DRUNK DRIVING LAWYER
People often use the term drunk driving interchangeably with DWI. While drunk driving may be a descriptive option, the law typically refers to Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) which are distinct legal terms used when arresting, charging, or litigating a case that involves intoxication and operation of a motor vehicle in a public place.
So if you’re looking for a drunk driving lawyer in Houston, what you really need is a DWI lawyer familiar with the local laws for DWI and DUI. At Trichter & LeGrand, we provide legal counsel focused on defending people charged with exactly these crimes, from DWI to DUI, which could both fall under the “drunk driving” umbrella.
REASONING FOR DIFFERENT TERMINOLOGY
There are several different reasons this terminology came about, so we’ll break it down for you here. To start, the difference between drunk driving and the legal terms DWI or DUI have to do mostly with colloquialisms.
Drunk driving is a familiar and conversational way to refer to an actual act. It’s simply descriptive, and due to that simple nature, it does not encompass all of the legal implications that come with the definition of a DWI.
We have talked about what constitutes a DWI before, but to give you a brief summary from the Texas Penal Code (Sec. 49.04.):
(a) A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place.
(b) Except as provided by Subsections (c) and (d) and Section 49.09, an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours.
(c) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that at the time of the offense the person operating the motor vehicle had an open container of alcohol in the person’s immediate possession, the offense is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of six days.
(d) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that an analysis of a specimen of the person’s blood, breath, or urine showed an alcohol concentration level of 0.15 or more at the time the analysis was performed, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
As you can see, Driving While Intoxicated has a very specific set of definitions. In most cases, these are the factors that would be measured to determine whether or a not a person is charged with a DWI. Technically speaking, you can not be officially “charged” with “drunk driving” because there is not a penal code definition matching that description.
Now, of course, in terms of actual actions, drunk driving is still a potentially criminal offense and you’ll need a drunk driving lawyer. More than anything the difference in terminology is purely in the words used, but it’s important to know the difference if you ever find yourself facing such charges.
Mr. Trichter and the entire staff was extremely knowledgeable, professional, caring and compassionate. Mr. Trichter has an immense amount of knowledge. Including the details and specifics of dealing with the FAA after an arrest. As a fellow aviator and aviation enthusiast there is connection and passion that is priceless. Anytime I had a question or concern I knew I could reach out and have a reliable and caring person to help me. The end result of the case was favorable but more importantly the personal growth I obtained with the help of Mr. Trichter is something I will have for the rest of my life. I am so thankful I chose Mr. Trichter to represent me.Ross “Maverick”27/10/2022
If you are in search of a good lawyer, or having doubts about choosing one that will remain in your corner and back your play, I strongly recommend Mr.Gary Trichter, Mr.Trichter along with his legal staff were super beneficial and helpful to me when I needed help the most as a good DWI team they came together and got me through one of the darkest times in my life and I couldn’t be more appreciative and thankful, all the hard work and dedication from the Trichter law team, I would strongly recommend them to anyone In need of assistance for DWI or just a good lawyer to go to bat for you in your time of need.Brandon Baker18/09/2022Of course america, Mr trichter is the best lawyer I see ever .Paris Pshouq15/09/2022I was referred to Mr. Trichter by a close family friend. Two of his family member had used him to represent them in their DWI case and were both very pleased with his work. After having Mr. Trichter represent me I can fully understand why. I can not express the amount of gratitude I have for him. He is an amazing attorney and the best at his job by far. But more then that he is an amazing person that truly care about his client. I will forever be great full for what he has done for me in helping me have my case dismissed. Thank you again Gary!!!Luke Fritz14/09/2022Aaron White was very helpful and detailed. Explained things to me every step of the way and was able to get my case dismissed. Thank you very much!Josh Reynolds24/08/2022I feel very fortunate to have selected Greg Houlton to represent me in my two DUI cases. My arrests occurred within three months of each other and I was sure I'd be facing jailtime, considering the circumstances of my arrests. It was a very difficult time and I was obviously struggling in my personal life. But within the first few minutes of meeting Greg, he made me feel very comfortable and insisted that I take care of myself, first and foremost, and let him deal with the legal proceedings. So that's what I did and Greg won both of my ALR hearings and got one of my cases dismissed. I received a year and a half of probation with no jailtime or significant fine. Greg by far exceeded my expectations and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. I can't say enough about Greg and his professionalism and the calming effect he had on me throughout this stressful period.KM01/08/2022Don’t think about it twice. If you need help with a DWI hire my man Leslie LeGrand!Air Wreck03/07/2022
WHEN TO GET A “DRUNK DRIVING” LAWYER
If you’re looking for a drunk driving lawyer in Houston, what you really need is a DWI defense attorney. At Trichter & LeGrand, we have a team of professional DWI lawyers prepared to handle your drunk driving charge, as well as a DWI Specialist, Gary Trichter.
There’s a unique difference between attorneys for drunk driving or DWI and a DWI Specialist of course. While both can help you fight any potential drunk driving charges, DWIs, or DUIs, a DWI Specialist is more specifically defined:
Under Texas law, a “DWI Specialist” is a lawyer who has been granted the privilege to publicly state that they have special competence in the areas of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), and Flying While Intoxicated (FWI).
That essentially means they’ve gone through an additional certification and education process recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. While all of that might be legal consideration and specification, what it means for anyone seeking legal counsel from Gary Trichter can be secure in his extensive knowledge and professional experience handling DWI (or “drunk driving”) charges in the state of Texas.
Contact Us
For further information, or to get a free consultation with our drunk driving lawyer, please contact us directly either by phone or through our contact form. If you’re interested in fighting your DWI, DUI, “drunk driving”, or other intoxication related charges, you can rely on Trichter & LeGrand to help fight your case with years of experience.
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