Houston DWI Lawyers Corso & Rhude Say DWI Checkpoints Will Increase for New Year's Eve in Texas
Houston, Texas (PRWEB) December 30, 2014 -- DWI patrols in Houston will be increased from December 19 to January 2, according to Houston DWI lawyers Corso & Rhude, who have been monitoring the DWI checkpoints created by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Last year alone, Texas DPS officers made 1,505 DWI arrests during holiday enforcement efforts. On top of this, DPS enforcement also resulted in 24,928 speeding citations, 2,997 child safety seat citations, 1,078 fugitive arrests and 797 felony arrests during the holiday enforcement period.
While Texas DPS officers will focus patrols on high-risk locations and keeping roadways safe, the DWI lawyers at Corso & Rhude know that all roads throughout the Greater Houston Area are dangerous this time of the year.
“Unfortunately, even with increased enforcement people still choose to make the dangerous or perhaps fatal decision to get in their car and drive while intoxicated,” said Christopher P. Corso Esq., founding partner in the Houston criminal defense firm Corso & Rhude. “Because of this, we’re urging Houston drivers to be vigilant while driving on the state’s highways and roads.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Texas topped the list of drinking and driving fatalities by state last year with a total of 2,998 fatalities and a staggering 48 percent, or 1,450, of those fatalities being alcohol-related.
Texas is one of the few states that also enforces both DWI and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses.
“There are differences between the two laws but the result is the same – possible jail time and excessive fines,” Corso said.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI when a .08 percent blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) is confirmed.
In Texas, the difference between a DWI and DUI charge is dependent upon age of the person pulled over. If the driver is pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving and is 21 or older, the driver can be charged with DWI if they are deemed mentally impaired or have a BAC above the legal limit. If the driver refuses to take a blood or breath test, the driver’s license will automatically be suspended for 180 days.
On the other hand, if a person under the legal drinking age of 21 is found driving with any trace of alcohol in their blood content, DUI charges may apply, even if the driver is not impaired by it. Texas strictly enforces its’ zero tolerance law.
“It’s important to note that any Texas DWI conviction, even a first time offense, can result in jail time,” Corso said.
Jail time for a Texas DWI arrest can range from 3 to 730 days depending upon the number of offenses and whether child endangerment is involved. Driving while intoxicated with a child passenger can result in a charge that includes a fine of up to $10,000, two years in state jail, and loss of a driver license for 180 days.
“With so much on the line, can you truly justify hiring an inexperienced lawyer to represent you?” Corso said. “The criminal defense attorneys in our office are your advocates through whatever challenges life may present you.”
The Texas DWI lawyers at Corso & Rhude know from experience that Houston DWI arrests increase as the holidays near. Every DWI case in Houston is different, which means, having an experienced Houston DWI defense attorney is more important than ever.
With more than 40,000 cases handled, Corso & Rhude attorneys will do everything in their power to protect and defend clients. The Law Office of Corso & Rhude is known for its vigorous defense and its commitment to delivering the fairest results.
“A DWI is not only a serious endangerment to yourself, but it can also be very dangerous to the people around you,” Corso said. “Be safe this season, get a designated driver or call a cab if you plan on drinking during the holidays.”
Reputable and experienced DWI lawyers at Corso & Rhude serve clients throughout all of Houston. The Law Office of Corso & Rhude also handles a multitude of criminal cases, including domestic violence, criminal speeding, possession of drugs and felony drug charges.
To schedule a free consultation, please visit http://www.corsorhude.com or call (713) 231-0499. The Law Office of Corso & Rhude, PLCC is located at 5177 Richmond Ave., Suite 1250 in Houston, Texas, 77056.
Al Stevens, The SPR Agency, http://thespragency.com/, +1 (480) 648-1770, [email protected]
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