DWI Misdemeanors

Houston Defense Lawyer — Misdemeanor Drunk Driving Offenses

Being arrested for DWI can be scary because of the serious nature of the consequences involved. But at the Houston Law Offices of Ned Barnett, we stand by you. Our founding attorney, Ned Barnett, uses the knowledge and experience gained from a successful legal career that has spanned more than 20 years to get the best possible results for our clients.

What Are the Consequences of Misdemeanor DWI?

A first drunk driving offense is a class B misdemeanor. Penalties can include incarceration ranging from 72 hours to six months in jail. But a conviction can also result in license suspension, fines of up to $2,000 and increased insurance rates.

A second offense within 10 years of your first is considered a class A misdemeanor. A conviction could result in a minimum of 30 days in jail and a maximum of one year. Fines may total up to $4,000.

With consequences this serious, it is important to contact a DWI defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. Penalties can be significantly increased if your misdemeanor DWI charge is a probation violation or if there were other circumstances involved in your case.

How Does the Breathalyzer Affect My Misdemeanor DWI?

The Breathalyzer – or Intoxilyzer 5000 – is usually used by the police to help show that you were driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more. In Texas, refusing to submit to a breath test can result in an automatic license suspension. But failing the breath test does not automatically mean that you are guilty. As a certified breath test operator and maintenance technician on the Intoxilyzer 5000, Ned Barnett can fight for you when the Intoxilyzer was used incorrectly or showed incorrect numbers that resulted in your misdemeanor DWI charge.

At the Law Offices of Ned Barnett, we understand the stigma often associated with a drunk driving conviction. Our client meetings are confidential, and we take every measure available under the law to get you the best possible results. We know that good people make mistakes and good people are often wrongly accused of crimes they did not commit.

Have you been arrested for misdemeanor DWI? Contact the Houston Law Offices of Ned Barnett by calling 713-222-6767 or 800-338-8070.