2024
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Our Recommended Top 20
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Houston DUI Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
= Featured Provider
(176)Why choose this provider?
The Martinez Law Firm is a legal group serving clients in the Houston metro area. It has over 20 years' experience focusing on DUI defense cases, advising clients of their rights and options, and representing them at bail and DMV hearings. The firm's team also handles DUI appeals. Other practice areas include criminal defense charges involving arson, assault, drug offenses, domestic violence, juvenile violations, murder, theft, and white-collar crimes. Services are available in English and Spanish.
- DUI
- DUI Defense
- Felony DWI
- Third Time DWI
- First Time DWI
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Herman Martinez - Principal | Active | 28 yrs |
| Herman Martinez - Principal | Active | 28 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Ayson Law Firm offers solutions to diverse legal issues faced by Houston residents. Brian K. Ayson, ESQ., a DUI lawyer, fights for clients' rights and helps them avoid serious consequences, including imprisonment. He aims to get reduced or dropped charges through careful analysis of DUI cases and protects clients' interests. His legal services cover minors or those below 21 years old facing DUI charges due to drugs or alcohol. Ayson Law Firm also handles criminal defense and personal injury cases.
- DWI/DUI
- Personal Injury Attorneys
- Criminal Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Ayson - Principal | Active | 21 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Ray Vazquez serves clients in and around the Houston metro area. The firm handles DWI cases and provides legal assistance to clients who are navigating the criminal justice system. It also takes other criminal and federal cases that require defense, such as possession with intent to deliver, assault, and murder. Ray Vazquez draws from his experience as a former prosecutor and a police officer to provide the best defensive strategy possible. He has been in the legal field since 2014 and can accommodate Spanish-speaking clients.
- DWI
Why choose this provider?
With more than a decade of legal experience, Collin Evans Law is a criminal defense firm that serves the residents of Houston and the surrounding areas. It represents clients who have been charged with drunk driving. It helps reduce DUI penalties such as license suspension, fees, and jail time. The firm also handles cases involving assault, felonies, and misdemeanors. Principal attorney Collin Evans is a member of the National College for DUI Defense. He can serve clients in Spanish.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Collin Evans - Principal | Active | 14 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Philip M. Gommels, PLLC, defends clients facing drug crime, domestic violence, sex crime, and DUI and DWI charges in Houston. Gommels helps offenders establish a solid defense by examining every aspect of the case, such as the BAC test equipment and procedure used. In addition to DUI, he defends them in other alcohol-related crimes that the officers can also charge them. From 2013-2015, Houstonia Magazine named Gommels “Top Lawyer” in the criminal defense field.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Philip Gommels - Principal | Active | 14 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Mary E. Conn & Associates handles criminal cases in Houston. It provides legal advice and representation to individuals dealing with DUI violations. The law firm assists clients in expediting litigation and avoiding mandatory penalties such as fines, jail time, license surcharges, and suspension. Its team also litigates cases involving drug possession and distribution, domestic violence, fraud, manslaughter, murder, and shoplifting. The founder, Mary Conn, is a lifetime member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
- Drugs
- DWI
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 4.5 (6)
- 5.0 (5)
Why choose this provider?
Founded in 1990, The David Hunter Law Firm offers criminal defense services to residents in the Houston, Texas, area. The firm takes cases involving misdemeanor or felony DWI charges. Attorney David Hunter is a former judge and prosecutor who uses this experience to protect the right of his clients. He reviews all case evidence to ensure the accuracy of sobriety testing and that police followed all proper procedures. Attorney Hunters has served as president of the Fort Bend Bar Association.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| David Hunter - Principal | Active | 34 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 4.9 (16)
- Yelp
- 5.0 (3)
- 5.0 (2)
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of James Alston has provided legal counsel in Houston for more than 13 years. The attorney represents clients charged with driving while intoxicated. He assesses the arresting officer's probable cause for initiating the stop and the dash-cam video to ensure the proper procedure was followed. The DWI lawyer evaluates the officer's training in the administration of the breathalyzer and the device's calibration and maintenance records. James Alston defends clients in state and federal criminal cases.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| James Alston - Founding Partner | Active | 31 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (10)
- Yelp
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
LeGrande Law has provided legal services in Spanish and English in Houston, Texas, since 2010. It represents clients charged with driving while intoxicated. The firm’s expert DUI attorneys in Houston scrutinize the evidence in each case, analyzing field tests, breathalyzer analyses, dash-cam videos, and arresting officers’ reports. They also evaluate the arresting officer’s training and breathalyzer administration. The firm’s criminal law practice areas extend to include weapons, theft, assault, and drug charges. Attorney LeGrande is a member of the State Bar of Texas.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Tristan Legrande - Principal | Active | 12 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.4 (6)
- Yelp
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Lawrence Law Firm in Houston, Texas, represents clients with DUI and DWI charges in Houston and surrounding counties. Attorney Jason Lawrence uses his experience as an assistant district attorney in Fort Bend County to defend clients in court and challenge evidence presented by the prosecution. He fights for acquittal or dismissal in every case and negotiates plea deals if charges stand. The firm handles nondisclosure and expunction to have criminal convictions removed when possible.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Lawrence - Founder & Owner | Active | 11 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
Robert J. Fickman is a criminal defense attorney with an office in Houston, Texas. He has more than three decades of experience and represents clients with drug or alcohol-related DWI charges in Houston and surrounding areas. Mr. Fickman uses witness interviews, videotapes of the arrest, and examination of the physical location of the traffic stop to thoroughly investigate every case. He works to have charges dismissed or reduced by challenging evidence and officer testimony.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Fickman - Principal | Active | 41 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Madrid Law Firm offers legal representation to clients charged with a DWI case. The firm handles first, second, and third DWI offenses; DWI with a child passenger; and intoxication manslaughter. Other criminal cases the firm handles include federal crimes such as embezzlement, health care and insurance fraud, and identity theft. Mario Madrid has over two decades of litigation experience along with serving as a Judge for Houston City from 2008 to 2014. He is a member of the National College of DUI Defense Attorneys.
- DWI
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Madrid - Principal | Active | 28 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Attorney 911 fights for the rights of defendants in Houston. The firm caters to individuals charged with DUI claims. Its lawyers work closely with defendants to discuss their charges to avoid risking their criminal record, paying fines, or pleading guilty. They aim to prevent the suspension of the client's driver's license and fight to protect their legal rights. Its lawyers also handle motor vehicle and work-related accident cases. Ralph Manginello, its managing partner, is a Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association member.
- Drugs
- DWI
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Ralph Manginello - Managing Partner | Active | 26 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.6 (14)
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Joe Ray Rodriguez P.C. represents DUI defendants living in Houston. The firm questions the police's basis for conducting initial traffic stops and whether the clients' legal rights were properly read to them or not. It dissects the results and conduct of field sobriety tests and the gathering of blood and breath samples. The office also handles cases of robbery, murder, and domestic violence. Founder Joe Ray Rodriguez opened the firm in 2002 and concentrates his practice on penal law.
- DWI
Why choose this provider?
For more than 20 years, The Law Office of David A. Breston has been providing legal counsel to DWI clients living in Houston and other areas of Texas. The practice handles a wide array of drinking and driving charges, including felony DUI, property damage due to drunk driving, and first-time offenders. Lawyers at the firm can provide legal support during hearings at the DMV, drunk driving court processes, and blood tests. David A. Breston is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
- Underage DUI
- Drug Offense
- DWI
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| David Breston - Founding Attorney | Active | 27 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
Rucker Law is led by Wes Rucker, who has more than 13 years of handling DUI and DWI cases. He also received specialized training on prosecuting drug-impaired drivers and accident reconstruction for prosecutors. The legal office educates clients about possible penalties depending on the circ*mstances of their case and offers court representation. It also handles misdemeanors, white-collar crimes, and drug cases. The law firm caters to individuals in need of a DUI lawyer in Houston.
- DUI with Injury
Why choose this provider?
Ceja Law Firm PLLC is a criminal defense practice representing individuals charged with DUI/DWI in Houston. It questions the accuracy of the blood, breath, and sobriety tests administered by the police and challenges the validity of traffic stoplights, search warrants, and the state's conclusion. The firm handles ALR hearings to keep customers' licenses from being suspended. Jose Ceja, the lead attorney, has obtained favorable outcomes for many clients, including reductions of charges, dismissals, and acquittals. His credentials include training in DUI/DWI standardized field sobriety testing.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Jose Ceja - Managing Attorney | Active | 15 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak is a criminal defense firm that serves the residents of Houston and the surrounding areas. It provides legal services to clients who have been charged with DWIs and DUIs. It employs defenses such as illegal traffic stops and the faulty administration or interpretation of breath tests and FSTs. Principal attorney Nathaniel Pitoniak has been practicing law for more than a decade. He is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association.
Why choose this provider?
The Gonzalez Law Group, PLLC, is a law firm that offers legal services in Houston, Texas. It has attorneys who can provide legal representation and advice to clients on various legal matters, such as DWI. Lawyers from the firm can review cases and discuss legal options during a free initial consultation. Some DWI cases handled by the firm involve first and second offense violators. The Gonzalez Law Group was founded by Marco Gonzalez, who is a member of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston.
- Alcohol
- DWI
- Drugs
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Ricardo Gonzalez - Managing Partner | Active | 39 yrs |
| Marco Gonzalez - Managing Partner | Active | 11 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Since 2011, Thiessen Law Firm has provided criminal defense representation to clients in the greater Houston, Texas, metro area. The firm takes on all types of driving under the influence and driving while impaired cases, including those involving first or repeat offenders, felony or misdemeanor charges, underage DUI, and intoxication assault or manslaughter. Attorney Mark Thiessen represents clients in all court and driving license suspension hearings. He is certified in criminal law and maintains an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Thiessen - Attorney/CEO | Active | 21 yrs |
Disclaimer: Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Houston, Texas?
If you need non-emergency police assistance within Houston City, call 713-884-3131.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Houston, Texas?
To acquire a copy of the incident report from the Houston Police Department, you must submit an Open Records written request using one of the following ways:
- Online: https://www.houstontx.gov/publicinformation/index.html
- Email: HPD.OpenRecords@houstonpolice.org
- Fax: 713-308-9150
- U.S. mail - Houston Police Department, Edward A. Thomas Building, Office of Legal Services, 1200 Travis – 10th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002
- In-person (Drop Box) - Houston Police Department, Edward A. Thomas Building, 1200 Travis – 1st Floor, Houston, Texas 77002
How can the prosecutor prove a DUI conviction in Houston?
The District Attorney in Houston must be able to prove one of two things in accordance with Texas Penal Code 49.01:
- While driving, the accused was intoxicated either by drink or narcotics.
- At the time of driving, the defendant's blood alcohol content was 0.08 percent or greater.The prosecution will rely on the outcomes of the breathalyzer or blood test to do this.
How much does a DUI arrest and conviction in Houston cost?
In Houston, a DUI arrest and conviction can easily cost more than $20,000. Common direct and indirect consequences for the majority of drunk driving offenses in Houston include:
- Legal expenses
- Towing and impound lot costs for vehicles
- Bail
- Court costs
- Penalty fines
- Costs of restitution
- Probation and pre-trial fees
- Interlock or SCRAM system fees
- Fees for drug testing
- SR22 and increased insurance rates
Are there any unique bail conditions for a DUI charge in Houston?
Yes. If the defendant has a past DUI conviction and the blood or breath test results are over 0.15% concentration, according to the law in Houston, the judge must order the installation of a breath test device on the defendant's vehicle. As a condition of bail, some judges require DUI defendants to be handled by the county's pre-trial agency. This requires the defendant to submit to drug tests and provide weekly reports.
In Houston, is it possible to get a DUI expunged?
Completing straight probation in Houston does not qualify a person for expunction or non-disclosure. Other final convictions for crimes cannot be expunged from a criminal record as well. For instance, a DUI conviction cannot ever be sealed or purged. You have a final verdict that is unable to be sealed or purged if the court sentenced you to spend time in jail or prison.
What questions should you ask a DUI lawyer in Houston?
Ask your prospective attorneys in Houstonabout how many DUI cases they have handled, their success rate with those cases, and whether DUI is their primary area of practice. Don't just hire any attorney to represent you. Since the outcome will have an impact on your life, it is your obligation to seek a lawyer who can get the best result for you.
What does a DUI charge involve?
DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.
What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?
The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).
How long does a DUI stay on your record?
In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost?
The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.
How do I choose a DUI attorney?
Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:
- Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
- Ask for referrals from family and friends
- Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
- Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
- Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
- Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable
What happens when you get a DUI?
Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.
Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.
Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?
While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.
How much does a DUI cost?
DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.
When does a DUI become a felony?
Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:
- It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
- The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
- The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.
How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?
Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.
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