Top DUI Lawyers in Houston, TX

Houston-based criminal attorney Matthew D. Sharp specializes in representing clients faced with offenses such as DWI, theft crimes, assault, murder and more. The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp also...Read More…
The Law Offices of Billy Skinner is a criminal defense law firm based in Houston, TX that fights for their clients in state and federal court. They are committed to protecting the criminally accuse...Read More…
Houston attorney Mario Madrid is an experienced criminal defense lawyer well versed in the best legal techniques to positively influence the outcome of criminal matters including but not limited to...Read More…
The Law Office of Henry K Nguyen P.C. aggressively and vigorously defends anyone charged with DWI, drug crimes, theft, assault, weapons charges along with other state and federal criminal offenses.Read More…
James Alston is a board certified criminal defense attorney specializing in the defense of drug crimes, sex crimes, white collar crimes, mortgage fraud and gun crimes in both state and federal courts.Read More…
I am an aggressive and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer in downtown Houston. I enjoy working hard for the citizen-accused both in trial and after trial when the odds are stacked against you.Read More…

Recent Reviews View all

Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson

5.0

By Paul Morgan Law Office, PLLC

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! ...read more

Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson

5.0

By Law Office of Sandra J. Oballe

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. ...read more

Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson

5.0

By The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski

If you're facing prosecution for a felony DWI in Houston and you're innocent, Tad should be your top choice for legal representation. ...read more

New Photos 219 photos

View all 219

Coupons View all

Blogs View more

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. ...read more

By Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson January 25, 2019

DWI Enforcement in Houston area involves No Refusal for New Years

Planning to get our and party on New Years? If you live in the Houston area it's a matter of vast import that you under the nature of police activity on New Years Day as well as many other holidays throughout the year. Although implied consent was ruled unconstitutional for DWI stops, No Refusal weekends exists, and police enforcement is aggressive when it comes to keeping drunk drivers off the road in Texas. If you or someone close to you has been arrested for drunk driving in Houston it's important for you to know that the charge comes with many implication that most other crimes do not. If you refuse field sobriety testing or if you're found to be intoxicated as a result of the sobriety tests, your Texas Drivers License will be suspended before you even smell the air of the courtroom. Secondly, there's that dreaded jail time. Who wants to do that? Couple those issues with a criminal record and fines and you can see why it's of the utmost importance to seek a qualified DWI lawyer in Houston who knows the ins and outs of the legal system that can serve your best interest. The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates is thepremier DWI law firm in the Houstonarea and helped thousands avoid guilty verdicts and/or the worse of consequences in the rare instances that the court doesn't side with us. Contact us for help immediately and plan ahead if you're drinking for the holidays. The Houston Police Department (HPD) and the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) are out on the lookout for drunk drivers. ...read more

By Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson December 31, 2015

DWI Attorney Houston TX - Johnson, Johnson and Baer PC

As a DWI Attorneys in Houston, Texas, Johnson, Johnson&Baer, PC is dedicated to defending those clients charged with DWI/DUI and other alcohol related offenses. Each of the lawyers at the firm are experienced in defending a Texas DWI/DUI and have continued to obtain training in defending all alcohol related offenses. Our firm is devoted to providing its clients with the highest level of representation possible, while giving personal attention to each of its clients. Over the years, we have successfully obtained a high number of dismissals, “Not Guilty” verdicts and reductions to lesser charges. Our goal and priority is to permanently keep a conviction off of your record. The Harris County, Texas attorneys at Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C. will challenge the government every step of the way.  If there is a way to get your DWI dismissed, the lawyers at Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C. will find it. Serving Fort Bend, Galveston, Brazoria and Harris Counties. ...read more

By Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C. July 14, 2013

Related Articles View more

Specific College Courses for Criminal Law Degrees

A degree in criminal law helps prepare a student for a career in law enforcement. This includes careers as a police officer, security guard or... read more

What Is a Criminal Law?

Simply put, a criminal law is a law or rule within this body of law that relates to a crime. This type of law is set forth in an effort to prevent crimes from occurring and sets punishments for those who do not follow the law. ...read more

How to Locate a DUI School

People who are convicted of driving under the influence are often ordered by a judge to attend a DUI school. DUI schools usually show films of accidents that were caused by drunk drivers and statistics that show how likely a drunk driver is to get in an accident. ...read more