Texas Drunk Driving Facts

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT), a traffic accident in which someone is injured or dies occurs approximately every 20 minutes in the state. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reports that almost 10,000 people are killed by drunk drivers in the U. S. every year. MADD also reports that Texas leads the nation in drunk driving deaths. In 2011, those deaths totaled 1,213 in the state which represented 40 percent of all traffic accident fatalities.

Those who are convicted of drunk driving in Texas face many serious penalties such as possible jail time, fines, driver's license suspension, and probation. For repeat offenders, the penalties are even more severe. For example, in November of 2012 a Guadalupe County man was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of his eighth DWI with a blood alcohol concentration of .446 which is five times the legal limit. The jury in the case found that the man's truck was considered to be a deadly weapon due to his many previous DWI convictions. The convicted man will not be eligible for parole for 30 years; he will be 75 when that day arrives.

In another case occurring in 2012, a Tarrant County, Texas man was sentenced to 45 years in prison for his fifth DWI conviction. The jury took only a few minutes to convict him after the evidence was presented, which included a blood alcohol concentration that was twice the legal limit.

DWI and Criminal Defense Firm Serving Houston, Texas

Getting experienced legal guidance after being arrested for DWI is necessary if you wish to increase your chances of a better outcome. After thoroughly investigating all of the evidence against you in a DWI case, a skilled attorney can advise you with honest and straightforward legal advice about your case. He can also devise a defense strategy that may result in a more favorable result. Being arrested and charged with DWI is a criminal court matter which is why you need an experienced DWI defense attorney who has the knowledge, resources, and courtroom skills to manage your case.

The Martinez Law Firm is a criminal defense firm serving clients in and around Houston. Mr. Martinez has more than 15 years of experience in criminal law defending those who have been accused of all types of offenses, from DWI to federal violent crimes. He and his legal team know what it takes to investigate, prepare, and handle your case in both state and federal courts. As a DWI attorney, he has been nominated by H-Texas Magazine several years running as Top Houston DWI Attorney. He has also earned the highest rating (10 out of 10 "Superb) by Avvo. Get the comprehensive defense you need by contacting his firm to discuss your case in a free, initial consultation.