westchase is a business district bisected by Beltway 8. Overseen by a special management district since 1995, the area is home to a number of major corporations and energy companies. Although the area is known for large companies and sprawling suburban homes, crime is still an issue. If you are arrested in Westchase, you are entitled to the support of a criminal defense attorney.

There is a variety of crime that occurs in Westchase. But assaults are fairly rare as are domestic violence arrests. By far, the charge that leads to many arrests in Westchase is driving while intoxicated (DWI). No matter the charge, your choice of criminal defense attorney could play a major role in whether you are able to beat the charges against you.

Doug Murphy has spent his career as an advocate for the accused in Houston. A skilled defense attorney, he is one of only two lawyers in the state of Texas to hold board certification in both DWI defense law and criminal defense law. This distinction is important, as the skill and experience necessary to obtain board certification are extensive.

If you are facing criminal charges in Westchase, you are entitled to strong legal representation. With the right attorney, you could see the charges against you dismissed or reduced. To discuss your arrest and your defense strategy options, contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. as soon as possible.

What Happens if I am Arrested for DWI or Another Crime in Westchase, Houston?

Following an arrest in Westchase, the arresting officer will transport you to the Harris County Jail Inmate Processing Center to be booked. Every person arrested in Harris County - regardless of the arresting agency – is taken to the Processing Center located at:

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

Once you arrive, the officers will take your fingerprints and book you into jail. If you are facing a minor charge, you will likely be released pending your first court hearing. If your charge was alcohol-related, law enforcement will likely hold you until you are sober. For serious charges, however, you could be held until your arraignment.

Your arraignment is the first formal hearing in your criminal case. When your case is called, the judge will give you the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. It is never in your best interest to plead guilty at an arraignment as you waive your right to an attorney or the right to trial. By pleading not guilty, you will buy yourself more time to discuss your case with a Houston defense attorney.

What is the Punishment for a Westchase DWI Conviction?

There is a wide range of potential DWI penalties depending on your previous criminal record. While courts are somewhat lenient for most first-time offenders, multiple prior convictions could result in felony charges.

If you are facing a first-offense DWI, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. While these charges are unlikely to carry additional jail time, the same cannot be said for a third-offense DWI. If you have two or more convictions, a DWI is a felony. This charge can carry significant jail time and fines. Additionally, there are collateral consequences like losing the right to vote or own a firearm.

The most common collateral consequences include:

• 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.

A conviction for DWI is never easy, regardless of your background. However, there are some professions that could be impacted more severely than others following a DWI conviction. Some examples include:

• Oil executives
• Bank executives
• School administrators
• Teachers
• Oil and gas attorneys

Reach out to a Westchase Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away

There is no time to delay when it comes to finding the right defense attorney. The prosecutor in your case will not hesitate in moving forward in your case, and they will have considerable help from Houston Police and the entire State of Texas. To even the odds against you, contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. at 713-229-8333 to schedule a free consultation.