The Pasadena, TX DWI / DUI Lawyer that Cares
Charged with driving under the influence in Pasadena? Talk to an attorney who can help.
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DWI in Pasadena is Serious. Let Us Help You Fight.
It’s a huge ordeal when you get arrested for DWI. We know it’s a lot to go through, and we want to help.
If someone is stopped and has a BAC of over 0.08%, they risk being arrested for DWI. It’s a common arrest in this area.
That said, the Harris County court system does not cut any slack when it comes to DWI violators. Michael & Associates is available to you, and we can help tip the scales toward justice and fairness.
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Hefty Fines and Jail Time Await Those Convicted
Just because its a common crime, that can lead people to think that DWI is a crime without strict punishments.
Guess again.
People who get DWI convictions receive these sentences:
First offense:
- As much as a $2,000 fine
- Between 3 and 180 days in jail
- Loss of driver’s license for up to a year
Second offense:
- As much as a $4,000 fine
- Between 1 and 12 months in jail
- Loss of driver’s license for up to two years
Third+ offense:
- As much as a $10,000 fine
- From two to ten years in prison
- Loss of driver’s license for up to two years
- Felony record
That doesn’t even count the enhancements for crimes with added factors like child endangerment or felony DWI manslaughter.
One Slip Up Can Cost So Much
It’s not just the criminal penalties either. DWI comes with a social stigma that you would have to live down, and credit check issues to deal with as well. Plus, you will see insurance rates go up.
The thing about a DWI is there are layers to a defense that you need to understand. Our team is the most experienced in the area and can help see you through.
Be sure to put a strong fighter by your side. When you have our team in your corner, you know you have the best possible defense.
Michael & Associates Is In Your Corner
Michael & Associates has nearly ten full years of experience helping clients who are dealing with DWI
We have countless cases under our belts and are the most experienced team in Pasadena. Most of our cases will see either a partial reduction or full case dismissal.
The secret is that we offer our clients a white glove defense, and that custom defense strategy is the best option to combat an aggressive prosecutor. We stand with you and will fight alongside you.
You are in capable hands when you sign on with Michael and Associates. Schedule a case review today, so we can get a head start on building your custom defense strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions about DWI in Pasadena
At Michael & Associates, we take pride in offering you the white-glove treatment and the best possible outcome.
There are so many lawyers in Texas who offer clients big promises but deliver scant results. These lawyers aren’t always worth what they charge. Do they give each case 100%? Usually, they don’t. They just try to close a case quickly so they can move on to an easier one.
Ben Michael has a different philosophy. We only take on the cases we can handle personally. By limiting our caseload, we can offer that white glove treatment to each client.
We give our clients Ben’s direct number. He is available any time of the day to his clients. At other firms, you are lucky if you can leave a message and get a call back the next day. Usually, it takes days.
Ben Michael is there to see you through the entire process, from beginning to end. We know that our clients are facing one of the worst moments in their lives. At their lowest point, we can step in to help things get back on track. We fight for you.
Michael & Associates will accept felony and misdemeanor criminal cases of all types. We work on cases that include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- DUI / DWI
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Assault & Battery
- Family Violence
- Domestic Abuse
We don’t practice:
- Traffic Law
- Family Law
- Immigration Law
- Civil Law
Our firm is licensed to practice law in every county in Texas. We are accepting new clients across the state, in all major metropolitan areas, including the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land area.
Just like any other city in Texas, when you are stopped in Pasadena, or anywhere else in Harris County, anyone operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher can be charged with DWI. Your BAC is the number that represents the saturation level of alcohol in your system.
Exactly how many drinks it takes to reach or exceed 0.08% varies from person to person. Your height, weight, and sex are all contributors. It primarily relies on how long it has been since you took a sip of alcohol.
In Pasadena, it all comes down to whether or not you have any prior convictions.
First Offense
- A fine as high as $2,000
- Up to 6 months in jail, with 3 days mandatory
- Losing your license for a year
Second Offense
- A fine as high as $4,000
- From 30 to 365 days in jail
- Losing your license for as many as two years
Third Offense
- $10,000 fine
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- Losing your license for as many as two years
Additional penalties that might apply for having an underage passenger in the motor vehicle:
- Increased fines up to $10,000
- Up to two years in jail
- Six additional months of driver’s license suspension
The first thing you should keep in mind is that failure to stop for an officer will send you directly to prison. Do not run from the police. You will make things much worse for yourself, and you will not be able to outrun them.
When the officer approaches the vehicle, make sure both of your hands are visible. The officer will ask for your paperwork and license. When you go to retrieve them, ask first and let the officer know where you are reaching. Always be as polite as possible.
The officer might also ask you if you know the reason they initiated the traffic stop. You should politely tell them you don’t know why you were stopped. They are looking to establish a reason for the stop, and use that probable cause in court. Don’t remove that line of defense from your lawyer’s arsenal.
Keep in mind that you are on bodycam, so always be as respectful as possible. However, you have the right to refuse to take breathalyzer and field sobriety tests. You will lose your license for a year if you refuse to take a breathalyzer, but if convicted of DWI you would lose the license anyway. Your lawyer can help you fight for a good outcome in either case.
If the officer who initiated the stop thinks they notice any slurred speech, alcohol on your breath, or bloodshot eyes, you might be detained for suspicion of DWI. Once arrested, police will ask you to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test. Refusal means suspension of your license.
Officers can (and will) get a warrant to draw blood, and force you to submit to the test, but obtaining the warrant will take some time. Once they’ve gotten the warrant, it’s in your best interest to let them draw the blood. Otherwise, they will do it by force, and it will not be pleasant.
Never answer questions without a lawyer present, and ask to have a conversation with your lawyer as soon as possible.
Yes. You should always put up a vigorous defense against a DWI charge. This situation requires you to mount a swift and robust defense. You need a tough lawyer by your side.