How To Handle a DWI in Harris County During the Pandemic

A DWI arrest can significantly impact your life. You may lose your driver’s license, and you may spend time in jail. It’s essential to take a DWI charge seriously. But things have become much more complicated during the pandemic. An expert Houston DWI Lawyer can help you navigate this tough situation.

Concerns over Harris County criminal process easily and toward a favorable outcome.

Contact The Law Offices of Ned Barnett. We understand the court system in Harris County and how the pandemic has changed the way your DWI will be handled. Call our office today at (713) 222-6767.

It Might Be Very Difficult To Schedule Your Day in Court

An arrest is generally followed by an arraignment within a day or two. This allows for the defendant to be formally charged. At this point, you can make a plea with the prosecution. However, this has become much more challenging due to COVID-19 precautions.

Harris County courts were closed for long periods during 2020. This created a significant backlog of cases that needed a trial date. The delays have continued into 2021.

Your DWI case may drag on for a long time. This can put your entire legal situation in uncertainty. Be sure to ask your lawyer how the pandemic restrictions will impact your legal status. Our attorneys have represented many people arrested for DWI. We understand how important it is to get your case resolved without too much delay.

Jail Time for DWIs Has Been Impacted by the Pandemic

Texas prosecutors are often very aggressive when they pursue a DWI case. Many defendants spend time in jail. However, the pandemic has changed how jails in Harris County work.

County officials have tried to release more people from jail to slow the spread of COVID-19. These efforts have not been especially successful in the Houston area. Many attempts to lower the prison population have been held up in court.

An experienced DWI defense lawyer can work to keep you out of jail after an arrest. Many people have spent longer times in jail than normal due to the pandemic. This is mainly because of the reduced pace of court hearings in the last year.

Every case is different, and a unique argument may be used to keep you out of jail. Your lawyer may argue one of the following to reduce your jail time:

• Your Health Concerns: The pandemic may have made jail especially dangerous for you. It would be unfair to incarcerate you at this time.
• Your Right To a Speedy Trial: A DWI might result in you being unfairly held in jail. You have the right to a court hearing without too much delay.
• Concerns About a Fair Trial: Evidence to support your case can be lost if too much time passes. Getting your case moving without needless delay is best to protect your rights.

Call Your Lawyer as Soon as Possible

DWI cases in Houston usually proceed quickly. But again, the pandemic has made things much more complicated. This has resulted in the legal process being slow for many defendants. It’s important to understand that you can still lose your license within 40 days of your DWI arrest. This can make going to work or school difficult, and sometimes impossible.

Be sure to contact your lawyer without delay after an arrest. It’s strongly advised to have your lawyer present at an arraignment. This will allow them to understand the prosecutor’s case against you. To keep you out of jail, your attorney will have to do the following:

• Gather evidence from police who made the arrest
• Review results from any blood, breath or urine samples
• Seek to have unfair charges dismissed immediately
• Negotiate with the prosecutor to have charges reduced
• Win at trial if necessary

The Law Offices of Ned Barnett Can Help

Be sure to seek experienced legal counsel immediately after a DWI arrest. The court system in Harris County has changed a lot since the beginning of the pandemic. However, DWI cases are still aggressively pursued. The prosecutor will work for a conviction.

Many people spend time in jail after a DWI arrest. Our firm understands how a DWI case can affect you. We know that the pandemic has added complexity to these already stressful cases.

Contact The Law Offices of Ned Barnett to speak with a knowledgeable Houston DWI attorney. We have represented many families throughout Harris County. Call our office today at (713) 222-6767.