10 Ways to Help Family or Friends

1. How can I get my family member or friend legal help?
2. What can I do if my child is charged in Lubbock or a surrounding county and I live somewhere else?
3. What information is needed for the first meeting with a DWI/DUI attorney?
4. Is the driver a bad person for being charged with DWI or DUI?
5. What is the Alcohol Offender Program?
6. If the police officer didn't read my friend his Miranda rights, there is no case, right?
7. Can my friend go to jail for DWI or DUI?
8. My son just received a second DWI conviction. His last one was just two years ago. Can he still drive?
9. This is my brother's third DWI. What will happen to him?
10. Are results of a breath test reliable?

1. How can I get my family member or friend legal help?

Even if it is a first offense, take the charge seriously. Find an experienced DWI/DUI/criminal defense attorney in the area who is familiar with the local courts and prosecution. In Lubbock and the surrounding counties, contact Nicky Boatwright.

2. What can I do if my child is charged in Lubbock or a surrounding county and I live somewhere else?

Know that qualified legal help is both within your reach and near your son or daughter. Nicky Boatwright knows Lubbock and the surrounding counties. We help people of all ages — from college students to adults — deal with DWI, DUI and other criminal charges. It is what we focus on. We can answer all your questions and welcome your call even before we talk to your son or daughter. With Nicky Boatwright, you can rest assured your son or daughter is in experienced legal hands. Call us at 806.747.8002, toll free at 888-697-2919 or contact us online now.

3. What information is needed for the first meeting with a DWI/DUI attorney?

The person charged with a DWI or DUI offense needs to recall facts that relate to the current arrest, probable cause, reasonable cause to arrest, searches, and chemical and field tests.

What this means is that the lawyer needs to have detailed information — as detailed as the memory can recollect. Anything you can do to obtain the information can help your son, daughter or friend. If your son, daughter or friend is incarcerated, do not discuss his or her case on the phone as these conversations are recorded. Such information includes, for example, details about the arrest:

• Did the officer give the driver a temporary license?
• Detailed account of the hours leading up to the arrest
• Number of minutes from the arrest to arrival at the chemical test location
• Number of minutes from arrival to administration of the test
• Date of arrest
• Time of arrest
• Did the driver have a valid license?
• Did the officer take the driver's license?

The attorney also needs to know details about probable cause, field and chemical tests, and what your goals are. No detail is insignificant. The more information you share with the lawyer, the better.

4. Is the driver a bad person for being charged with DWI or DUI?

Of course not. But as a family member or friend, you can help to ensure that no one who has been drinking gets behind the wheel.

5. What is the Alcohol Offender Program?

Texas believes strongly that those convicted of DUI/DWI should become more informed.  Most are required to take 12 to 48 hours of classes in an accredited alcohol education program. If they do not complete the class, they face an additional suspension of their driver's license until such class is completed. The Texas Public Safety Department's Driver Improvement and Compliance Bureau has more information.

6. If the police officer didn't read my friend his Miranda rights, there is no case, right?

A case cannot be dismissed purely on those grounds. But if your friend was interrogated after being taken into custody, his statements may not be able to be used against him. 

7. Can my friend go to jail for DWI or DUI?

Your friend's best defense is through an experienced DWI and DUI defense attorney. Your friend can be advised of the most likely outcome of the specific case. Have your friend call Nicky Boatwright today at806.747.8002, toll free at 888.697.2919 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.

8. My son just received a second DWI conviction. His last one was just two years ago. Can he still drive?

His driver's license will be suspended for a year at the time of the plea or being found guilty. He may be eligible for an occupational or essential needs license depending on the facts.

9. This is my brother's third DWI. What will happen to him?

As a third offense, this could be a third degree felony and that means penalties are much harsher this time. He could face up to ten years in prison and have to pay up to a $10,000 fine.

10. Are results of a breath test reliable?

Not always. For example, if your friend or family member burped within a few minutes of blowing, the breath machine may have measured the level of alcohol from his or her stomach and not the lungs. Sometimes, too, for both breath and blood tests, the equipment or the reading may be faulty. There are also other mitigating factors. It is best to be familiar with the DWI and DUI arrest procedures so you know your rights ahead of time. If a friend or family member has already been charged, call Nicky Boatwright at 806.747.8002, toll free at 888.697.2919 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. 

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