
Charged with a First-Offense DWI in Houston?
Don’t Panic. Call Attorney Tad Nelson at 281-502-2122

You only need to be arrested for DWI in Texas one time, and convicted of a First Offense DWI, to immediately experience the adverse effects that such a conviction can have on your life.
If charged with a drunk driving offense in Houston, and you want to avoid criminal penalties, an unshakable criminal record, and other inconveniences, talk with a defense attorney. Scheduling a consultation with a litigator that has experience defending persons accused of driving while intoxicated is your best bet.
Your Houston DWI Guru & Attorney
Houston DWI guru Tad Nelson is a Board Certified® criminal law attorney who has practiced law in Texas since 1995. During his career, he’s earned a solid reputation for beating prosecutors in the court of law on behalf of his clients on a regular basis. We have a history of success and dedicate ourselves to offering our clients numerous damage control options, considering the situation.
With our education, skill, and courtroom litigation experience on in your corner, you can be assured of a more favorable result than if you had hired a non-specialized attorney for your Houston DWI case.
DWI lawyers in Houston like Tad Nelson and Amber Spurlock, come few & far in-between. If you don’t talk with us about your case, be sure to seek out and hire equally qualified lawyers to represent you for the best possible counter to what will be a ferocious prosecution attempt by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Potential Penalties For First Offense DWI Convictions
A conviction for a first offense DWI in Texas can result in fines, jail time, Texas Driver License renewal surcharges, and a criminal record.
FINE: Up to $2000 for a first-time driving while intoxicated offense.
IMPRISONMENT: You may have to serve a jail sentence that can last from three days to six months.
TEXAS DRIVERS LICENSE: You may experience a drivers license suspension that can last from a period of 90 days to one year. (Tad Nelson may be able to help you avoid the suspension of driving privileges if you may contact with him fast enough.)
Although a First Offense DWI charge is a misdemeanor offense, it’s not the type of charge you’ll want on your record. Such a conviction can mean limited career opportunities and enhanced criminal charges should you be arrested in the future.
If you’re facing criminal charges for DWI or any other criminal offense in Houston, feel free to call our law office today at 281-502-2122.
Avoiding Jail Time in Houston
In most cases when a person is convicted of Driving While Intoxicated for the first time, jail time is not the ultimate objective of the court. Therefore, the defendant may not have to serve jail time. The judge may allow a suspended jail sentence which will remain in place as long as the defendant adheres to their probationary agreement (which is now referred to in Harris County, TX as Community Supervision).
The probationary period will last longer than the alternative jail sentence but it is better than losing your freedom. Usually, probation terms have a duration of one year except in special cases where it can be extended to a period of up to two years, or reduced to as little as six months.
Needless to say, following the conditions of the probation is a requirement of staying out of jail. The Harris County judge presiding over your case has the power to adjust the conditions of your probation as they see fit. If you violate the probationary directives at any point during the probationary term, even during the final throes of a lengthy period, the agreement can be revoked, forcing you to serve out the original jail sentence. https://www.youtube.com/embed/oUVYBMqgDR0?rel=0
Common Probationary Terms
- Do not commit any crimes or violate the law.
- Cooperate with your probation officer and report when required.
- Satisfy all monetary penalties imposed by the court, and other fees.
- Normally probationers are required to work up to 80 hours of community service. Do it.
- Do not ingest alcoholic beverages or use drugs/non-prescription medication.
- There will be a restriction on any form of intoxication.
- You must attend classes intended to expand your education of the effects of alcohol and drugs.
- You may also be required to undergo an evaluation to determine if you need treatment for drugs and alcohol.
We’re Among The Top 1%
Of DWI Lawyers In Houston

A Texas DWI attorney can lose their license to practice law by making claims the nature of being the “best” or being “top” in their legal field of practice if they aren’t able to demonstrate the proper certifications, education, experience, predetermined recommendations from other attorneys and judges, that are required to justify the use of such provocative terms.
- Attorney Tad A. Nelson is an ACS/CHAL Forensic Lawyer Scientist, and so is Amber Spurlock.
- Attorney Tad A. Nelson is Board Certified® in criminal law and has been, since 1995.
- Attorney Tad A. Nelson recently earned his Masters Degree in Forensic Science.
- Attorney Tad A. Nelson is a founding member of the National DUI Lawyers Association.
- Attorney Tad A. Nelson is a graduate of the National College Of DUI Defense.
- Moreover, this is all after graduating college and earning his law degree.
Tad Nelson is one of the best DWI defense attorneys in Houston to talk with if you need help following an arrest for suspicion of DWI. Your arrest was based on your perceived level of intoxication by law enforcement, which can be challenged in the court of law.
Learn More: 2nd DWI Cases, 3rd DWI Cases
1st Offense DWI Charges & Texas Law
Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson
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Testimonials
Tad and Amber are literally top of the game. When I need results, they are the only people I trust. Quality of service, knowledge and professionalism throughout. Don't gamble with a lawyer on any legal issue, you only want to bet on the best!
Thank you Tad Nelson for standing up for me and what is right, Tad Nelson is obviously well known and respected through out the court system as he spoke with authority and precisely to the assistant DA resulting in the dismissal of my case before the case went to trial. Thank you again. if you want it done call Tad Nelson
I hired them a while back for a DWI out in Harris County, they're good and if you need help with any kind of legal matter, give em a call. For a lawyer, Tad has a great personality so working with him should be easier than working with other lawyers.
He is the one lawyer that I can call and put my trust into. We’ve used him a couple of times, once for a family matter and another time for a troubled relative. He’ll help, tell you the truth with no sugar-coating, and will work for his salt. He’s a good guy and when you go to their office, they make you feel at home, like you’re part of the team. Good lawyers and great folks.
I've had the pleasure of working with Tad personally as a technology consultant for him in the past. We've eaten lunch and dinner together. I know that Tad is very dedicated to his clients and cares for them off the clock. He's definitely the lawyer you want on your side.