The outcome of a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge in Harris County can significantly affect your life. Besides being found guilty or not guilty at trial, one way to resolve your case favorably is through the Harris County DWI pre-trial intervention program.  Pre-trial intervention—also known as diversion—is similar to probation. The program is designed to rehabilitate first-time offenders instead of harshly punishing them for their DWI charge. The goal is to forgive an error in judgment and provide the defendant with the tools needed to avoid driving while impaired again in the fut ..read more

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) occurs in Texas when a person operates a motor vehicle in a public space while intoxicated. Per Texas Penal Code § 49, a person is deemed intoxicated if their blood, urine, or breath has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater. If you have been charged with a DWI, you are innocent unless proven guilty. However, per the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, you have the legal right to defend yourself in court and seek an attorney’s assistance. Below are some of the most important actions to take after being charged with a DWI in Texa ..read more

Were you arrested for a DWI in Houston? You may feel a rush of panic, fear, and uncertainty, but know that an arrest does not automatically mean guilt or a conviction. The steps you take during and immediately following the DWI arrest can significantly impact your case’s outcome. This article covers some of the steps you could take to protect your rights and strengthen your chances of a favorable outcome during trial.  Actions to Take After a DWI Arrest Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent Once pulled over for a DWI, speaking too much about the facts to the police officers may hurt your ca ..read more

There are many reasons not to ride in a car driven by a drunk person. You put yourself, the other driver, and others at risk of harm—and even death—due to the driver’s intoxication. However, another reason is that you put yourself at risk of legal consequences. Those aren’t the only reasons not to ride with a drunk driver. Therefore, if you’re ever in a situation where you feel any pressure to ride with a drunk person, just say no and find another option. You don’t have to give them a reason. In addition, you should also try to persuade the other person not to drive. You could keep them from ..read more

Were you or a loved one arrested recently for DWI (driving while intoxicated)? If so, you might wonder whether the police actually have sufficient evidence for a Texas DWI case, such as a reliable breathalyzer or blood test result or testimony from an eyewitness. You might also wonder whether there may be evidence of your innocence. A DWI attorney from our criminal law firm can find evidence that undermines what officers and laboratory analysts claim is true, introduce it in court, and challenge the state’s evidence against you. They may not have a valid case, and even if they do, your lawyer ..read more

Depending on your age, you may face either a DWI (driving while intoxicated) or a DUI (driving under the influence) charge if you operated a vehicle while intoxicated in Texas. The difference between DWI and DUI in Texas laws applies to the age of the charged driver. If you’re 21 or older, the DWI charge will apply to you. Meanwhile, if you’re under 21, the DUI charge could apply or the DWI charge, it’s up to the officer. In general, a DWI charge is more serious. You need a DWI attorney from our firm for your case regardless of your age. Texas judges can hand out relatively harsh sentences in ..read more

With car accidents on the rise in the United States, it’s important to know what to do in case you find yourself in one. Your actions following an accident can have a definite impact on your financial recovery. At any point, you could be implicating yourself as the one to blame, diminishing your injuries, or giving the insurance company information they can use against you.  These Mistakes Can Cost You After a Car Accident Here is a list of some of the common mistakes people make after a car crash and how you can avoid them. Talking About the Accident and Admitting Fault You might feel r ..read more

RIC Judge Brock Thomas 6th floor Call 713-225-1900 or fill out our contact form if you need help from a criminal defense lawyer in Harris County.  Updated 07/07/2020 Harris County Court Coronavirus COVID-19 Updates: Updated: 07/07/2020 We have a list of the latest updates: The Texas Supreme Court has suspended jury trials until September 1, 2020 Harris County Criminal Court has resumed some bond dockets The Harris County Inmate Processing Center is up and running Harris County Misdemeanor Court Coronavirus Locations and Times: 1201 Franklin St., Houston, TX 77002 Court # Ju ..read more

One of our most frequently asked questions is, what should I do if I am pulled over during the holidays? Everyone knows lawyers can’t give a straight answer so here is what you’re expecting: it depends! Our recommendation — refuse the field sobriety tests and take a breath test. Wonder why? Keep reading. During the holidays in Harris County, every night is no refusal. In the past, no refusal weekends were the common occurrence if someone was arrested for driving while intoxicated. What is no refusal? If you are arrested for DWI you are asked to give a sample of your breath or blood. If you re ..read more

With bird and lime scooters being thrown all over cities in Texas, the lawyers at Blass Law are being asked, Can I get a DWI on a scooter?. There is not a specific law that defines riding electric scooters while intoxicated so we look to the general DWI statute.   In Texas, the elements of DWI are listed in section 49.04 of the penal code as:  Operating A motor vehicle In a public place While intoxicated The first element of DWI is operating. Operating is not defined in Texas. There is no question when you are driving your vehicle down the street that is operating. The grey ar ..read more