No Car After Your Houston DWI Arrest in Harris County, Texas...No Problem!

Frequently, after a drunk driving arrest in Houston a person may not have access to their vehicle because it was involved in an accident.  In the past, this caused  some complications in the Harris County courts because most Houston criminal court judges required an interlock machine to be placed in the accused's vehicle despite the likelihood that the vehicle is sitting in a body shop somewhere. Further, the judge would require the accused to get the interlock for any vehicle that they would have access to drive, be it a rental car or a shared spouse's car.  When the accused states that they will not have access to any other vehicle other than the one involved in the accident the court becomes skeptical since this would make it very difficult for most people to get around Houston. Therefore, the Court normally requires the accused to sign an affidavit that states they will not drive during their time on bond or the court will make the accused get the expensive SCRAM device (over $400 a month).  Now, there is a third and better option available.  The accused may be afforded the opportunity to use an interlock device at home.  With this new interlock machine the judge's fears are put to rest and the accused may forego  the costly expense of the SCRAM.

All Potential Houston DWI DIVERT Candidates Should Get PR Bonds

One of the requirements of the Harris County District Attorney's Office for anyone arrested for drunk driving or DWI to be considered for the DIVERT program is that they do not have any prior incidents with law enforcement.  This is the initial consideration for anyone that is going to enter the DIVERT program.  When a person is arrested for any crime in Harris County, Texas an appropriate bond is to be assigned.  Typically, a first offender's bond for a DWI in Houston, Harris County will be $500.  I have noticed lately that more personal recognizance bonds are being given for first time offenders.  This should be the rule instead of the exception for anyone that is a candidate for DIVERT in Harris County, Texas.  Some may say that if someone can not make a $500 bond they will not be able to pay for all the fees associated with the program.  Nonetheless, Judge Roger Bridgwater indicated at the initial DIVERT meeting with the defense bar that there would be a sliding scale for those that could not afford all the fees for the DIVERT program.  Granting a PR bond would offset the future costs for the person, allow them to be on bond while going through the DIVERT process and not have someone incarcerated for something that is going to take months to resolve.

The Big Game An American Tradition Of Alcohol Related Crime (Houston Drunk Driving)

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. The Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning take on Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. The day has become an American holiday except no one gets the day off on Monday. I'd like to propose the movement to make the day after the Super Bowl an official holiday. Everyone really enjoys themselves on Sunday and needs a day of recovery. Lets be honest, their isn't a whole lot of workforce production the day after the Super Bowl. Who would really be opposed to making it a holiday?

Another unfortunate tradition regarding the Super Bowl is the crime that follows. Its like the soccer hooligans in European football. I guess whether you call it football in Europe or American football here, drunkenness and thuggery will follow. Its inevitable and sad that Assaults, DWIs (drunk driving) and other crimes follow the festivities. Here's to hoping  that everyone behaves responsibly. Who Dat? Go Colts. May the best team win, the commercials be entertaining and The Who not put us all to sleep.