Increased holiday DWI/DUI patrols: Texans who drive drunk will have a “not-so-merry” Christmas

August 3, 2013

The holiday season is a time of merriment and joy, gifts and good times, family and friends coming together. Many of the holiday gatherings of relatives, acquaintances and co-workers around the state have one thing in common: holiday “cheer” in the form of alcoholic beverages.


The Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) and individual police jurisdictions recognize that eggnog, wine, mulled cider and festive cocktails are a fact of life during the holiday season. That is why they have beefed up patrols on the state’s roads and will man additional sobriety checkpoints in an attempt to catch intoxicated drivers before accidents happen. The TDPS campaign – funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT) – will run from December 21 through January 1. It is aimed at keeping drunk drivers off the road during some of the busiest travel days of the year.


The federal government is also increasing DUI/DWI enforcement for the Christmas season with its own high profile campaign. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is a public safety program that stresses deterrence through education with television commercials, internet ads and print spreads demonstrating the possible criminal ramifications of driving while intoxicated, namely being pulled over and charged with DWI/DUI.


If you are pulled over…

One of the most important things to remember if you get pulled over for suspicion of DWI in Texas is that you generally have the right to refuse field sobriety or chemical blood tests without a warrant or court order. There might be administrative penalties from your actions, but taking the time to collect your thoughts and speak with an attorney before answering questions or performing tests can make a huge difference in the consequences you might face.



If the DWI is in conjunction with an accident, you have a prior alcohol-related charge on your criminal record or there are children in the car, though, your right of refusal might be revoked. There are also some situations in which the police can compel you to give a breath or blood sample for testing, but requesting a consult with a skilled defense attorney as soon as possible could still help you minimize possible penalties.

By Karina Alvarez August 1, 2024
Gun ownership and use are heavily regulated in Texas, and facing gun charges can be a daunting and stressful experience. The consequences of a conviction can include significant fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing gun charges, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney by your side to protect your rights and provide effective legal representation. At Kyle C. Simpson, Attorney At Law, we specialize in defending clients against gun-related charges in Texas. Here’s how a gun charges attorney can help you.  1. Understanding Texas Gun Laws Texas has specific laws and regulations regarding gun ownership, carrying, and use. An experienced gun charges attorney understands these laws and can explain how they apply to your case. They can help you understand the charges against you, the potential penalties, and the legal defenses available. 2. Evaluating Your Case An attorney can thoroughly evaluate your case, examining the evidence, police reports, and witness statements. They can identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and determine the best strategy for your defense. This evaluation is crucial for building a strong defense and protecting your rights. 3. Protecting Your Constitutional Rights Facing gun charges often involves complex constitutional issues, such as the Second Amendment right to bear arms and the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. An attorney can ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process. They can challenge any evidence obtained through illegal searches or other violations of your rights. 4. Developing a Strong Defense Strategy A skilled attorney can develop a tailored defense strategy based on the specifics of your case. This may involve challenging the legality of the search and seizure, disputing the evidence, demonstrating that the firearm was lawfully owned and carried, or arguing that you acted in self-defense. Your attorney will explore all possible defenses to achieve the best possible outcome. 5. Negotiating with Prosecutors In some cases, negotiating a plea deal with the prosecution may be in your best interest. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf, seeking to reduce the charges or penalties. They can ensure that you fully understand the implications of any plea agreement and help you make an informed decision. 6. Representing You in Court If your case goes to trial, having a skilled attorney represent you in court is essential. An attorney can present your defense, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf. Their courtroom experience and knowledge of legal procedures can significantly enhance your chances of a favorable verdict. 7. Providing Emotional Support Facing gun charges can be a highly stressful and emotional experience. An attorney can provide not only legal support but also emotional support, helping you navigate this challenging time with confidence and peace of mind. Knowing that a professional is handling your case allows you to focus on your personal well-being. 8. Ensuring Fair Treatment Throughout the legal process, it is crucial to ensure that you are treated fairly and justly. An attorney can advocate for your rights, ensuring that you receive fair treatment from law enforcement, prosecutors, and the court. They can also address any biases or injustices that may arise during your case. Benefits of Hiring a Gun Charges Attorney Hiring a gun charges attorney offers several advantages: Expert Legal Knowledge: An attorney with experience in gun charges understands the intricacies of Texas gun laws and can provide expert advice tailored to your situation. Thorough Case Management: An attorney can handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the charges to negotiating with prosecutors and representing you in court. Effective Negotiation: An attorney can negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf, seeking favorable plea deals or reduced charges. Peace of Mind: Knowing that a professional is handling your case allows you to focus on your well-being, confident that your legal matters are being addressed. At Kyle C. Simpson, Attorney At Law, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation for clients facing gun charges in Texas. Our team of experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
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Facing a Felony DWI charge in Texas can have severe legal consequences, including substantial fines, long-term imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. This blog post from Kyle C. Simpson, Attorney At Law discusses the critical moments when hiring an attorney for Felony DWI becomes essential. Learn about the complexities of DWI cases, the benefits of professional legal representation, and how our firm can help protect your rights and future.
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By admin1 September 21, 2013
1. Confidence a. Whenever you stand up, stand up like the courtroom is your backyard and you are the expert that will answer all their questions. This requires you to do several things. First, know the law and facts cold. Secondly, dress the part. Wear a nice suit so your first impression is one of ...
By admin1 September 3, 2013
Reading a DWI police report can be very misleading. Focusing on what is written by the police officer will always paint a picture of an intoxicated person. A solid DWI defense can frequently be developed with facts not included in the police report but relevant to a thorough DWI investigation. The National Highway Traffic Safety ...
By admin1 September 1, 2013
Effective in mid-October, 2011, no one pulled over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Bexar County will have the option of refusing both a breath test and blood test to check for the presence of alcohol. If a suspect refuses a breath test, he or she will immediately be slated for a blood draw. ...
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