In October 2020, police arrested a 25-year-old man they allegedly found asleep at the wheel of a box truck stopped in an apartment complex's parking lot. The officers arrested the young man and charged him with a DWI and possession of marijuana and other controlled substances. After being processed into the Rowlett City Jail and placed into his cell, he was later found unresponsive by detention officers. They called Emergency Medical Services and administered CPR, but to no avail. The Texas Rangers are leading an investigation into the cause of death. While that remains unclear, it is important to note how traumatizing an arrest for a DWI can be. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DWI, hiring an attorney specializing in DWI defense is imperative. A DWI specialist focuses not only on your rights in court but also on mitigating the effects the DWI has on your physical and mental health.

DWI and Stress

The stress caused by a DWI charge can profoundly impact you– both emotionally and physically. You may have experienced incarceration for the first time in your life. Those charged with a DWI in Texas may find themselves suffering from migraines, bouts of depression, or uncontrolled anger. All of this is normal. You may be worried about your job, your family, or even your reputation. This stress only compounds as the hearings begin. There are important deadlines you must meet. If you inadvertently make an error, it may mean losing your driver’s license permanently, missing even more work, and potentially not being able to provide for your family.

Stress and the Body

Stress can have a powerful influence on your body. Research shows that long periods of significant stress can shorten life expectancy by nearly three years. In addition to the harmful effects of stress hormones on the body's tissues, some people turn to unhealthy coping behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and sedentariness. These unhealthy behaviors increase the odds of early mortality. For a person with preexisting health conditions, the risk is even greater.

A DWI Defense Specialist Can Help

A DWI charge can impact every aspect of your life, including your health. But remember, a charge does not need to mean a conviction. A great attorney who specializes in DWI defense can make all the difference. Attorney Doug Murphy was named one of 2021 US News and World Report Best Lawyers in America. He has extensive experience as a Board Certified expert in DWI defense and currently serves as the Dean of the National College for DUI Defense conducted at Harvard Law School. He can shoulder the burden of your DWI defense, so you will have fewer things to worry about. Contact Attorney Murphy today at 713-229-8333 to schedule your confidential consultation.