Texas DWI Specialist

Houston DWI Attorney

A DWI arrest in Texas first requires reasonable suspicion for a law enforcement officer to stop a driver of a vehicle. Reasonable suspicion can be provoked by a traffic violation, or, among other things, a tip from a caller.

Once stopped, a police officer may want to further investigate a driver's suspected impairment. Further investigation can be justified by the sight or smell of alcohol, the driver's behavior, the driver's body language. Investigative tactics include asking questions, making observations, performing field sobriety tests, and taking a breath or blood test. The object of the investigation is the collection of evidence that leads to probable cause.

Once probable cause is acquired, an arrest can be made. Probable cause is not legally defined by Texas statute, but it is required before an arrest can be made, and the suspect can be charged. Generally speaking, probable cause exists when it is reasonable to believe by a reasonable person that a crime was committed by the suspect.

Probable cause, however, is not cause for a conviction.

Is an Attorney Necessary for a DWI Charge?

If you believe yourself to be innocent, then absolutely yes, an experienced and proven attorney is necessary. If you believe there were issues with your arrest, then absolutely yes, an attorney is necessary. If you know you had a couple of drinks too many, but think there's reason to have the charge(s) reduced, then yes, an attorney is necessary. If you are guilty and there's no reason for reduced charges, you absolutely need an attorney.

As a leader in Texas DWI law, I can tell you, an experienced attorney can be the difference between having your case dismissed, being acquitted, or being convicted. An experienced DWI attorney will have:

1. Trial skills to prepare each case in anticipation of trial, and when at trial, to present each case aggressively and persuasively.
2. Investigative skills to thoroughly probe the DWI case and any related DWI issues emanating from the same incident.
3. Technical skills to review and identify problems with field sobriety or chemical tests.
4. Legal skills to understand the law and apply it appropriately and strategically to each unique case.
5. Negotiating skills to argue with the prosecutor and/or before a judge and jury on your behalf reasons that justify dismissal of the charge(s); a plea deal for a lesser charge; or a better sentence if convicted without a plea deal.

Unparalleled Qualifications & Reputation to Match

If you are facing a DWI charge, life suddenly may seem overwhelming and scary. You can't trust your life in the hands of an inexperienced attorney, you need an experienced attorney with a reputation that parallels it. Doug Murphy is like no other attorney in the state of Texas:

• He is Board Certified in both DWI and Criminal Defense.
• He is a leader in DWI and criminal law with speaking engagements throughout Texas and the United States.
• He is passionate about DWI law and about winning his cases, and his record proves it.
• He is the recipient of many awards and recognition.
• His qualifications are unparalleled in Texas, and his reputation and results are testimony to it.