How Can a DWI Defense Lawyer Help Reduce the Penalties in a Houston DWI Case?

Being arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a very scary situation. Even a first offense can result in jail time, substantial fines, the loss of your license, and many other consequences. If you are in this situation, you are likely wondering, “How can a DWI defense lawyer help reduce the penalties in a Houston DWI case?” A defense lawyer can fight for your interests, working to secure a lesser charge or have the charges against you dropped. They can keep you from facing the worst penalties of a DWI.

The Basics of a DWI

You can be convicted of a DWI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over the legal limit. You can also be charged if your BAC is not over the limit, but you did not have ordinary use of your physical or mental abilities. DWIs can result in days to years in prison and thousands in fines, depending on the severity of the offense.
There were more than 3,300 vehicle crashes involving alcohol in 2024 in Harris County, and more than 2,100 of those crashes occurred in Houston. Accidents are likely handled by the Houston Police Department, which has its main location at the Edward A. Thomas Building on 1200 Travis Street.

Is It Possible to Reduce DWI Penalties in Houston?

Yes, it is possible to reduce DWI penalties in Houston, and you could potentially even avoid a conviction. However, this will not be possible in every DWI case. There will need to be factors, such as improper procedure by law enforcement or a lack of evidence, that harm the prosecution’s case.

The most significant factor in whether you can reduce your penalties is whether you work with an attorney. This is because an attorney has the experience and abilities to seek out the issues that could lead to a reduction or dismissal. They can also determine how to secure the ideal outcome in your case.

How Does a DWI Defense Attorney Help With These Charges in Houston?

There are a number of ways an attorney can address your DWI charges and potentially reduce or avoid them. These include:

• Challenging evidence: Evidence in a DWI case may have been mishandled, secured through violating your rights, or otherwise contaminated. A DWI attorney can review evidence to search for these and other issues. If the primary evidence for the prosecution’s case is the breath test, and this test was poorly maintained or not calibrated correctly, this evidence could be dismissed. Then, the prosecution may not have enough evidence to continue the case.
• Presenting mitigating factors: DWI charges can be worsened by aggravating factors, but they could also be affected by mitigating factors. Your criminal defense attorney can present these factors to advocate for a lesser sentence. They could include evidence of your efforts to rehabilitate, a low BAC, or this being a first offense.
• Negotiating a plea deal: Depending on the circumstances of your charges, the ideal outcome to your case may be pleading guilty to a lesser charge, called a plea deal. For example, you might plead guilty to a reckless driving charge, which can limit how serious your penalties are. Your attorney can determine if a plea deal is fair or if you are more likely to get a beneficial outcome by going to trial. They can also negotiate the plea deal on your behalf.

Protecting Your Freedom and Your Future

When you approach your DWI case without a lawyer, you are much less likely to minimize the consequences of the charges. A DWI defense lawyer knows how to do this. At Segura & Kiatta, we want to fight for you. Contact us today to learn more.