When you hear someone on TV or in real life "plead the Fifth," they're tapping into one of the most powerful shields in the American legal system. In plain English, it's your constitutional right to refuse to answer any questions—from police or in a courtroom—that could incriminate you. This isn't just a dramatic movie line. [...]
On January 3, 2026, attorneys David Smith and Leo Elizondo of David Smith Law Firm, PLLC presented at Nerd Nite at Grand Prize Bar, a popular Houston nightlife venue, with an in-depth presentation on Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws in Texas and the rights individuals have when stopped by police. This event was [...]
When you’re facing a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Texas, the stakes are very high. A conviction can mean jail time, steep fines, loss of driving privileges, skyrocketing insurance rates, and even long-term damage to your career and reputation. For one Houston-area client, everything was on the line. After being accused of DWI, he [...]
When facing a DWI charge in Texas, it is a grave mistake to focus only on the initial fine. Seeing a number like $2,000 for a first offense might seem manageable, but that figure is merely the tip of a massive financial iceberg. The true cost of a DWI conviction explodes once the full scope [...]
Can a judge really order you to take a drug test in a Houston courtroom? It’s a question that many people facing the Texas justice system ask, and the answer is an unequivocal yes. While it’s not an automatic part of every case in Harris County, judges have the authority to order a drug test [...]
On the Path to Becoming a Lawyer-Scientist: My Experience at Axion Laboratories Forensic Chromatography Course Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Forensic Chromatography course at Axion Analytical Laboratories in Chicago, a nationally recognized training program for attorneys seeking to deepen their understanding of forensic science. This intensive, hands-on experience marks a significant [...]
When facing a DWI charge in Texas, the first number that often comes to mind is the criminal fine. These are steep, starting at a maximum of $2,000 for a first offense and escalating to a staggering $10,000 for a third offense. However, as a criminal defense attorney in the Greater Houston area, I've seen [...]
Being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in the Greater Houston area can feel like the end of the world. But a charge is not a conviction. Winning a DWI case isn’t about a magic bullet; it’s a deliberate process of dismantling the state’s case against you, piece by piece, with the help of a [...]
A third DWI charge in Texas is not just another legal problem—it's a potential catastrophe. This is the moment when a serious situation escalates into a life-altering crisis, as the charge automatically jumps from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. The consequences you face are no longer just fines and weekend classes; they are years [...]
So, when can police search your car? It’s one of the more common questions Texas drivers have, and the answer is almost never simple. While the Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures, a traffic stop on a Houston highway puts you in a unique legal situation. In Texas, police can often search [...]
In Texas, getting your criminal record expunged is a formal legal process designed to permanently destroy the records of an arrest and prosecution. When handled by an experienced attorney, the process completely erases the event from your public record. It offers a true fresh start for those who qualify, but navigating the complex Texas legal [...]
When you're facing a DWI charge in Texas, one of the most urgent questions is almost always the same: "Will my boss find out?" The fear of losing your job can be even more stressful than the legal proceedings themselves, especially for professionals in the Greater Houston Area whose careers depend on a clean record. [...]
SmartStart Ignition Interlock: A Reliable Option for Houston Drivers—Now with a Free First Month Coupon If you’ve been charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas, one of the most immediate and impactful consequences may be the requirement to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle. These devices are designed to prevent impaired [...]
Learn what happens at arraignment hearing in Texas. Discover the court process, plea options, and why an attorney is essential from your first appearance.
Case Win: DWI Charge with a .141 Breath Test Dismissed and ALR Hearing Victory At David Smith Law Firm, PLLC, we believe every person accused of a crime deserves a strong defense and the presumption of innocence. This past week, our office secured a major victory for one of our clients: Criminal DWI case dismissed [...]
Closing Out a Successful Week—Dismissals and Downpours This week in Houston brought heavy rain—and two major victories in the courtroom. At the David Smith Law Firm, PLLC, we’re proud to report that two DWI cases were dismissed, each involving clients facing serious allegations. One client was accused of driving with a blood alcohol [...]
David Smith Law Firm, PLLC Named Finalist in the Houston Chronicle Best of the Best 2025 for DWI Defense We are deeply honored and absolutely thrilled to share that David Smith Law Firm, PLLC has been named a finalist in the Houston Chronicle’s 2025 “Best of the Best” Awards—in the category of DWI [...]
Conspiracy Charges in Drug Crime Cases When You're Charged for a Plan, Not an Act In Texas, you don’t need to be caught with drugs in your possession—or even physically present when a drug transaction takes place—to face serious criminal charges. If law enforcement believes you were part of a plan to commit a drug-related [...]
We Need Your Help--Vote for David Smith Law Firm, PLLC in the Houston Chronicle Best of the Best 2025! Dear Friends and Valued Current & Former Clients, We are thrilled to announce that the David Smith Law Firm, PLLC has been nominated for the Houston Chronicle Best of the Best 2025 awards in two prestigious [...]
In the journey toward recovery from substance use or legal challenges, support groups and counseling options such as AA, NA, and therapy play a crucial role in fostering lasting change. This blog post explores various resources available for individuals seeking help and highlights the importance of connecting with a compassionate attorney near you for additional guidance and support.
