Houston DWI with a Child Lawyer

Houston DWI with a Child Attorney

Driving with a child while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a very serious offense in Texas. The state’s zero-tolerance policy toward this type of crime could mean serious jail time and the loss of driving privileges. Anyone who has been charged with this crime should hire a Houston DWI with a child lawyer who can review the case and work to reduce the penalties they are facing.

Houston residents know they can trust Segura & Kiatta to protect their rights following a DWI arrest. Our law firm does not back down from taking on tough cases because we know the law and how to seek favorable outcomes for our clients. Our Houston DWI lawyers have vast experience representing clients facing DWI charges.

Why Choose Segura & Kiatta?

Anyone charged with child endangerment could face serious professional and personal consequences if convicted. Texas’ criminal laws reserve very harsh penalties for anyone charged with driving with a minor while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Serious crimes require serious legal representation. Segura & Kiatta can work to have your charges dropped or reduced.

The burden of proving guilt falls on prosecutors, and any steps that call into question the evidence being used against you can benefit your case. Whether your case calls for a standard defense strategy or a more novel approach, you can count on Segura & Kiatta’s Houston criminal defense lawyers to explore effective legal strategies for your defense.

Potential Penalties for a DWI With a Child in Houston

Driving while impaired with a child under 15 in the car is considered child endangerment in Texas, and the penalties are serious. If you’re caught, you’ll face typical DWI consequences and additional penalties.

You could be fined up to $10,000, and there’s a possibility of spending up to two years in jail. Plus, your driver’s license would be suspended for an extra 180 days. Texas takes child safety very seriously, so a DWI with a child passenger brings much harsher consequences than a standard DWI.

The consequences for anyone convicted of this crime could go beyond criminal penalties. There are social implications for anyone found guilty of child endangerment. You could be deemed as untrustworthy to watch or supervise children. If the child was yours, a conviction could seriously strain your relationship with your spouse or former partner.

How to Fight a DWI With Child Charge

Being charged with a DWI involving a child in the vehicle does not mean that you will ultimately be found guilty of the crime. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until they are found innocent, admit guilt, or are found guilty of a crime.

Your criminal defense lawyer can be an important asset when it comes to fighting the charges you are facing.

An attorney can take the time to explore these and other defense strategies with you.

• Question the evidence: DWI cases often rely on breath, blood, or field sobriety tests. Your attorney might scrutinize how these tests were conducted and whether proper procedures were followed. Any mistakes or inaccuracies in testing could weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Examine the legality of the arrest: Everyone in Texas has Fourth Amendment rights that protect them from unreasonable searches and seizures. When it comes to being pulled over, cops have to have a reason for stopping you and questioning you. If they did not have reasonable suspicion, anything they obtained from the stop could be found to be inadmissible in court. This could undermine the prosecution’s case.
• Emphasize mitigating factors: Your lawyer can emphasize your standing in the community and your clean criminal record. The courts are tasked with dispensing justice. In some cases, showing leniency serves the interest of justice, especially when the defendant takes steps to address the cause of the incident, such as unaddressed substance use disorder.

Houston DWI with a Child FAQs

Q: What Is the Penalty for DWI with a Child Passenger in Houston?

A: The penalty for DWI with a child passenger in Houston is potentially very serious and could lead to a sentence of up to two years in state jail because DWI with a child passenger is a felony offense in Texas. You could also lose your license for 180 days and be fined up to $10,000. These are the most serious penalties allowable under the law.

Q: How Do I Beat a DWI Charge in Houston?

A: Beating a DWI charge in Houston involves several strategies. Lawyers may challenge the traffic stop’s legality and scrutinize the evidence, including breath and sobriety tests. They could also highlight any violations of your rights during arrest. In some cases, a skilled attorney may negotiate for lesser charges or alternative sentencing. Each case is unique, so professional guidance is essential.

Q: What Happens When a Minor Gets a DUI in Houston?

A: If you are a minor (under 21) and found driving while under the influence, the penalties can be severe. You may face penalties including up to a $500 fine, a 30–180-day driver’s license suspension, 8 to 40 hours of community service, and mandatory alcohol-awareness classes. A second or third offense can lead to harsher penalties, including fines of up to $2,000 and jail time.

Q: How Much Are DWI Lawyers in Houston?

A: DWI lawyers either charge a flat rate or bill by the hour. The cost of legal counsel depends on the fees charged by the attorney and the time and resources that the attorney puts into a defendant’s case. While the cost of a defense attorney is not insignificant, the long-term cost of being convicted of a serious crime could be considerably more.

Schedule Your Houston DWI Consultation Today

You do not have to resign yourself to accepting guilt for a DWI with a minor in the vehicle. There are no forgone outcomes in court, and having legal representation can greatly improve the odds that your case is resolved on favorable terms.

The legal team at Segura & Kiatta can work to weaken the prosecution’s case by closely analyzing and reviewing the evidence used against you and working to secure evidence supporting your innocence. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.