Arrested for DWI in Houston? Here’s How to Find the Best Lawyer to Fight for You

October 18, 2025 | By Eric Benavides - Houston Criminal Attorney
Arrested for DWI in Houston? Here’s How to Find the Best Lawyer to Fight for You

Getting arrested for DWI in Houston is terrifying.

The moment the cuffs go on, your mind races.
“Am I going to jail?”
“Will I lose my license?”
“Will this ruin my job, my family, my future?”

It’s not just fear—it’s helplessness. And if you’re here right now, searching for answers, you’re already doing the most important thing you can do: looking for help.

Because the truth is this—you can’t afford to handle a DWI charge on your own. What happens next could affect every part of your life for years to come.

You need someone who knows what they’re doing.
Someone who won’t treat your case like just another file.
Someone who will fight for your future like it’s their own.

Let’s talk about what you’re up against—and why Eric Benavides, one of the most respected and experienced DWI attorneys in Houston, may be exactly who you need right now.

Real Clients. Real Results.

Before we go any further, hear what actual clients of Benavides Law Group have said:

“From our first meeting to the day my charge was dismissed, Mr. Benavides handled my case with the utmost professionalism and knowledge – I couldn't recommend him enough. Very reasonably priced for the outstanding work he performs. Thank you so much for handling my case and helping me get it dismissed.”

“I was charged with a DWI back in October. I definitely did not know what to do. Until I did my research and found out about Mr. Benavides. An amazing lawyer who worked hard on my case and got it dismissed!! I would recommend Mr. Benavides to anyone looking for a DWI lawyer!”

“I hired Eric Benavides right after the first consultation. After speaking to him, you’ll know you want him to represent you. Eric is very knowledgeable, was always helpful with any questions, and always responsive. He was able to get my DWI case dismissed and I would highly recommend him.”

These are more than testimonials—they’re proof that your story can have a better ending, too.

What’s at Stake? The Range of DWI Penalties in Texas

The penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas are serious—and they only get worse if you don’t fight them.

First-Time DWI (Class B Misdemeanor):

How Long Can A DWI Case Stay Open
  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • Up to $2,000 fine
  • License suspension from 90 days to 1 year
  • DWI surcharge (now replaced by higher court fines)
  • Mandatory DWI education course

First-Time DWI with BAC ≥ 0.15 (Class A Misdemeanor):

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Up to $4,000 fine
  • Possible ignition interlock device

Second DWI (Class A Misdemeanor):

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Up to $4,000 fine
  • License suspension for up to 2 years
  • Ignition interlock required

➤ Third DWI (Third-Degree Felony):

  • Up to 10 years in prison
  • Up to $10,000 fine
  • Felony record for life

And that’s just the criminal side of things. The hidden costs are often even worse...

The True Cost of a DWI Conviction

Many people hesitate to spend money on a top-notch DWI lawyer in Houston because of cost. But what you’ll spend fighting your case is nothing compared to what a conviction could cost you long-term.

Here’s what a conviction could mean:

Skyrocketing Insurance Rates

Motion To Suppress DWI
  • Auto insurance premiums can jump 3–5x for up to 10 years
  • Many providers will drop you entirely
  • You may also see increases in life insurance or get denied coverage

Limited Career Opportunities

  • Many employers run background checks
  • A DWI conviction may cause you to lose:
    • Professional licenses (nurses, teachers, CDL drivers)
    • Government clearance
    • Opportunities in finance, law, education, and more

Difficulty Renting an Apartment

  • Landlords often reject applicants with DWIs
  • You may be seen as a “high-risk tenant” even years later

Stigma and Reputation Damage

  • Coworkers, employers, family, and friends may treat you differently
  • You may be barred from volunteer, school, or church roles

You could spend $20,000–$50,000 or more over time due to the lasting consequences of a conviction.

So ask yourself:
Isn’t it smarter to invest in a great attorney now… instead of paying for a mistake for the rest of your life?

Why You Need an Experienced Houston DWI Lawyer

Not all DWI attorneys are created equal. And not all of them will put in the time and effort your case deserves.

Here’s what makes Eric Benavides different—and why he’s known as one of the best DWI attorneys in Houston:

Expertise in ALR Hearings

Most people don’t even know that after an arrest, you only have 15 days to request an ALR (Administrative License Revocation) hearing. This hearing can:

  • Help you keep your license
  • Expose flaws in the officer’s testimony
  • Set your case up for a better outcome later

Eric has handled hundreds of ALR hearings across Houston—and he takes them seriously. Don’t trust an attorney who doesn’t.

Certified in Standard Field Sobriety Tests

Eric is NHTSA-certified in Standard Field Sobriety Test administration, meaning he has the same training as the arresting officers. He can identify:

  • Mistakes in how the tests were given
  • Medical or environmental reasons for poor performance
  • Invalid clues or officer bias

This is critical to challenging probable cause and can lead to evidence being thrown out entirely.

ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist

Eric Benavides is one of only 117 ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientists in the entire country (As of August 2025). This highly prestigious certification means he’s trained in:

  • Blood alcohol analysis
  • Gas chromatography
  • Toxicology and breath testing machines

If your DWI case involves blood or breath tests, you need a lawyer who understands the science—not just one who guesses.

Personal Attention & Proven Results

With over 17 years of experience and thousands of cases handled, Eric:

  • Personally works on every case (no junior associates)
  • Keeps clients informed and empowered
  • Fights for the best outcome—dismissals, reductions, or Not Guilty verdicts

Call Eric Benavides Today—Protect Your Future

attorney eric benavides

You’re scared. That’s okay.
You made a mistake—or maybe you were wrongly accused.
Either way, you have the right to fight back.

But you can’t do it alone.

Call Eric Benavides, a top-rated Houston DWI attorney, and let’s take back control—together.

📞 Call (713) 222-2828

🌐 Visit www.ericbenavides.com

🗓️ Schedule your free consultation today

Because Your Life Is Worth Defending

You’re not just fighting a charge—you’re fighting for your reputation, your career, your license, and your future. Don’t risk all of that on a cheap lawyer or a public defender. Invest in someone who knows how to win.

Eric Benavides is ready to stand with you.
Let’s protect what matters most—you.