The heat descends on Houston in spring and lingers long into the fall months. It’s enough to make tempers flare and bad decisions seem like good ideas. This uptick in crimes during the summer months is supported by data released by the National Crime Victimization...
Drunk Driving
You are not obligated to answer traffic stop questions
During a traffic stop, it is very common for the police officer to ask a variety of questions. The first thing they may ask for is your license, registration and proof of insurance. You should hand over this paperwork, as you are required to provide it under the law....
3 things to know about a suspected drunk driving stop
A traffic stop for the suspicion of drunk driving can invoke a sense of fear and trepidation in a driver. Even if a person hasn’t been drinking, they may still feel those emotions. Knowing what to expect in one of these stops is important for everyone, partly because...
Are sobriety checkpoints legal in Texas?
A lot of drinking goes on around the winter holidays. There are family dinners, office parties, get-togethers with friends and fancy parties where everyone is dressed to the nines in their holiday finest. Police are aware, too. They know that while some people arrange...
How might you fight a DUI charge?
If you face DUI charges, it is important to remember that the legal system does not yet consider you guilty. The prosecution will need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you were guilty when the police stopped you and charged you. Many people forget this, and they...
Could you get a DUI the next morning?
Many people know that they shouldn’t go out drinking in the evening and then drive home. They’ll still be under the influence, so they need to get a ride, call a taxi or walk. They plan ahead to ensure that they don’t face DUI charges. But they never even consider the...
Can your own breath test get you out of a DUI?
You don’t want to be arrested on drunk driving charges, so you buy a breath test. If you’ve been drinking, before you turn on your car, you administer the test yourself. You just want to check and make sure that you’re under the legal limit if you had a glass of wine...
Can you sober up quickly before driving?
Drivers often know that they should not drive under the influence, but they’ve already been drinking and they feel that they don’t have any other choice. For instance, the driver may be at a friend’s house or at the bar, and it’s time to drive home. Rather than...
Can you refuse to take a field sobriety test?
Texas is stringent on DWIs. Even a first offense comes with harsh penalties. However, you also have rights, and it's crucial that you understand what is and isn't legally required during a traffic stop. Reasonable suspicion DWI checkpoints are illegal in Texas....
You don’t have to tell the police if you’ve had anything to drink
During traffic stops, police officers will often ask leading questions. They’re trying to get drivers to say the wrong thing and incriminate themselves. This is a very common practice, and it’s important for drivers to know both that it happens and that they don’t...