Some want to see harsher penalties for those who drive drunk with a child in the car.

Houston, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/04/2015 -- Each state legislature is responsible for setting their own laws regarding the penalties for drinking and driving. While most states are in agreement over the basics—like the fact that the blood alcohol content (BAC) level for operating a motor vehicle is capped at .08 percent (anything at this limit or above is illegal)—there are some big differences in regards to other things. In Asheville, North Carolina, for example, anti-drunk driving activists, fueled by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are hoping to change the law to make driving while impaired with a child in the vehicle a felony offense.

DWI Charges and Children

The push to make operating a vehicle while impaired with a child in the car a felony offense in North Carolina is being led by Ellen Pitt. Ms. Pitt told reporters that over the years, Asheville and surrounding areas in N.C. have seen a "steady stream of DWI cases involving children." (The most recent one occurred in July 2015, when a woman was pulled over for speeding, only to be charged with child abuse and a DWI).

Current Penalties for Those Who Drive Drunk with Children

Most people who drive drunk with their children in North Carolina can face misdemeanor child abuse charges. However, more and more people are joining Pitt's campaign, believing that more serious felony charges are appropriate when children are involved.

Penalties in Texas for Operating a Vehicle Drunk with a Minor

In Texas, the punishments for driving while impaired with a minor in the vehicle are already pretty harsh. Under Texas law, operating a vehicle while intoxicated or otherwise impaired with a minor in the vehicle of 15 years old or younger can result in:

- Up to a $10,000 fine;
- Jail time of up to two years; and
- A license suspension of up to 180 days.

Furthermore, operating a vehicle drunk in Texas with a minor in the car is considered child endangerment; child endangerment is a felony charge in Texas. Read more about DWI charges and penalties here: https://www.cohendwilawyer.com/texas-dwi-laws/.

When Facing Felony DWI Charges

When facing felony DWI charges in Texas or elsewhere, seeking legal counsel immediately is highly advised. While a standard DWI charge is serious, a felony DWI charge can have serious life altering consequences, be very expensive, and result in jail time. What's more, for those charged with child endangerment, it may also mean losing custody or guardianship of the involved child. To learn more about felony DWI charges, reach out to a DWI defense attorney immediately.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Troopers in Harris County, Texas were on high alert for the holiday celebration

Houston, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/25/2015 -- Holidays are regarded as some of the happiest days of the year, with time made for family and friends. And of course, holidays have also procured another reputation as well: as days designed for heavy drinking. Of all the holidays, St. Patrick's is one of the most infamous for high levels of intoxication, with thousands of people throughout the U.S. being brought into emergency rooms and detox centers for alcohol poisoning. But what's most dangerous, perhaps, is when those who have been drinking get behind the wheel of a car. In 2013, nine fatal accidents on St. Patrick's Day which fell on a Sunday, and an additional 38 over the preceding weekend in the state of Texas. In response, Harris County patrol officers prepared heavily for DWI drivers this St. Patty's Day, implementing a "no-refusal" policy.

Houston's No-refusal Policy

Under Texas's no-refusal laws, law enforcement officers have the right to draw the blood of anyone pulled over who's arrested on charges of drinking while driving (http://www.cohendwilawyer.com/texas-dwi-laws/). While a warrant is typically required for taking an accused person's blood, warrants are automatically granted during no-refusal weekends or days, making catching DWI-offenders quick and easy. The goal of the no-refusal policy is to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities in the state, quickly apprehending those who get behind the wheel while intoxicated, ultimately saving lives. In addition to implementing the no-refusal policy through Harris County, additionally prosecutors were also working from Thursday March 13 through Monday March 17, 2015.

DWI Arrests High During March in Harris County High

According to the Office of District Attorney Devon Anderson of Harris County, Texas, there have been an alarmingly high number of DWI arrests in the month of March over the past few years. In 2011, there were 557 arrests; in 2012, there were 497 arrests; and in 2013, there were 591 arrests. DWI arrest and crash statistics for 2015 have yet to be released, although they are expected to be equally as high. Texas is not unique in its high numbers of DWIs over holiday weekend—hundreds of people in other states throughout the nation were arrested for driving while impaired over the St. Patrick's Day 2015 weekend.

Refusal During a No-refusal Period

Some areas of the state of Texas have implemented no-refusal days year-round, which are legally justifiable under the state's implied consent laws. However, despite the law, some people flat out refuse to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test when being arrested for a DWI. While an officer does not have the right to force an individual to submit to testing, it is important to note that a refusal is a violation of implied consent laws, and can be penalized as such. You still have a right to refuse, but the refusing also incurs other penalties.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Houston, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/16/2015 -- In July of 2014, South Texas Appeals Judge Nora Longoria was stopped by officers and arrested for a driving while impaired – DWI – charge in McAllen, Texas. The arrest occurred early in the morning on a Saturday, and according to reports, was based on the fact that Longoria was swaying from side to side, had slurred speech, smelled of alcohol, and had red, glossy eyes. Longoria had worked "had for 25 years," according to a quote from Longoria herself, to have the career that she had, and asked the officer to release her, stating that the arrest would "ruin" her life.

Despite refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test upon arriving at the police station, and admitting to having five beers earlier in the evening, according to a July story in CBS News, charges against Longoria were dropped by a judge in November of 2014.

Case Dismissed by Hidalgo County Judge

Following Longoria's arrest, she was charge with a class B misdemeanor. Upon posting a $2,000 bail, Longoria was released and returned to her home. Pending a hearing, Hidalgo County at Law No. 8 Judge, Rolando Cantu, dropped the charges against Ms. Longoria on November 20, 2014, according to sources at MySanAntonio.com. The judge stated that in his opinion, there was simply not enough evidence to pursue a trial and convict Ms. Longoria. On the official court docket, the reasons for dismissal read, "other," and "in the interest of justice."

DWI Penalized Heavily in Texas

When Nora Longoria told officers that the arrest could ruin her life, she wasn't overly hyperbolizing – in Texas, DWI charges are penalized heavily: http://www.cohendwilawyer.com/texas-dwi-laws/. The Texas Department of Transportation states that a first offense can result in a $2,000 fine, a jail sentence of three to 180 days, loss of a driver's license of up to one year, and an annual fee of $1,000 - $2,000 for driver's license retention for a period of up to three years. More than that, a DWI conviction on a public official's record is unacceptable in Texas; despite the fact that Longoria wasn't convicted, many are calling for her resignation. In fact, there's even a "We Want Judge Nora Longoria's Resignation" Facebook page.

An Experienced DWI Defense Attorney in Houston Can Help

While the exact reasons why charges against Longoria were dropped are unknown, it's likely that her legal background and the experience of her lawyer helped. If you've been charged with a DWI in Texas, an attorney who's knowledgeable in DWI and criminal defense law is essential in reducing your sentencing, or even getting charges against you dropped.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Both Sides of Gun Control Debate Agree It's a Bad Idea

Houston, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/26/2014 -- The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) was considering a change in policy that would allow alcohol to be sold at certain events where firearms are sold or auctioned off.

The idea was considered after a gun club asked the TABC to reconsider laws regulating the sale of alcohol for special evening events and charitable auctions.

However, it was clear early on that people on both sides of gun control policy were against the idea. Both the NRA and gun control groups agreed that the sale of alcohol along side guns, no matter how restricted, is a bad idea.

Gun rights activists supporting the reconsideration of the policy said that laws governing the sale of alcohol at evening events were unclear, and need more clarification.

The proposed reconsideration of these laws aims to shed light on and clear up any uncertainties that current written laws leave up in the air for interpretation.

Currently it is illegal to sell firearms in the same venue and at the same time as alcohol. It is also illegal to carry a firearm on any premises whose sales are comprised 51% or more of alcohol: The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) was considering a change in policy that would allow alcohol to be sold at certain events where firearms. http://www.cohendwilawyer.com/unlawful-carrying-of-weapon/

About The TABC
The TABC is the enforcement agency in Texas for all things alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. So far the TABC have not commented on plans to reconsider the policy in the future.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm