About Charles E Smith Expertise DUI DWI DRE EXPERT
Experience Retired police officer of 23 years in Traffic Division. Prior to my retirement I was on staff as an instructor for Miami -Dade Community College School of Criminal Justice and instructed in Standard Field Sobriety, Operation and Maintenance of Breath Testing Devices.I have testified in County and Circuit Courts.
Question Hekko Mr. Smith, Well, I am one of those wo messed up years ago. I was going through a breakup and ended up getting 3 dwi's. I was put on probation, and then had to go to california (I live in williamson county texas), to get my manic-depressive schizoaffective son in a long term mental facility, which I did. My ex in los angeles would not help. I tried to handle it by phone, but my son was missing and delusional for approx. a week, so I went to los angeles. found him, got him a conservator, because in california they will not hold a mental patient longer than 72 hours unless they have a conservator. anyway, that of course is no reason for my not taking care of my dwi's, but it has been consistent with him not taking his rx etc., but regardless he is doing ok now, and is stable and in a nice group home that monitors his rx now, so I want to take care of my past problem. The cour tate (docket) will be the later part of august, and I have not retained an attorney yet. My question is basically, I have a fine of $1500.00, should I wait and poay that in court or pay it now? I have no other arrest records except the dwi's, but believe me,..that is enough. Am I looking at jail or prison since zI have 3 dwi's that occurred in 1992. this has haunted, me for years, and I realize I need to hire an attorney, and there are so many to choose from, but at any rate I know you have been an officer for many years so thought would ask your advice. I know 3 dwi's are a felony, but I would like to avoid too long of a jail time, because my manic depressive son is unpredictable, and though he has a consevator now, he can still just decide to leave at will. he is in a board and catre that monitors his rx, but he is not erequired to stay on the grounds. so, in your opinion, will I be looking at a county jail or actually prison? I appreciate your truthful thoughts. these dwi's occurd in 1992, and my fine is $1500.00. This occured in wiliamson county, texas. Thank you again, and look forward to your expertice answer. thank you and have a good day. Jerry
Answer Jerry,
You need the assistance of a good attorney. You could be looking at prison time. A lawyer could attempt to get you probation, because of your son. Resently, here in Florida a man was sent to jail, he had a son that was unable to care for himself, in short he died while the father was in jail. This case could be of assistance to you, again a lawyer is better to assist you. I know of afew in Texas, on is Mimi Coffey Fort Worth, and other is Ms. Brown in Austin, if you give either of these attorneys a call they will be able to assist you.
