When you have been investigated or arrested for any criminal offense such as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), or any Felony Charge, you have an absolute right to be concerned. Facing criminal charges may be one of the most frightening things you have encountered. Some of the possible consequences that can result from a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction include the restriction or loss of a driver’s license, an increase in insurance costs, fines, court costs, a Driver’s License Surcharge of between $3,000.00 and $6,000.00, and even the possibility of jail. As you can see, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) can be a very serious charge.

The law says that the County Attorney needs only to prove that after drinking you were not able to drive your car in a “normal” capacity. That sounds pretty cut and dried, but it is not quite as simple as that.

You see, if challenged, the County Attorney must also show all of the following:

Further, the officer that administers the “standard field sobriety tests” should have successfully completed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Standardized Field Sobriety Testing student class before administering these tests. I have successfully completed training for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. What does that mean to you? It means that in addition to grading you on your performance of the tests, I will also grade the officer to ensure that he or she conducted the tests properly. If the tests were not conducted properly, this can be disclosed to the County Attorney or the jury to show that the tests results were unreliable and should not be believed.

When you retain me I’ll insist that the County Attorney provide us with the names and address of anyone he plans to call as a witness as well as copies of every written or recorded statements of their testimony. This will allow us to prepare our questions of them.

I’ll insist that the County Attorney provide us with any information or material he has which could show that you are not guilty of the charges against you, or which may help you get a lighter sentence.

I’ll insist on receiving copies of any videos that show your sobriety tests, whether in the field or at the station.

I’ll insist on receiving copies of records showing that the equipment used for tests was functioning properly and that the person giving the tests was properly certified.

As you can see, what looks simple gets pretty complex. As your criminal defense attorney I will insist that all this information be provided and that you and I walk through all this information as we discuss and proceed on your case.

DRIVER LICENSE SUSPENSION - Your arrest may have included a cancellation of your Texas driving privileges for a specific period of time. YOU HAVE ONLY 15 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF YOUR ARREST TO REQUEST A HEARING ON THIS MATTER. I believe that this hearing is extremely important, not only to challenge your suspension but also as an opportunity for your attorney to question the arresting officer to find out exactly what he is going to say in court. If you retain our office to represent you, part of that representation includes representing you at the driver license suspension. However, remember you must request this hearing no later than 15 days from your arrest so it is important that you contact me as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. If your Texas driving privileges are ultimately suspended, in most cases we can get you a Texas license that will allow you to drive to and from work.

WARNING BEWARE: TEXAS DRIVER LICENSE SURCHARGE!! Beginning with any Texas DWI Conviction for an offense committed on or after 09/01/03, the Texas Department Of Public Safety is authorized to charge a surcharge on your Driver’s License. This charge will range from $1,000.00 to $2,000.00 a year for three years. Depending on whether you provided a breath sample, and the results, you could be facing a $6,000.00 fee to keep your license.

BREATH TEST CASES: I own an Intoxilyzer 5000. If you took a breath test at the jail, this is the same model of machine that you used. I have also completed training under the Department of Transportation regulations as an Intoxilyzer Operator and Maintenance Technician. I also have access to various Breath Test Experts that may be helpful in your case. Just because your results were over a certain limit, does not automatically prove you guilty.

The government with all of its resources can frequently make your life miserable; regardless of whether you have actually committed the crime. Real life criminal law is NOT like television. Cases are not resolved in one hour, and the solutions are normally not simple. Hiring a criminal defense trial lawyer can be the most important decision you make.

When you find yourself, a family member, or friend in this situation, you need an experienced and well-skilled attorney who practices only in the area of criminal defense law. For better or worse, criminal law has its own unique practice and methodology. Frequently you will find attorneys who practice criminal law, but also handle personal injury, divorce, and other matters. They may be good attorneys, but I believe that criminal law is too specialized to risk my clients to any distractions facing an attorney who handles multiple types of law and who is not in the trenches everyday.

Please call and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience, because I can help you through the unfamiliar territory of the criminal justice system. Because each case is different and special, I offer a free initial consultation where you and I can sit down and discuss the charges against you and what options are available to you. To assist you financially in paying any attorney fees, I offer flat rate fees and flexible payment plans that will allow you to hire me as your criminal defense attorney so that I can start immediately to protect your rights.source

Austin, TX Civil and Criminal Trial Lawyers

The Austin law firm of Minton, Burton, Foster and Collins (MBFC) has been helping Texas citizens with their legal troubles since 1963. Whether you're injured in a car accident, entangled in a business dispute, facing the end of your marriage or arrested on criminal charges (including DWI / DUI), you need MBFC's accomplished trial attorneys at your side.

The MBFC law firm has deep roots in Texas law, and our lawyers have experience and expertise in virtually all aspects of civil and criminal litigation. In our four decades of practice, we've represented thousands of clients -- from local businesses in need of legal advice to individual clients struggling with family law issues, personal injury claims or criminal matters (See also: DWI, Felonies, Misdemeanors). Our attorneys are adept in handling contentious matters for our clients and we have substantial experience in jury and non-jury trials. Our successes in the courtroom and at the settlement table have earned us a reputation as one of the preeminent law firms in Texas.

Call us today at (512) 476-4873 or contact us online for a confidential consultation. We can help you with your civil or criminal case in Austin, Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell, Burnet and Comal counties.

Famous Attorneys source

The following information collected from http://www.mbfc.com/our_lawyers.asp for more information, visitors are asked to visit above site.

Samuel E. Bassett

Austin, Texas
Phone: (512) 476-4873
Fax: (512) 479-8315
Email: sbassett@mbfc.com
rebeccah@mbfc.com (Assistant Rebecca Haddock)

Sam has extensive trial experience since graduating from the University of Texas School of Law in 1988. He has been Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1994. He practices primarily criminal and family law in courts throughout Texas. Sam was voted by his peers to be included in The Best Lawyers In America (2010) and holds the highest rating possible by Martindale-Hubbell. Sam is licensed in State and Federal Court. In 2005, the Texas Governor appointed Sam to the Texas Forensic Science Commission, where he served as its Presiding Officer until September 30, 2009. Sam is a frequent instructor at continuing education events for trial lawyers and currently serves on the State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee for District 9.

Year Joined Organization:

• 2001

Areas of Practice:

• Criminal Defense
• Family Law

Certification/Specialties:

• Board Certified, Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1994

Bar Admissions:

• Texas, 1988
• U.S. District Court Western District of Texas, 1989
• U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1991
• U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois, 2005

Education:

• The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas, 1988
• Juris Doctor
• Honors: Achievement Award, Highest Course Grade: Texas Criminal Procedure II
• Honors: Achievement Award, Highest Course Grade: Federal Criminal Procedure I

• University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA, 1985
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Honors: With High Honors
• Honors: Business Honors Program

Classes / Seminars Taught:

• Adjunct Professor, Criminal Defense Clinic, University of Texas School of Law, (1996-1997)
• Faculty/Instructor, Texas Criminal Trial College, Huntsville, Texas, April 2008, March 2009
• Family Violence, Civil & Criminal Issues, Texas Criminal Def. Lawyers Seminar, College Station, Texas, 2004
• Instructor, Communicating With Juries, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Project, Plano, Texas, 2003
• Luncheon Speaker, Ethics: Zealous Representation and Other Topics, Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association, 2002
• Luncheon Speaker, Criminal Defense Practice and Personal Life, University of Texas Law School, 2001
• Moderator and Speaker – State Bar of Texas Advanced Criminal Law Course. 2008 – San Antonio; 2009 – Dallas
• Speaker, Ethics & Criminal Law Practice, Austin Christian Legal Society, Austin, Texas, 2001
• Course Director, DWI 2001 Seminar, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association
• Speaker: Concurrent Family Law Litigation & Criminal Defense Litigation, Dave's Bar Association, Criminal Law Seminar, Oahu, Hawaii, 1999
• Speaker, State Bar of Texas, Practice Development Seminar, Dallas, Texas, 1998
• Client Relationships, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Project, McAllen, Texas, April 1, 2005
• Family Violence Cases, Criminal and Civil Aspects, Advanced Criminal Law Course, Lubbock, Texas, January, 2006 and January, 2008
• Texas Open Records Act, Criminal Law Issues, Administrative Law Conference, Austin, Texas, September 1, 2005
• Operation Texas Freedom, Speaker, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Project, July, 2007
• State Administrative Law Conference, “Crimes of Moral Turpitude”, Panelist, September, 2007
• Course Director, Defending Sex Crimes Involving Children, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association Austin, Texas, September, 2005
• Law & Clergy Conference – Austin, Texas, February 2009: Speaker – Criminal Law Issues Concerning Clergy
• Innocence Network Conference - Houston, Texas – Speaker/Panelist – Forensic Science Commission, March 2009
• May 2009 - Speaker – Indigent Defense Seminar – Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association Dallas, Texas – Civil and Criminal Law Topics
• July 2009 – Speaker: The Rules of Evidence – CDLP Seminar, South Padre Island, Texas
• December, 2009 – Course Director and Speaker on Ethics – TCDLA Defending Sexual Assault Seminar, Houston, Texas
• January, 2010 – Speaker – “Obstacles to Forensics Science Reform” - Sixth Annual National Forensic Science Seminar – San Diego, California

Honors and Awards:

• Recognized as a member of "The Best Lawyers In America"

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• Travis County Bar Association, Criminal Law and Procedure Section ; President (2000-2001)
• State Bar of Texas District 9A Grievance Panel ; Member (2004 - Present)
• Travis County Bar Association ; Member
• Travis County Bar Association ; Board of Directors (2000-2003)
• Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association ; Board of Directors (2002-Present)
• Travis County Bar Association, Family Law Section ; Member
• Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association ; Member
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ; Member
• Williamson County Bar Association ; Member
• Robert W. Calvert Chapter - American Inns of Court, 1999 - 2001 ; Member
• Travis County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section ; Member
• Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association ; Charter Member
• Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 1992 - 1994 ; Legislative Committee
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Austin, 1990 - 1997 ; Big Brother
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Austin, 1993 - 1994 ; Board of Directors
• National College of DUI Lawyers, 2005 - Present ; Member
• Texas Forensic Science Commission, 2005-2009, Member; Chairman – 2007-2009

Past Employment Positions:

• Allison & Bassett, L.L.P., Partner, 1998 - 2001
• Allison, Yeager & Bassett, L.L.P., Partner, 1991 - 1998
• White & Allison, P.C., Associate, 1988 - 1991

R. Louis Bratton

Since 1983, the focus of R. Louis Bratton's practice has been representing victims and families in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Mr. Bratton has represented victims in all of the identified practice areas, in Courts throughout the State of Texas. He is licensed to practice in all Federal Courts in the State of Texas as well as in the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Mr. Bratton has argued cases before most of the Courts of Appeals in the State of Texas, the State Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Bratton is a fourth-generation Austinite. His grandfather was a physician in the Austin area for over 60 years and his partner Barham Bratton has practiced law in Austin for over 40 years. The Brattons enjoy an excellent reputation in the community that serves clients well. They have a reputation for only handling cases that justice demands be prosecuted. The firm handles cases on a state-wide basis and has prosecuted cases for clients in other nearby states as well.

Board Certification

Louis Bratton is a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer and has been so since 1989. Additionally, he writes and grades a portion of the state wide Board Certification Examination. It is his strong belief that Plaintiffs should look for and hire a Board Certified attorney. Achieving Board Certification means an attorney has achieved special recognition by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for substantial experience and specialized training in his chosen field. A Board Certified Attorney goes through a rigorous investigation by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization wherein the Texas Board contacts Judges before whom the attorney has practiced, as well as fellow lawyers who have been on the opposite side of cases, to check the character and skill of the attorney seeking certification. Once the background investigation is completed and the State Board of Legal Specialization is satisfied with the experience, reputation, and ethical behavior of the attorney, he must take a lengthy and difficult examination. Upon the successful completion of the examination, the attorney becomes Board Certified. A Board Certified Attorney has to maintain this level of excellence by attending additional continued legal education courses each year far exceeding the requirement of the average licensed attorney. Further, a Board Certified Attorney has to be re certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Louis Bratton, along with his partner Barham Bratton, bring experience, dedication and Board Certification to the investigation and prosecution of your case.

Current Employment Position:

• Partner, The Bratton Firm

Areas of Practice:

• Personal Injury
• Wrongful Death
• Sexual Abuse
• Automobile Accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Trucking Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Mis-filled Prescriptions
• Nursing Home Neglect
• Dangerous Drugs
• Defective Products
• Inadequate Security
• Premises Liability
• Unsafe Premises
• Industrial Accidents
• Burn Injury
• Brain Injury
• Insurance Claim
• Professional Malpractice

Litigation Percentage:

• 100% of Practice Devoted to Representing Victims in Litigation

Certification/Specialties:

• Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• R. Louis Bratton has been selected by The State Board of Legal Specialization to write and grade a portion of the Statewide Board Certification Exam.

Bar Admissions:

• Texas, 1983 U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1983

Education:

• J.D., The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas
• B.A., Southern Methodist University, 1980, with Highest Honors

Professional Associations:

• State Bar of Texas
• Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association
• Texas Trial Lawyers Association
• The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• Texas Bar Foundation

Fraternities/Sororities:

• Phi Beta Kappa

Birth Information:

• September 28, 1957, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America

Charles R. Burton

Austin, Texas
Phone: (512) 476-4873
Fax: (512) 479-8315
Email: cburton@mbfc.com
trevaf@mbfc.com (Assistant: Treva Forester)

Mr. Burton joined Mr. Minton and Perry Jones (now deceased) in 1964. His practice is primarily criminal defense related, with special emphasis on grand jury and other pre-charge investigations.

Areas of Practice:

• Criminal Defense

Certification/Specialties:

• Board Certified, Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1975

Bar Admissions:

Texas, 1961

• U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
• U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
• U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court

Education:

• The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas, 1961
  LL.B.; J.D.
• University of Texas, Austin, 1957
  Bachelor of Arts

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• Travis County Bar Association, Criminal Law and Procedure Section, 1970 - 1971
  President
• Federal Bar Association
  Member
• State Bar of Texas
• Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  Charter Member
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  Member

Past Employment Positions:

• Travis County District Attorney's Office, Assistant County Attorney, 1962 - 1963
• Travis County District Attorney's Office, Assistant District Attorney, First Assistant District Attorney, 1963 - 1964

Michael Burnett

Austin, Texas
Phone: (512) 476-4873
Fax: (512) 479-8315
Email: mburnett@mbfc.com

Michael Burnett is a partner of the firm. Michael graduated from the University of Texas School of Law and was admitted to the Texas State Bar in 1994. Before joining the firm, he was a briefing attorney for U.S. District Judge Royal Furgeson.

Michael’s practice is divided between commercial litigation and family law disputes in courts across the state of Texas. This practice includes a wide range of litigation matters, with a particular emphasis in legal and professional malpractice, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary, fraud, and real estate disputes. Additionally, Michael handles selective family law property and child custody disputes. He has also handled many state and federal appeals. His clients have included University of Texas baseball coach Augie Garrido, Independence Title Company, Texas Legislative Services, Texas Municipal League-Intergovernmental Risk Pool, the City of Round Rock, Bury + Partners, Inc., law firms, and hundreds of small businesses and individuals facing controversies of major significance.

Michael has been recognized multiple times as a “Rising Super Lawyer” by Texas Monthly and he has received the highest AV-Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is currently a member of the Standing Committee on Professionalism for the State Bar of Texas. He is also a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, an invitation-only organization.

Michael is married with three children and he enjoys running and reading in his spare time.

Areas of Practice:

• Civil and Commercial Litigation
• Family Law

Bar Admissions:

• Texas, 1994
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas, 1995
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas, 1995
• U.S. District Court Western District of Texas, 1995
• U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1995

Education:

• The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas, 1994
  Doctor of Jurisprudence
• University of Texas - Austin, Austin, TX, 1991
  Bachelor of Arts
  Major: Government

Classes/Seminars Taught:

• Speaker, Recent Employment Cases of Interest to Cities, Texas Municipal League-Intergovernmental Risk Pool Attorney Workshop, 2008
• Statutory Construction Under Texas Law, State Office of the Comptroller, 2004

Honors and Awards:

• Recognized in 2009, 2008 and 2005 as a "Rising Super Lawyer" by Texas Monthly.
• A.V. Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• Texas Bar Association
  Member
• Austin Bar Association
  Member
• Standing Committee on Professionalism, State Bar of Texas, 2006 - Present
  Member
• Fee Dispute Committee, Austin Bar Association, 2004
  Co-Chair
• Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation

Past Employment Positions:

• Hon. Royal Furgeson, United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, Law Clerk,
  1994 - 1995

John C. Carsey

Austin, Texas
Phone: (512) 476-4873
Fax: (512) 479-8315
Email: jcarsey@mbfc.com
pamelab@mbfc.com (Assistant Pamela Berry)

Born in Houston, Texas, John attended the University of Texas, where he was a member of the basketball team which won two Southwest Conference championship titles and the 1978 National Invitational Tournament. He received his B.A. (American Studies) in 1980. Following his graduation, John played basketball professionally in Europe before returning to enter Baylor University School of Law, from which he graduated in 1984.

John was admitted to the Texas State Bar in 1984 and joined MBF&C. Since joining the firm, John has concentrated on civil litigation and criminal defense. With his background in college and professional sports, he has successfully represented a number of well known athletes and coaches in various matters. He also has an expansive list of Fortune 500 companies who turn to him for representation in critical matters. John also currently serves as Managing Partner of the firm. John enjoys sports of every kind, cooking and travel.

Year Joined Organization :

• 1984

Areas of Practice:

• Criminal Defense
• Civil Litigation

Bar Admissions:

• Texas, 1984
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
• U.S. District Court Western District of Texas

Education:

• Baylor University School of Law, Waco, Texas, 1984
  Doctor of Jurisprudence
• University of Texas, Austin, TX, 1980
  Bachelor of Arts

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• Travis County Bar Association, 1984 - Present
  Member
• State Bar of Texas, 1984 - Present
  Member
• Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 1984 - Present
  Member

Fraternities/Sororities:

• Phi Delta Phi

Each of the twelve attorneys and staff members at the Austin law firm of Minton, Burton, Foster, & Collins, P.C., share the goal of providing excellent service for each of our clients. We take pride in having attorneys who have received the highest rating from Martindale- Hubbell as well inclusion in the Best Lawyers of America. We also have five lawyers who are board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. If you need help in a civil litigation, criminal defense, family and divorce cases, or personal injury law, you can contact us online or by calling 512-476-4873.

Austin DWI Lawyers

Austin, Texas DWI Attorneys handling DWI and drunk driving defense cases in Travis County, Texas. Call the Dunham Law Firm today to speak with an Austin DWI Lawyer to find out how they can help you.

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