DWI in Pasadena is an Extremely Serious Offense.
We have the experience you need to fight.
Did You Get a DWI in Pasadena?
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 they have a BAC of over .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.
Big Fines and Long Sentences 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 $2000 fine
- Between 3 and 180 days in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to a year
Second Offense:
- As much as a $2000 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 by your side.
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.
GET A FREE CASE REVIEW
If you've been charged with a DWI, you have 15 days before you lose your license. Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch in a few minutes.
Recent DWI Cases
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated
Allegations: The client was arrested and taken downtown after failing a field sobriety test and refusing to take a breath exam.
Result: Case dismissed. Failure to gather evidence properly.
Charges Reduced
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated, 2nd Offense
Allegations: The client was stopped for speeding and given a breathalyzer. They failed the test, and were arrested for their second DWI
Result: Plea bargain for reckless driving
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving Under the Influence
Allegations: The client was stopped for failure to use a turning signal and was subjected to a breath exam and blood test.
Result: Case Dismissed
How a DWI Conviction Affects Auto Insurance Rates
In Pasadena, the average annual cost of car insurance is $900. For drivers with DWI convictions, the average annual cost of auto insurance is $1,296, an increase of $396.
Breakdown by Gender
| Without DWI Conviction | $948 | $852 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,365 | $1,227 |
| Increase | $417 | $375 |
Breakdown by Age
| Without DWI Conviction | $1,560 | $888 | $744 | $732 | $648 | $696 |
| With DWI Conviction | $2,246 | $1,279 | $1,071 | $1,054 | $933 | $1,002 |
| Increase | $686 | $391 | $327 | $322 | $285 | $306 |
Don't Let a DWI Increase your Insurance Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
About Michael & Associates
Michael & Associates is the only firm that will give clients a custom defense, plus a full review, and the white glove treatment.
So many other firms are out there overpromising and underdelivering. That's not our style. We are the best in the area, and the most well-reviewed because we treat our clients like we would treat our own family.
We limit our caseload so we can respond quickly if you have a question.
We offer you Ben Michael's cell number and ask that you reach out when you have a pressing question weighing on your mind. Other firms shuffle you off to the answering service, and maybe they will return the call by the end of the work week. Not us. We value you, and we want you to get back to normal living.
Ben is by your side, walking you through the entire case so you understand the procedures and processes. We are going to fight for you, and want to make this as painless as possible. The sooner you return to your life, the better.
Michael & Associates accepts a wide range of felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, including but not limited to:
- DUI / DWI
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Assault & Battery
- Family Violence
- Domestic Abuse
Areas of law we don't practice:
- Traffic Law
- Family Law
- Immigration Law
- Civil Law
Driving While Intoxicated in Pasadena
In Pasadena, Harris County, and the rest of Texas, the legal limit for DWI remains the same. Anyone who has a BAC at, or over, .08% is above the legal limit. That number is the reading of alcohol in your bloodstream.
How many drinks it takes for you to be at or over that limit will depend on several things. For starters, how many drinks did you consume? But it will also rely on your weight, sex, and time that has passed since you stopped drinking.
In Pasadena, the penalties vary based on how many offenses you have had.
1st Offense
- As steep as a $2,000 fine
- As many as 180 days if convicted, with three mandatory days in jail
- Suspension of driver's license for up to a year
2nd Offense
- As steep as a $4,000 fine
- One month to a year in jail
- Suspension of driver's license for up to two years
3rd Offense
- As steep as a $10,000 fine
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- Suspension of driver's license up to two years
Increased penalties apply if stopped with an underage rider, which includes:
- Additional fines up to $10,000
- Up to 2 years in jail
- Suspension of 180 more days
It is vital that you stop right away. Running from the police is a gamble not worth taking. No one ever gets away, and the reality is that when they catch you, your situation is only going to be far worse.
When the officer comes up to your window and asks if you know why you were stopped, it's always best to politely say that you do not. They want probable cause for the traffic stop. Also, be sure to tell them where you will be reaching for your paperwork.
You can refuse to participate in the initial breath exam. Politely decline to participate, if you want to, and be sure to ask for your lawyer. If you think that you will fail, it might be a great time to decline that field test as well.
If the police think they have just cause for an arrest, they might arrest you for something like slurred speech, alcohol on your breath, or bloodshot eyes. After you are arrested, they can compel a test. If you refuse, implied consent says that you will lose your license for a year. if you are convicted, that is likely to happen anyway, and your lawyer will help you fight either case.
You can still be forced to allow a blood test, but it will take time to get the warrant.
Be sure to ask for your lawyer at the first chance they give you, and always remain respectful, since you will likely be filmed by the body cameras worn by the officers.
Never incriminate yourself.
It's almost always a good idea to fight the charges against you. Never simply accept a guilty plea. Be sure to find a capable attorney, and get the best representation available to you.
Helpful Locations for Pasadena Residents
Pasadena Courthouse
(713) 475-5562
1114 Davis St
Pasadena, TX 77506
pasadenatx.gov
Pasadena Police Department
(713) 477-1221
1201 Davis St
Pasadena, TX 77506
pasadenatx.gov
Alcohol Treatment Facility
(281) 947-3616
6427 Fairmont Pkwy #104
Pasadena, TX 77505
bayarearecovery.com
Department of Motor Vehicles
(281) 929-5300
10810 Galveston Rd
Houston, TX 77034
dps.texas.gov