Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson
About Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson
Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson, an experienced DWI Lawyer, is the founder of The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, a leading criminal defense law firm that’s focused almost exclusively on defending individuals arrested in connection with an officer’s suspici...ons that they were operating a motor vehicle while impaired. A conviction for a criminal charge related to impaired driving (Driving While Intoxicated or DWI) can result in a jail sentence, loss of the accused party’s Texas Driver License, and numerous financial penalties which include fines and Texas Driver License renewal surcharges which can easily reach into the thousands of dollars. Whether you need help with an ALR hearing, BWI, DWI, FWI, or BAC over 0.15% DWI, call Tad Nelson for assistance at 713-489-7373.
Attorney Tad A. Nelson is a highly accomplished DUI lawyer. He’s one of the few drunk driving lawyers in Houston who has earned the coveted Board Certified in Criminal Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He’s also a senior member of the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD), one of the best organizations in the United States of America for attorneys who are hoping to come better lawyers. Considering the scientific nature of the evidence used against defendants in DWI cases, Tad Nelson is a member of the American Chemical Society as an ACS/CHAL Lawyer-Scientist which gives us an edge when challenging the evidence used by prosecutions in DWI-related prosecutions in Harris County.
Although we’re based in Harris County, we also have offices in Galveston County, and we provide legal representation for people with cases in Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, Liberty County, Montgomery County, Waller County, Chambers County, San Jacinto County, and Jefferson County, TX.
DWI cases may be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony offense. The classification of a drunk driving offense as a felony largely relies on two factors; whether the defendant is a habitual offender and whether or not someone died or was injured as a result of a vehicle accident caused by a motorist who is operating a motored vehicle while impaired on drugs or alcohol. A conviction for an offense of that nature could easily result in a 20-year prison sentence or worse; life. It’s not uncommon for Texas courts of levy hefty penalties on folks conviction of drunk driving in Texas. A Bing or Google search for “life sentence from drunk driving in Texas” will yield some surprising results. If you have a DWI case on the docket and its misdemeanor, it’s worth fighting the charge hand, tooth, and nail as a subsequent offense can result in a felony criminal classification for you, which could be catastrophic for you and your family.
Our office takes on all DWI-related criminal cases including 1st-offense DWI, 2nd offense drunk driving, habitual offense cases, intoxication manslaughter, and public intoxication cases. We also litigate DWI cases involving the presence of a minor in the vehicle, open container violations, ALR hearings, Texas Driver License suspension cases, ALR hearings, BAC over 0.15% cases. For persons in need of quality legal counsel that were not charged with an alcohol-related driving offense, we take on other criminal charges like possession of a controlled substance and some murder cases.
If you've an upcoming court date and you're ready to hire a DWI attorney, contact Tad.
Attorney Tad A. Nelson
405 Main St #840
Houston, TX 77002
PHONE: 713-489-7373
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Location & hours
- Mon Mon 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Tue Tue 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Wed Wed 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Thu Thu 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Fri Fri 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Sat Sat Closed
- Sun Sun Closed
Updates & tips from Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson
DWI (Drunk Driving) & Open Container Violations
Most people perceive drunk driving as only having alcohol in their system. However, this is not the case in Texas. Texas law spells out driving with an open container of alcohol in the car while you are highly intoxicated as a criminal offense. For first time DWI offenders, this offense (open container violation) is classified under a class B offense. This attracts a penalty of $500 or 72 hours jail term. However, for a person charged with double open container violation misdemeanor, the penalty is six days jail term in a state penitentiary.
Texas Open Container Law History
There is not much history to the open container law history in the state of Texas. The law is pretty much straight forward. Even so, there have been numerous changes to the DWI laws in the state to include the open container offense which makes it difficult to keep track of different significant changes that have been made to the law. Initially, the open container law that is in effect today was first passed in the year 2001. This law clearly showed how serious the state is serious on matters concerning drinking and driving.
What counts as an open container in Texas?
In order to get a clear picture of open laws in Texas, it’s of utter important to know what makes up an open container misdemeanor in the state of Texas. Basically, an open container can be described as an open bottle, flask, can and any other device that can be used to carry alcohol. For example, a quarter consumed bottle of either ram or beer will automatically count as an open container carrying alcohol. On the other hand, a completely and fully sealed bottle of the same cannot be considered as an open bottle.
That said, in order for an open container to turn into a crime in the state of Texas, the bottle should be on the passenger’s seat in the vehicle. This will mean that the open container will have to be easily accessible by the driver while on the passenger sit. This can either be on the cup holder, on the backseat or even on the passenger seat. However a few aspects will change whether the open bottle is in the passenger area.
These include:
- If the open bottle is on any locked storage within the vehicle like the glove compartment
- If the open bottle is on the trunk of the vehicle
- If the open bottle is behind the drivers upright seat
One aspect of the law to know however that is it applies in different situations like when the vehicle is moving, when the vehicle has stopped, when the vehicle is parked in or next to a public road.
Open Container Laws in Texas and Passengers
Not only does open container apply laws apply only to drivers but this law also applies to passengers as well. That said, if you are taking a ride on your friends car and he gives you a hard time on bringing along a roadie, don’t take it as an offense. Otherwise, you could be risking making a phone call to your lawyer in a precinct!
Looking for a DWI or DUI Lawyer in Houston?
Contact Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson immediately by calling 713-489-7373.
Most people perceive drunk driving as only having alcohol in their system. However, this is not the case in Texas. Texas law spells out driving with an open container of alcohol in the car while you are highly intoxicated as a criminal offense. For first time DWI off... Read More
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Reviews
The Right Attorney for DWI Defendants
Tad came highly recommended for one of my clients on charges for his 4th DWI offense after violating the probation agreement that was put in place for his 3rd offense. Needless to say, Tad came through. He beat case 4 which helped get my client back on probation for case #3. This prevented the need for my client to go to jail. Thanks Tad!
Good Attorney for DUI Cases
I can vouch for Tad as being a good lawyer for people in trouble with DWI charges out in Houston. He doesn't rush to plea out defendants like some lawyers, he actually wants to fight it out in court and win for his clients.
The Best DWI Defense Lawyer in Houston
If you're facing prosecution for a felony DWI in Houston and you're innocent, Tad should be your top choice for legal representation.
