DWI & DUI
Hire a Lawyer for DWI and DUI Charges in Houston, TX
An arrest for drunk driving can leave you scrambling to create a plan for your defense. You likely didn’t even realize you consumed enough alcohol to test over the limit, and now you’re facing a criminal charge and legal consequences. Rucker Law can provide you with legal assistance in times like these. Our lawyer, Wes Rucker, has worked on both sides of the law as a prosecutor and defense attorney. These experiences have helped him develop unique and valuable skills that allow him to provide zealous and honest representation for every client. Contact us today for a free case review if you’re facing a DWI or DUI charge in Houston, TX.


Why You Need a Lawyer for DWI Cases
Harris County leads the state in alcohol-related arrests. Due to this fact, local law enforcement is under pressure to crack down on DWI and DUI infractions to send a message that offenses of these kinds will not be tolerated. This means that if you’re charged with a DWI or DUI, you’re in for a fight. Luckily, Wes Rucker and the team at Rucker Law has a proven track record of success in the DWI and DUI field. With experience teaching prosecutors and other defense attorneys how to try these types of cases effectively, Wes knows what it takes to overcome a charge of this nature. He has more than 13 years of experience handling DUI and DWI cases in Houston, TX, and has even trained police officers on the proper methods to use when conducting an arrest for this offense. He has the skills to get you a favorable outcome.
What is Considered a DWI?
Texas DWI laws are similar to those in other states. A person commits a DWI offense when they operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, hence the name Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). In most cases, the state proves intoxication by showing the individual in question has lost the normal use of the mental or physical faculties or by showing they had a blood/alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher at the time of the incident.
What are the Punishments of a DWI?
The punishments of a DWI can vary significantly based on several different factors. Some penalties are more severe than others and are meant to fit the severity of the wrongdoing. The consequences of a DWI could range anywhere from paying a fine to serving life in prison. It does not matter whether you meant to hurt someone or not. You could be facing a devastating punishment depending on the facts of your case. We’ve compiled a list of the most common penalties you face for a DWI charge:
A first time DWI arrest is considered a Class B misdemeanor so long as your BAC is under .15. The punishment ranges from 72 hours to 180 days in jail, and may also include a fine of up to $2,000. There is the potential for court costs, license suspensions, and surcharge fees as well. With a BAC of .15 or higher, you could face a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of up to one year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.
If you’re arrested for a DWI with an open container of alcohol in the car, a minimum sentence of six days in jail is required.
This is considered a Class A misdemeanor and carries a minimum jail sentence of 30 days. In some cases, you may instead be placed on probation. However, there is still a mandatory jail condition of three to five days, depending on the age of your first DWI conviction.
This is considered a more serious offense, and as such is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. A charge of this kind could lead to a potential jail sentence of six months or up to two years.
If you are arrested for a DWI in a case where you cause an accident that results in serious bodily injury, you could face a third degree felony charge. A charge of this nature can carry a minimum of two years in prison or a maximum of 10 years. Those individuals placed on probation for intoxication assault must serve 30 days in the county jail as a condition of the probation. In cases where a DWI causes an accident that injures a police officer or other emergency worker, you could face prison time ranging from two years up to 20.
Causing the death of another person in a DWI incident can result in a second degree felony charge. The punishment for this charge can range from two to 20 years in prison. There is also the possibility of life in prison if you accidentally cause the death of a police officer or other emergency worker.
What is the Difference Between a DWI and a DUI?
You’ve likely heard the terms DWI and DUI used interchangeably, but the truth is these are two different charges. The primary difference is actually referenced in their name. DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated and thus occurs when a person is driving in a state of intoxication. On the other hand, DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence, which means you don’t have to be in a state of intoxication to be charged with a DUI. You can be charged with driving under the influence even if your BAC is under the legal state of intoxication of .08. This most often occurs in instances where the person in question is a minor by age or if they have any amount of alcohol or other illegal or impairing substance present in their physical system.

Information on Beating a Breath Test
How to Defeat a DUI Breath Test
Client Testimonials
The Michael Jordan Defense Law!
First I want to say I hope that no one has to use Wes' services BUT if you find yourself in the situation where you do, he is 100% the man to call. My case took about 18 months to get through but every time we met and…
The Michael Jordan Defense Law!
First I want to say I hope that no one has to use Wes' services BUT if you find yourself in the situation where you do, he is 100% the man to call. My case took about 18 months to get through but every time we met and or went to court Wes was like a shark! He know's the in's and outs of the justice system and even when things were changes with the court or DA's office he adjusted without hesitation. He is very communicative and savvy, I would highly recommend him to anyone! As I said in the title, Wes operates like Michael Jordan, nothing stops him and he wants to win in the worst way with all the best intentions for his clients.
5 Stars is Not Enough
Mr. Rucker was hands down the most honest and competent Attorney I have ever dealt with. His transparency and hardwork impressed me to no end. After multiple experiences with sleazy attorneys, it was refreshing to work with…
5 Stars is Not Enough
Mr. Rucker was hands down the most honest and competent Attorney I have ever dealt with. His transparency and hardwork impressed me to no end. After multiple experiences with sleazy attorneys, it was refreshing to work with someone as ethical as Wes. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a competent defense attorney. He Will shoot you straight and put in all the effort needed to win your case. He went above and beyond my expectations. Thanks again Wes.
Dismissed!
I hired Mr. William Weston Rucker for a misdemeanor as well as a felony that carried 5-99 yrs in TDC. I was referred to him by someone else that he helped.
My life was literally in his hands. Mr. Rucker was friendly, professional…
Dismissed!
I hired Mr. William Weston Rucker for a misdemeanor as well as a felony that carried 5-99 yrs in TDC. I was referred to him by someone else that he helped.
My life was literally in his hands. Mr. Rucker was friendly, professional and aggressive in a good way. He knew his way around the courts and always went the extra step. I had Faith in him all the way and I was not disappointed at all. My felony was DISMISSED!
I have dealt with some of the best lawyers in the past (unfortunately) and Mr. Rucker handled everything the way you would expect a top lawyer to do.
He is a great man, a family man and he genuinely cares about people. He will do the best he can and that alone goes along way.
I have since refereed him to others who are also pleased with his services. He will not give up on you. He takes every case personally.
I'm forever greatful.
Extremely Effective Attorney - Affordable and Passionate
You want THIS GUY in your corner!!!
I was a mess, my daughter was in BIG trouble facing felony charges and a motion to adjudicate another felony. The stress level was THROUGH THE…
Extremely Effective Attorney - Affordable and Passionate
You want THIS GUY in your corner!!!
I was a mess, my daughter was in BIG trouble facing felony charges and a motion to adjudicate another felony. The stress level was THROUGH THE ROOF... Then, I spoke with Wes, and he had an immediate calming effect on my out of control emotions. Wes is so very kind and gave my family the personal attention necessary to shut down the panic over these very serious charges and the prison time my daughter was facing.
Moreover, we never felt judged or thought of as criminals or bad people (nope, not once). Wes saw us as a good family going through a very unfortunate situation. He treated us with the utmost respect and was in touch with frequent updates on his approach to the case and any feedback he could give as his negotiations progressed. He kept us informed and grounded through the entire process. All of his work and concern and communication helped me to be able to breathe and sleep... seriously, it was BAD.
Wes is very creative and well connected with other experts and will not hesitate to call them in to consult or appear as necessary if the effort will help your case. Wes WILL NOT REST until he achieves the most positive outcome for your case and for your family.
Wes has reasonable fees for his services and worked with us on a payment plan that took the stress out of hiring a top notch attorney to represent my daughter.
Ultimately, WES IS A MIRACLE WORKER. When facing 5-99 years for your 4th felony charge and ultimately receiving NO JAIL TIME and the MAJ IS DISMISSED, with only a short extension on the original probation - you ABSOLUTELY, 110% KNOW TO THE DEPTHS OF YOUR HEART - You made the best decision of your life when you hired Wes Rucker.
Our family is eternally grateful for his passion for the law and even more so for his kindness through this most difficult time. I pray we won't need these services in the future, but if the need ever arises for anyone I know, Wes Rucker will be the first person I will call.
Case Won
Wes is an excellent lawyer, very professional and thorough. He won my case, enough said.
Dismissal for My Active Duty Military Son
Mr. Rucker was highly referred by a very good friend of our family on my 23 year old son's DWI case in Texas. My son serves in the armed forces and is stationed outside of Texas. In an extremely efficient…
Dismissal for My Active Duty Military Son
Mr. Rucker was highly referred by a very good friend of our family on my 23 year old son's DWI case in Texas. My son serves in the armed forces and is stationed outside of Texas. In an extremely efficient manner, Mr. Rucker reviewed, assessed and accepted his case - which was equally important to us, realizing Mr. Rucker was not accepting this case based solely on monetary value. Initially the Harris County District Attorney assigned to my son's case was not willing to negotiate any of the terms they had outlined - at minimum 2 years probation, community hours, various outreach classes and programs. It was through Mr. Rucker's through knowledge of the law, professionalism and great rapport with the District Attorney's office that my son's case was DISMISSED. In the event you, your loved one or friend need one of Houston's finest criminal defense attorney's please call Wes Rucker!!
Best Decision I Made
After visiting with several different lawyers for a dwi offense i settled on the firm Wes was working for and was lucky to have him on my side. Wes was engaged and always there every step of the way. I know other people that had…
Best Decision I Made
After visiting with several different lawyers for a dwi offense i settled on the firm Wes was working for and was lucky to have him on my side. Wes was engaged and always there every step of the way. I know other people that had had issues getting a hold of their lawyers, but Wes responded almost always the same day with any questions or concerns i might have had. Even though my first trial ended in a mistrial and had a good deal on the table from the prosecution, he told me he would fight for me if i wanted to go through a second trial which i did and he won it. He was great in the court room and i couldn't have been happier with Wes through the whole process. I planning on never needing a criminal lawyer again, but if i do Wes is the first person im calling.
Amazing! Dismissal
Let me first start by saying I went to so many lawyers to discuss my case, I saw all the big dogs including Thiesson. After much debate with friends and family, I went with my gut and choose Wes. My DUI case was dismissed after 4…
Amazing! Dismissal
Let me first start by saying I went to so many lawyers to discuss my case, I saw all the big dogs including Thiesson. After much debate with friends and family, I went with my gut and choose Wes. My DUI case was dismissed after 4 monthes. Wes saved my license, even though I declined to blow. My blood was almost double the legal limit. I'm so grateful for Wes. He was extremely dilagant and attentive. I can't say enough great things about his service.
I Owe My Life to This Man Several Times Over. If You Want the Best Possible Outcome He Is Hands down Your Man.
I have retained Mr. Rucker for two cases, though he has actually worked on three different offenses for me. Once as an asssoicate for…
I Owe My Life to This Man Several Times Over. If You Want the Best Possible Outcome He Is Hands down Your Man.
I have retained Mr. Rucker for two cases, though he has actually worked on three different offenses for me. Once as an asssoicate for another attorney at the time, that instance was about 4 years ago now.
Each case Mr. Rucker has represented me for was a probation violation. I was on a 7 year first degree felony deferred adjudication. Thanks to him I still am instead of spending up to 99 years in prison. Every violation of my probation was a new felony law offense, which is obviously a terrible position to be in and the likelihood of avoiding prison time is slim to none. Yet without fail Mr. Rucker saved the day on each and every occasion, pulling some sort of legal magic out of his hat, or so it seemed to me. His extensive knowledge of the law and willingness to bring in extra help to tackle each arising issue is what makes him an invaluable attorney.
Not to mention that he cares. I know everyone says that about their lawyers in their reviews, but I'm here to tell you that Mr. Rucker or Wes as I call him truly does. While we were fighting one of the violations I was stuck in jail with an insane bond amount and my only hope of leaving county jail to freedom rather than Prison was Wes saving the day.
During that intensely stressful time he was always available to my family and friends who were concerned and had constant questions. He comforted each and every one of them and kept them all informed no matter how bothersome they likely were. On top of that he visited me regularly in jail to keep me informed and comforted, which is rare in an attorney. He went out of his way to reassure us all during that trying time.
That case ended with a dismissal and my probation being reinstated with no amendments whatsoever. Also a highly unlikely outcome unless you have an incredible attorney like Wes.
Then once again I found myself facing another felony charge and the possibility of my probation being revoked just 6 months before I was supposed to complete the entire 7 years. Again I felt hopeless and thought I was done for sure and going to prison without a doubt since this was my 4th violation of this probation.
Thanks to Wes and his hard work as well as his connections with the prosecutors; having been one himself for some time before he moved to the criminal deffense side of the law, he saved the day once more.
I found out I was pregnant with my second child while facing this charge and not only do I owe my life to this man but my children's as well for keeping their mother in their lives.
I can never repay him for all he has done for me and my family. He has also been very easy to work with financially and is understanding of people's real life situations. He cares about the person not the case file.
I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal help no matter how big or small. But especially if you need a life saver. That's exactly what he is.
Pardon my lengthy review but I am very passionate about this mans work and want the world to know that they broke the mold when they made William Weston Rucker!