Harris County Bicycle DWI Lawyer
There are many ways to get around Harris County, and a bicycle is a great choice. Bicycles are an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation, a great form of exercise, and they allow cyclists to take in the many sites around them. Unfortunately, bicycles are not always the safest way to travel. Not only do cyclists become hurt while on their bike, but law enforcement officers often try to charge cyclists with driving while intoxicated (DWI).
The laws that govern these cases are complex, and one mistake could cost you your freedom. A Harris County bicycle DWI lawyer can advise on the law that affects your case, and prepare the defense you need.
Our Harris County Bicycle DWI Lawyer Explains the Law
Whether or not a bicycle DWI is a legal charge is a matter that is up for debate. The Texas Penal Code does address DWI charges, but the law makes no mention of bicycles. Instead, the law only states that it is illegal to operate a device on a highway with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level that exceeds the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Law enforcement can also charge someone with a DWI if their physical or mental faculties are impaired.
Defense attorneys and the state prosecution often disagree about the language of the law. Due to the fact that the law only refers to a “device,” the prosecution often argues that this includes bicycles. Still, there are many bicycle laws that govern bicycles in Harris County as well, and these laws make no mention of the fact that it is illegal to operate a bicycle while intoxicated.
Our Harris County Bicycle DWI Lawyer Will Defend Against Other Charges
While you may not be charged with driving while intoxicated on your bike, it is important to note that other charges may apply. For example, if you are riding your bicycle in a public place and are intoxicated, you may be charged with public intoxication, particularly if you cause a crash as a result of the intoxication. You can be charged with public intoxication any time you are drunk and pose a threat to yourself or other people.
Also, if you cause an accident while on your bike because you were intoxicated, you may be found negligent. If anyone was injured as a result of that accident, you could be held civilly liable for paying the accident victim compensation. Even if you avoid DWI charges, you may not be able to escape civil liability.
Call Our Bicycle DWI Lawyer in Harris County for a Free Consultation
Law enforcement does sometimes try to charge people with a bicycle DWI because they are often overzealous about making arrests. If you have been charged, our Harris County bicycle DWI lawyer at Ayson Law Firm can help you defend against the charges and give you the best chance of a positive outcome. Call us today at 832-209-2297 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case review and to learn more about how we can help.