Have you been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) or another criminal offense in Pasadena, a city located in Harris County, Texas? If so, you may have been subjected to the Pasadena police force and a court system known for its brutality and corruption. Many of you may be familiar with the 2016 video of a mentally challenged woman dragged out of her vehicle by a Pasadena cop. The police department tried to explain the controversy away, but we know the story. Police officers for too long let the power of their uniform dictate their improper and abusive actions. Many of you in Pasadena, if charged with a crime, may have experienced this yourself.
Rest assured that respected DWI specialist and criminal defense attorney Doug Murphy will build the best defense in your circumstances and will address any improper police actions that could result in exclusion of evidence and/or dismissal of your charges. Each case is different, though, and Doug Murphy will treat each case accordingly. Doug Murphy has been successful many times in trial against overzealous Pasadena Police Department officers.
For each case, however, he will hold the prosecutor, judge, and jury accountable to the legal principle that you are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is much harder than it sounds, especially when you have Doug Murphy fighting on your behalf.
Overview of DWIs, Crime, and Arrests in Pasadena, Texas
Pasadena, Texas has a pretty high crime rate for a city of its size (more than 150,000 residents). The total reported crime annually (though it varies year to year) in Pasadena is 2,912 crimes per 100,000 people while in Texas overall its 3,002 per 100,000 people and in the United States overall its 2,745 per 100,000 people. So, in Pasadena, the crime rate is slightly (but not statistically significant) better than Texas but a little worse than the nation's rate.
The overarching criminal activities in Pasadena, Texas include:
- Property crime
- Theft
- Violent crime
- Assault
- Burglary.
Another crime – typically a victimless crime – is driving while intoxicated (DWI). Pasadena has its own DWI Task Force, and its patrol bureau is located at:
1201 Davis Street
Pasadena, TX 77506
This task force is meant to keep our roads safe, but more so than can be counted on one hand, an innocent person gets arrested because field sobriety tests and chemical tests are unreliable. And in many other instances, a person made a mistake and shouldn't have to pay the price for that mistake his or her whole life.
If you are arrested for a DWI or another criminal offense in Pasadena, you will be taken to the Pasadena Police Department for booking before you are taken downtown Houston to the Harris County Jail processing center. The Pasadena Police Department is located at:
1149 Ellsworth Drive
Pasadena, TX 77506
Phone: 713-477-1511
Just keep in mind: an arrest does not mean there is a solid case against you. In most cases, this is not true; people just assume it's true. Plead not guilty and fight the charge with an experienced DWI and criminal defense specialist.
Punishment & Collateral Consequences for DWI or Criminal Convictions in Pasadena, Texas
A conviction of a DWI or another crime can mean incarceration, fines, license suspension, among other penalties. Once you pay your so-called debt back to society, you still suffer consequences of the conviction via a criminal record, and these consequences may follow you throughout your life.
Examples of collateral consequences include difficulty or challenges with:
- personal, education, auto, or mortgage loans
- child custody
- the right to vote if the crime committed is a felony
- the right to use and own a gun if the crime committed is a felony
- travel
- job offer
- financial sector jobs
- security clearance
- a professional license, like medical license, nursing license, CPA license, real estate license, teaching license.
The highest paying industries in Pasadena often require security clearance or licensure. These high-paying industries include:
- Utilities ($78,011),
- Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction ($60,994); and
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services ($56,887).
If you want to keep or obtain a good job and maintain your status in the community, you need to fight the DWI charge.
DWI & Criminal Defense Attorney in Pasadena
Doug Murphy is Board Certified in DWI defense through the National College for DUI Defense Law and Board Certified in criminal law through the Texas Board Legal Specialization. His skill, knowledge, and insight are comparable to his commitment to DWI and criminal defense. He wants the innocent to be cleared and those who made a mistake to get a second chance.
Contact Doug Murphy online or at (713) 229-8333to schedule an initial consultation if you want to know more about his approach to DWI and criminal defense and how he can help you.
