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HOUSTON DWI ATTORNEY
Let Us Fight For You
Were you arrested and charged with DWI? If so, you have some hard deadlines approaching if you want to save your driver’s license and protect your freedom.
Don’t risk going it alone. Work with a DWI Specialist who knows how to beat DWI charges — both in and out of court. We’ve fought and won more than 100 Not Guilty Verdicts and gotten thousands of cases dismissed, including cases involving blood and breath tests!
Get your case off to the right start: Thiessen Law Firm offers a free case evaluation, and we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to protect your freedom and ease your concerns.
What's My First Step?
Give as little information as possible to police. These conversations can all be used as evidence against you. You may need to give the bond company basic information about the charges against you, but resist the urge to explain yourself. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to anyone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's The Definition of "Intoxicated"?
The Texas Supreme Court has defied intoxicated in three ways: 1). Not having the normal use of one’s mental faculties; 2). Not having the normal use of one’s physical faculties; or 3). Having a breath or blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. A person may be intoxicated on alcohol, drugs, dangerous drugs, prescription medication, over the counter medication, controlled substances or any combination thereof. It’s not a defense that you are on drugs and not alcohol. You can even get a DWI for taking your prescribed medication or over-the-counter medications!
What's The Definition of "Normal"?
Actually, case law specifically prohibits the court from defining normal. That being said, the district attorney is allowed to argue that normal refers to an average person’s abilities. However, the skilled trial lawyer will be able to show that just because you are not necessarily average, whatever that is, that you are still normal and were acting within your normal mental and physical faculties. Things to keep in mind: level of education, learning disabilities, mental illnesses, physical injuries or handicaps, and just general clumsiness, nervousness or inexperience with the tests. Additionally, fevers, dental work, GERD or acid reflux disease, liver or kidney damage, and blood issues may all affect a blood or breath alcohol concentration level.
Our Notable
Victories
NO TEST, NO ACCIDENT! My client went to the Yankees/Astros game 6 on October 20th, 2017. He arrived at around 6pm and had dinner at Home Plate. During the game, he admitted to having 3 to 4 beers in total. After the game, my client waited the crowd to die down and the celebration to end before making his way to his parked truck. After fighting traffic, he was traveling home and passed a few cars, by speeding up. A Deer Park police officer saw him and followed him for a bit. On video, my client did not commit one traffic offense when the officer pulled him over. My client immediately pulled his car over and was very polite to the officer. After my client admitted to drinking at the ball game, the officer initiated a DWI investigation and was subsequently arrested.
During trial, the officer said my client had slurred speech, red bloodshot eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. During the HGN portion of the SFST, the officer had my client looking at a train as he was administering the HGN (6/6). My client did horrible on the WAT 7/8 and OLS 3/4. My client refused to give a sample of breath and the officer decided not to get a warrant for blood. On cross-examination, the officer admitted my client did not lose any mental faculties and he did not have slurred speech. The officer also admitted his mistake on the HGN and said he would have done things differently. I argued my client had 3-4 beers over a 5-hour span and did not lose his mental faculties. The jury returned a verdict of “not guilty” in less than 10 minutes.
Not Guilty
TEXAS V. J.A.
Harris County No. 16
Aug 7, 2018
0.226 BLOOD TEST!! Client works at a local bar and was on his way home at 4am Sunday morning. As he was driving home, a dump truck was trying to avoid another car on 45 South. Client had an accident and totaled his truck into a dump truck. An HPD DWI Task Force unit arrived on scene. Client was polite, handed his DL and answered all of her question. Client politely refused to perform Standard Field Sobriety tests stating that his attorney friends told him to never take those. Client was transported off the freeway and the officer again tried to get him to perform the tests. Client was always polite and looked and sounded normal on the video. Under cross examination the Officer finally admitted she arrested him because he smelled like alcohol and refused the tests. (Neither of those are illegal in Texas). A blood warrant was obtained and the analyst was called to testify. Like usual, the Houston Forensic Science Center analyst testified her result was accurate, the procedure was perfect and she made no mistakes. On cross she admitted that in preparing 25k vials she has never made a mistake and gave her performance 100%. The sample right before client’s was almost identical and just a “coincidence” according to the analyst. The analyst admitted she did not DNA test the sample and had no idea if the client even looked 3x the legal limit. She agreed to Dubowski’s chart on what people should look like and admitted she had no reason to think the client had any tolerance. Although we has an expert and the client ready to testify it was not needed. I could see the jurors shaking their head in disapproval of the State’s case for the entire trial. The jury returned a quick two word verdict. Thank you to the jury for following the law and not just blindly trusting in a ridiculous number that made no common sense. It was a strong and just verdict by a great jury to stand up for better forensic science. We truly need an independent lab in Houston who is not afraid to admit mistakes. NASA is not 100%, but the HFSC is? Yeah right!!
Not Guilty
DWI 2ND / TEXAS V. L.J.
Harris County No. 12
Jul 31, 2018
“I'm a trial-tested Super Lawyer focused on fighting for my client's freedom. If you hire our firm, we're available 24/7, because, at the end of the day, we work for you.”
Mark Thiessen
DWI, Criminal & Civil Trial Defense Attorney
100+
NOT GUILTY VERDICTS
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
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Our Location
733 E. 12 1/2 Street
Houston, TX 77008
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733 E. 12 1/2 Street
Houston, TX 77008
Notable Victories
NOT GUILTY
STATE V. M.F.
.146 BREATH TEST
When the DA refused to dismiss this case brought unfairly by a state trooper, we took it to trial and won.
0.161 BLOOD TEST!!! Client came down from Dallas for the weekend. Checked into his AirBnB and then headed for the Strand. Didn’t know that it was Biker Weekend in Galveston and the Strand was packed. The client left about 11pm and was pulled over by UTMB police for failing to signal a lane change on Broadway. However, the video also showed the police officer doing the exact same thing. Client admitted to drinking and was wearing a “Fuck It, Let’s Drink” shirt...
NOT GUILTY
STATE V. J.A.
.113 BLOOD TEST
We got the arresting officer to admit in court that our client had not lost mental faculties at the time of arrest.
0.161 BLOOD TEST!!! Client came down from Dallas for the weekend. Checked into his AirBnB and then headed for the Strand. Didn’t know that it was Biker Weekend in Galveston and the Strand was packed. The client left about 11pm and was pulled over by UTMB police for failing to signal a lane change on Broadway. However, the video also showed the police officer doing the exact same thing. Client admitted to drinking and was wearing a “Fuck It, Let’s Drink” shirt...
NOT GUILTY
STATE V. I.L.
INTOXICATION MANSLAUGHTER
We helped a jury see that our client was not intoxicated at the time of a deadly accident.
0.161 BLOOD TEST!!! Client came down from Dallas for the weekend. Checked into his AirBnB and then headed for the Strand. Didn’t know that it was Biker Weekend in Galveston and the Strand was packed. The client left about 11pm and was pulled over by UTMB police for failing to signal a lane change on Broadway. However, the video also showed the police officer doing the exact same thing. Client admitted to drinking and was wearing a “Fuck It, Let’s Drink” shirt...
Latest Testimonial
Triple Board-Certified DWI Defense Expert
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Latest Testimonials
How We Win DWI Cases
A lot of lawyers promise to fight, but few truly know how to win. These are just some of the strategies Thiessen Law Firm have successfully deployed to beat DWI charges
Debunking breath tests: Breath tests are built around junk technology and can often be wrong. As a Board Certified DWI Defense Expert, Mark Thiessen knows how to effectively beat bad evidence.
Fighting and beating blood tests: As a lawyer-scientist, Mark Thiessen is one of the few DWI lawyers who can effectively use science to challenge and beat the results of a blood test.
Battling bad police work: When the police don’t play by the rules, we use case law to take them to task.
Earning the respect of the court: At trial, the power of respect is everything. Over his career, Mark Thiessen has built strong relationships with the judges and prosecutors who try DWI cases in Houston.
NOT GUILTY
STATE V. M.F.
.146 BREATH TEST
When the DA refused to dismiss this case brought unfairly by a state trooper, we took it to trial and won.
NOT GUILTY
STATE V. J.A.
.113 BLOOD TEST
We got the arresting officer to admit in court that our client had not lost mental faculties at the time of arrest.
NOT GUILTY
STATE V. I.L.
INTOXICATION
MANSLAUGHTER
We helped a jury see that our client was not intoxicated at the time of a deadly accident.
DWI Penalties in Texas
1st DWI Penalties
Class B misdemeanor
License suspension: 90 to 365 days
Fine: $2,000
Jail time: 3 to 180 days
2nd DWI Penalties
Class A misdemeanor
License suspension: 180 days to 2 years
Fine: $4,000
Jail time: 30 to 365 days
3+ DWI Penalties
Felony charge
License suspension: 180 days to 2 years
Fine: $10,000
Prison Time: 2 to 10 years
Interlock device
DWI classes
Intoxicated Manslaughter
Second degree felony
License suspension: 6 months to 2 years
Fine: $10,000 + up to $2,000/year for 3 years
Prison time: 2 to 20 years
Community service: 240 to 1040 hours
DWI w/Child Passenger
Felony charge
License suspension: up to 180 days
Fine: $10,000 + up to $2,000/year for 3 years
Jail time: 180 days to 2 years
Community service: up to 1000 hours
Interlock device
DWI classes
DWI Penalties in Texas
1st DWI Penalties
Class B misdemeanor
License suspension: 90 to 365 days
Fine: $2,000
Jail time: 3 to 180 days
2nd DWI Penalties
Class A misdemeanor
License suspension: 180 days to 2 years
Fine: $4,000
Jail time: 30 to 365 days
3+ DWI Penalties
Felony charge
License suspension: 180 days to 2 years
Fine: $10,000
Prison time: 2 to 10 years
Interlock cevice
DWI classes
Intoxicated Manslaughter
Second degree felony
License suspension: 6 months to 2 years
Fine: $10,000 + up to $2,000/year for 3 years
Prison time: 2 to 20 years
Community service: 240 to 1040 hours
DWI w/Child Passenger
Felony charge
License suspension: up to 180 days
Fine: $10,000 + up to $2,000/year for 3 years
Jail Time: 180 days to 2 years
Community service: up to 1,000 hours
Interlock device
DWI classes
What To Expect From Thiessen Law Firm
People arrested for DWI in Texas are likely wondering what happens next. The bad news is that the whirlwind of activity surrounding your arrest and release is just the tip of the bureaucratic iceberg, with fees, deadlines, and court dates all waiting just around the corner. The good news is that with Thiessen Law Firm it all becomes much easier.
The process of fighting a DWI with Thiessen Law Firm looks like this:
- Contact the firm to schedule a consultation.
- Have us schedule an ALR hearing to save your driver’s license.
- Let our attorneys fight for you.
Without a skilled attorney in your corner, your best interests are left unguarded. Schedule a free consultation to start fighting for your future with Thiessen Law Firm today.
Consultations over the phone and in person
Same quality of service, same attention to detail.
Whether you would prefer to discuss your case over the phone or at our office in the Heights, the attorneys at Thiessen Law Firm are ready and waiting to discuss your case — and begin the process of defending your rights.
Consultations over the phone and in person
Mark Thiessen is worth every penny! I got a DWI in Montgomery County, where the chances of your case getting dismissed or the charges dropped are slim to none. His relentless determination to win is the very reason my case was found Not Guilty. Thiessen is an amazing lawyer and it was truly thrilling to see his ambition and determination in the courtroom. Mark Thiessen is the true G.O.A.T. in criminal defense!
DWI G.O.A.T.
Mark Thiessen is at the top of his game in the legal field. Took care of everything from start to finish and provided guidance throughout the entire process. The entire team ROCKS!!!
Justin F.
Settle for nothing less!!!
Mark Thiessen is a bulldog, who would not stop fighting until he got the result I required. His relentless and innovative effort, along with his team, made the difference in getting my case dismissed and expunged. His guidance through a nightmarish experience with a complicated legal system was invaluable.
Simply put, Mark Thiessen is a criminal defense all-star. You can feel the difference the second you step in the courtroom with Mark by your side. The time he has taken to build relationships and earn respect is clear.
Adam H.
Over 200+ 5 Star Reviews
Thiessen Law Firm is one of Houston's most distinguished criminal defense firms. We emphasize quality over quantity, combining meticulous preparation with peerless courtroom presence to win even the most difficult cases for our clients.
Meet our Award-Winning Team
Award Winning Team Led by 3x Board-Certified DWI Specialist Mark Thiessen
Our team of talented and passionate attorneys is led up by founding attorney Mark Thiessen. Mark is a DWI Specialist, and is the only lawyer in America who is triple board certified in:
- Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- DUI Defense by the National College for DUI Defense as approved through the American Bar Association
- DUI Law by the DUI Defense Lawyers Association.
- Board Certified Advocate Criminal Trial Law by the NBTA Foundation
Mark has also earned the American Chemical Society-Chemistry and the Law’s (ACS-CHAL) Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation — the highest form of scientific recognition available for lawyers.
Meet Our Award-Winning Team
You’ve got 15 days to save your license. Choose a lawyer who can defend it.
Thiessen Law Firm is ready to protect your life.
At Thiessen Law Firm, we prioritize your peace of mind and fight to protect you from injustices. Here, you’re more than just a case number, and you don’t have to face the severity of the justice system alone. Contact us today to schedule an Administrative License Revocation hearing, save your license, and preserve your rights.
You have 15 days to save your driver's license