Table of Contents
- By the Numbers: The Top 10 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
- Why This Data Matters
- Importance of Attorney Performance Data
- Real-World Comparison: A “Secret Shop” of a Traditional Lawyer Directory
- The Importance of Specialization in Legal Defense
- Implications for Consumers
- Understanding Our Patent-Pending Methodology
- Overview of the Technology
- Why This Methodology Is Superior
- Ongoing Updates for Accuracy
- Introducing Top 10 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
- Attorney Profiles
- Jim Butler
- Education and Specialized Training
- Philosophy and Client-Centered Approach
- Beyond the Courtroom
- Tyler Flood
- Aaron White
- Doug Murphy
- Sean Darvishi
- Mark Thiessen
- Leslie Paris LeGrand III
- Brian Kim Ayson
- Stephen Stewart
- Jed Ross Silverman
- Where to Learn More
- Explore Similar Guides
- Market Availability
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Next Steps
Ready to Publish
Ready to Publish
Author
OG Image (1200x630)
Excerpt
In the complex landscape of intoxication-related offenses, choosing the right attorney near you is crucial for navigating legal challenges effectively. This blog post highlights the top 10 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) criminal defense attorneys in Houston for 2025, utilizing data-driven insights to ensure you find the best lawyer near you for your specific needs.
Meta Description
Discover the top 10 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) criminal defense attorneys near you in Houston for 2025. This data-driven guide highlights expert attorneys specializing in intoxication-related offenses, ensuring you find the best representation tailored to your legal needs.
Slug
by-the-numbers-top-10-lists/criminal-defense/2025/houston-tx/by-the-numbers-top-10-criminal-defense-attorneys-houston-2025/by-the-numbers-top-10-dwi-dui-defense-attorneys-houston-2025
Alt Image Text
Flat vector illustration of a professional lawyer defending a client in a courtroom. The lawyer, dressed in a suit, confidently presents a case before a judge. The minimalist background includes a judge’s bench, a gavel, and legal books, using a muted color palette of purples, yellows, grays, and whites.
Related Posts
By the Numbers: ReferU.AI’s Top 10 ListsBy the Numbers: The Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Assault Defense Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025By the Numbers: The Top 10 Weapons Crimes Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
Global Tags
Sub-item
Hide in Main Feed
Hide in Main Feed
Post Id
188
Updated
Mar 5, 2025 04:59 PM
Featured
Featured
Hide CTA
Hide CTA
Hide Cover
Hide Cover
By the Numbers: The Top 10 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
When facing charges like Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) or Boating While Intoxicated, life-altering consequences loom ahead. These offenses, ranging from Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger to Accident Involving Injury or Death, demand the best legal defense near you to mitigate potential penalties.
At ReferU.AI, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel. Most people searching for a DUI/DWI defense attorney near them are doing so urgently, often under extreme emotional and financial stress. Our goal is to connect you with the right attorney near you using patent-pending AI technology that analyzes court performance data to ensure you're not just matched but matched with excellence. From Flying While Intoxicated to defending against serious injury charges, our insights bring evidence-backed solutions to a flawed system of online reviews and unverified lawyer directories.
💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”
Why This Data Matters
Importance of Attorney Performance Data
When facing DUI/DWI charges, having an experienced attorney near you with a proven track record is critical. In Harris County District Courts in 2025, the stakes are evident in the data:
- Total Cases Across All Criminal Charges: 463,163
- Total Attorneys Representing Clients: 3,714
- Average Win Rate Across All Attorneys: 69%
These figures show that even the average attorney is successful less than 70% of the time, and the margin for error can drastically impact the outcome of your case. Selecting the right legal representation can be the difference between reduced charges, dismissed cases, or harsh penalties.
Real-World Comparison: A “Secret Shop” of a Traditional Lawyer Directory
To illustrate how ReferU.AI’s approach differs from traditional directories, we conducted a comparison. We searched "top criminal defense attorneys near me" on the leading traditional lawyer directory, sorted by their “best match,” and reviewed their top three organic listings and analyzed their performance:
- 1st Listing: 310 total cases, 82.58% win rate
- 2nd Listing: 499 total cases, 70.34% win rate
- 3rd Listing: 101 total cases, 77.23% win rate
While these attorneys near you perform above the countywide average, it’s clear that traditional lawyer directory matches are based on subjective factors, such as marketing spend, rather than an objective evaluation of their skills in a particular category. For comparison, ReferU.AI’s top recommendation for a general criminal defense attorney was:
- Sarah Richey: 311 total cases, 98.07% win rate
While these attorneys perform above the countywide average, it’s clear that old way of matching users with top attorneys near them is based on subjective factors, such as marketing spend, rather than an objective evaluation of their skills in a particular category.
The Importance of Specialization in Legal Defense
When it comes to defending against DUI/DWI charges, specialization in this specific area of law is essential. DUI/DWI cases often involve unique legal complexities, from understanding forensic evidence like blood alcohol content (BAC) analysis to navigating administrative hearings for license suspension. Attorneys near you who specialize in DUI/DWI defense have the expertise and experience to challenge the prosecution effectively, identify procedural errors, and secure favorable outcomes. Without this specialization, even a skilled general practitioner might miss critical details that could make or break a case.
For comparison, when searching our competitor for “top DWI attorney near me” and sorting by their “best match,” their first organic listing tried 0 (zero!) DWI’s in Harris County District Courts in 2025.
Whereas, ReferU.AI’s top DWI attorney recommendation was Jim Butler, who handled 672 cases with an 88.09% win rate.
This stark contrast underscores the value of data-driven recommendations, especially in high-stakes legal scenarios.
Implications for Consumers
A DUI/DWI conviction can carry severe consequences:
- Criminal Record: Potentially affecting employment and housing.
- License Suspension: Resulting in loss of mobility and independence.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Financial burdens that can last for years.
- Jail Time: Particularly for offenses involving injury, death, or minors.
Traditional lawyer directories and generic reviews often fail to provide detailed, relevant information about an attorney’s expertise in specific cases. ReferU.AI eliminates the guesswork by analyzing millions of local court records to deliver evidence-based recommendations, ensuring users receive the best possible legal defense.
Understanding Our Patent-Pending Methodology
Overview of the Technology
At ReferU.AI, we take the guesswork out of finding the best legal representation. Our patent-pending machine learning and AI technology analyzes millions of local court records to offer attorney recommendations that are tailored to your specific legal needs. Unlike traditional directories that rely on subjective factors like paid placements or client reviews, our platform provides evidence-based insights grounded in real-world performance metrics.
Here’s how it works:
- Comprehensive Court Data Analysis: We’ve amassed the largest database of court records in the United States. For this article, we processed extensive court data from Harris County District Courts in 2025, focusing on key metrics, including:
- Win rates
- Case types and outcomes
- Reduced charges and sentences
- Dismissal rates
- Specialization Matching: Our algorithm doesn’t just look at overall win rates. It identifies attorneys near you with proven success in specific categories, such as DUI/DWI-related offenses, ensuring users are matched with experts who have handled similar cases.
- Client-Centric Filters: Recognizing that every case is unique, our technology incorporates additional filters, including:
- Severity of the offense (e.g., first-time vs. repeat offenses)
- Budget constraints
- Desired outcomes, such as plea bargains or trial representation
Why This Methodology Is Superior
Traditional attorney directories often fail to provide the granular details necessary for informed decision-making. For example, an attorney might have a high overall win rate but no experience with complex DUI/DWI cases involving accidents or injuries. ReferU.AI addresses this gap by offering data-driven recommendations that go beyond surface-level metrics.
Ongoing Updates for Accuracy
To maintain accuracy and relevance, ReferU.AI’s technology continuously updates its database as new court records become available. This ensures that our recommendations reflect the most current performance metrics, helping users make decisions based on the latest data.
By focusing on these principles, ReferU.AI ensures that individuals facing DUI/DWI charges are matched with the most effective attorneys near you for their unique situations. When dealing with life-altering charges, this precision and attention to detail can make all the difference.
Introducing Top 10 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
Intoxication-related criminal defense cases come with life-altering consequences, making the choice of attorney critical. With ReferU.AI’s comprehensive performance data, we’ve identified the top attorneys near you in Houston who consistently achieve exceptional outcomes. This list highlights the Top 10 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025, chosen based on their proven performance, specialized expertise, and extensive experience, as derived from hundreds of thousands of records in Harris County District Courts in 2025. Below, we present an overview of their impressive statistics.
Name | Related Cases | Win Rate* |
Jim Butler | 672 | 88.09% |
Tyler Flood | 492 | 86.99% |
Aaron White | 329 | 85.71% |
Doug Murphy | 437 | 83.29% |
Sean Darvishi | 507 | 80.27% |
Mark Thiessen | 573 | 78.01% |
Leslie LeGrand | 372 | 80.10% |
Brian Ayson | 248 | 78.22% |
Stephen Stewart | 108 | 87.96% |
Jed Silverman | 472 | 72.45% |
Attorney Profiles
Jim Butler
Jim Butler, a leading DUI/DWI defense attorney near you in Houston, combines a deep commitment to client advocacy with an impressive track record of success. In 2025, Butler handled 672 DUI/DWI cases, achieving an outstanding win rate of 88.09%, far exceeding Harris County’s average of 69%. His ability to consistently deliver favorable outcomes, whether through case dismissals or reduced charges, has cemented his reputation as one of the most effective attorneys near you in this challenging area of law.
Education and Specialized Training
Born and raised in Waco, Texas, Butler graduated from Baylor University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law in 1992 and was admitted to the Texas Bar the following year. Throughout his career, Butler has pursued specialized training to stay at the forefront of DUI/DWI defense. Notable achievements include:
- Certified Field Sobriety Test Instructor (International Association of Chiefs of Police, 2011)
- Certification in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and the Intoxilizer 5000 Breath Test Machine
- Board Certified in DUI Law by the DUI Defense Lawyers Association
- Graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer’s College and advanced TCDLA psychodrama courses
These certifications, combined with memberships in organizations like the National College of DUI Defense and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, showcase Butler’s expertise in both the legal and technical aspects of DUI/DWI cases.
As well as being one of Houston’s Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys, Jim is also a featured attorney in our article on Houston's Top 10 Weapons Crimes Attorneys Near You.
Philosophy and Client-Centered Approach
Jim Butler’s focus on DUI/DWI defense is rooted in his desire to help individuals during some of the most stressful times in their lives. “I chose DWI because I really want to help people,” Butler explains. His clients often fear losing their jobs, facing increased insurance rates, or even incarceration. Butler works tirelessly to address these concerns, providing a clear path toward restoring their lives.
“I am proud of the work that I do to help hard working people get their lives back after being arrested for DWI,” says Jim. “It is a 7 day a week commitment to always being available for my clients.”
His commitment to clients has not gone unnoticed. Butler’s dedication to his craft has earned him recognition as one of the Top DWI Lawyers by H Texas Magazine and inclusion in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers.
Beyond the Courtroom
When he isn’t in the courtroom or preparing for trial, Butler enjoys spending time with his family. He supports his daughter Sophia’s gymnastics endeavors, cheers on his son Connor on the football field, and often finds solace in riding his Harley through Houston. His ability to balance a demanding legal career with family life reflects the same dedication he brings to every case.
Tyler Flood
Tyler Flood is a well-known figure in the Houston legal community, recognized for his exceptional skill and dedication as a DUI/DWI defense attorney near you. In 2025, Flood handled 492 DUI/DWI cases, achieving an impressive win rate of 86.99%, further solidifying his position as one of Houston's top DWI attorneys near you in this specialized field.
A proud Texan, Flood earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas State University and his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law. His dedication to DUI/DWI defense extends beyond the courtroom, as he is certified with the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and holds the prestigious designation of ACS-CHAL Lawyer-Scientist, which highlights his mastery of the scientific principles crucial to these cases. This expertise enables him to challenge forensic evidence, ensuring his clients receive the best possible defense.
Flood is known for his ability to secure case dismissals and reduce penalties for his clients, earning him a reputation as a “master of his craft.” His work has not only brought relief to countless individuals but also helped maintain the integrity of his clients' professional and personal lives. With consistent recognition as one of Houston’s top DWI lawyers near you, Flood continues to stand out for his skillful litigation and client satisfaction.
Aaron White
Aaron White, a partner at Trichter, LeGrand, Houlton & White, combines prosecutorial experience with exceptional defense skills. In 2025, he handled 329 DUI/DWI cases, achieving an impressive 85.71% win rate. As a former Harris County prosecutor, White tried over 20 felony cases and helped reconfigure the county’s post-conviction review division, gaining valuable insight into DNA testing, forensic procedures, and evidence evaluation.
A graduate of Georgia State University College of Law, White honed his skills in diverse roles, including working with the Office of Immigration and Customs Services and the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. His ability to challenge forensic evidence and leverage his prosecutorial knowledge has earned him a reputation as a methodical and effective DWI defense attorney near you.
At his Houston-based practice, White’s strategic approach and familiarity with the nuances of DUI/DWI cases ensure that his clients receive vigorous representation tailored to their circumstances.
Doug Murphy
Doug Murphy, a Board-Certified Criminal Law and DWI Defense Attorney, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to his clients. With a win rate of 83.33% in DUI/DWI cases in 2025, Murphy has represented individuals across all professions—from CEOs and doctors to police officers and truck drivers. His compassionate yet assertive approach is driven by a deep understanding of the high stakes that come with criminal charges.
As a leader in the legal community, Murphy not only practices law but also educates other attorneys, having taught over 100 legal seminars nationwide. He currently serves as President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and Board of Regents for the National College for DUI Defense. He is one of only two Texas attorneys Board Certified in both Criminal Law and DWI Defense, highlighting his dedication to mastery in this specialized field.
Murphy's high-profile achievements include exposing flaws in Houston’s Police Breath Alcohol Testing system, earning him recognition and praise from peers and clients alike. For anyone facing DWI or criminal charges in Texas, Doug Murphy is a seasoned advocate committed to delivering the best possible defense.
Doug Murphy is, notably, also featured in our Top 10 articles for Criminal Defense, Assault, and Weapons Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025.
Sean Darvishi
Sean Darvishi, a leading criminal defense attorney near you based in Houston, has earned a reputation for his exceptional trial skills and impressive win rate in 507 related cases, winning 80.27%. A top 3 attorney for Most Not Guilty Verdicts in Harris County since 2017, Darvishi has achieved these outcomes through his commitment to client-centered advocacy. His impressive trial experience, where he served as First Chair in each case, sets him apart as a skilled litigator.
Darvishi holds a law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston and has earned numerous awards as a member of the Moot Court team. His leadership extends beyond the courtroom, as he is a longstanding board member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and an active member of several prestigious legal organizations, including the National College for DUI Defense and Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Passionate about his work, Darvishi thrives in the competitive arena of criminal defense, where his reputation as a fierce advocate has led to countless successful outcomes for his clients. With a focus on DUI defense and criminal cases, Darvishi is committed to achieving the best possible results for those facing serious legal challenges.
Mark Thiessen
Mark Thiessen is a highly regarded DWI trial lawyer known for his aggressive courtroom presence and impressive track record. A 13-time Texas Super Lawyer, trying 573 DWI cases with a 78.01% win rate, Thiessen has earned widespread recognition for his tenacity and expertise in criminal defense, particularly in DWI and intoxication manslaughter cases. He is board certified in criminal law, DUI defense, and DUI law, and holds the prestigious Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation from the American Chemical Society-Chemistry and the Law. Thiessen’s ability to combine legal prowess with scientific knowledge sets him apart from other DWI defense attorneys near you.
A leader in the legal community, Thiessen serves as the co-chair of the DWI Committee and is actively involved with various organizations, including the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) and Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA). He is a sought-after speaker, frequently lecturing at seminars and legal events nationwide. Thiessen's commitment to professional development and his continuous contribution to the legal field reflects his passion for justice and client advocacy.
With extensive experience defending clients in DWI, drug, and assault cases, Thiessen is known for his meticulous trial preparation, often leveraging his understanding of toxicology, chemistry, and physics to challenge evidence. Outside the courtroom, he enjoys competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and spending time with his family.
Leslie Paris LeGrand III
Leslie LeGrand is a former Assistant District attorney near you with extensive experience in both felony and misdemeanor cases, including DWI, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter. Prior to joining Trichter, LeGrand, Houlton & White, LeGrand served in multiple prosecutor roles, including as Chief Misdemeanor Prosecutor in Harris County. Having tried 372 DWI cases and winning 80.10%, his experience on both sides of the courtroom equips him with a unique perspective and a strategic approach to defending his clients.
Since joining private practice, LeGrand has been dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes for his clients. He is highly motivated to have cases dismissed or result in not guilty verdicts, and works tirelessly to seal or expunge criminal records, ensuring his clients can move forward without the stigma of a criminal charge. He is an active member of several prestigious legal organizations, including the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the National College for DUI Defense.
With a strong foundation in criminal law and a commitment to protecting his clients’ futures, LeGrand brings valuable insight and a compassionate approach to criminal defense, particularly in DWI cases.
Brian Kim Ayson
Brian Ayson, a seasoned DWI defense attorney near you and founder of the Ayson Law Firm, has built a reputation for effectively handling DWI/DUI, criminal defense, boasting 248 tried DWI cases and winning 78.22%. A graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2002, Ayson gained early experience interning at the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office, where he developed a deep understanding of the Texas justice system. This knowledge now serves as the foundation for his strategic defense work.
Over his career, Ayson has handled a wide range of cases, from drug crimes and family violence to murder/manslaughter and DWI offenses. He is dedicated to finding tailored solutions for his clients, whether through securing case dismissals, pursuing expunction or nondisclosure, or negotiating favorable outcomes. Ayson’s active membership in the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and Texas Trial Lawyers Association highlights his commitment to professional excellence.
As the leader of the Ayson Law Firm since 2010, Ayson combines his extensive courtroom experience with a client-focused approach, providing compassionate and effective advocacy for those navigating complex legal challenges.
Stephen Stewart
108 78.96% Craig S. Stewart, a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Houston, has devoted his entire career to DWI defense since becoming a criminal defense attorney in 2012. With an impressive record of representing 108 DWI/DUI cases and a win rate of 78.96%, Stewart is recognized as one of the top DWI attorneys in Texas. His specialized expertise has earned him accolades such as the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association DWI Trial Warrior Award, the Top 40 Under 40 Award by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and inclusion in the Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in Texas by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
As an American Chemical Society-designated Lawyer-Scientist, Stewart combines scientific precision with legal acumen. He is certified in standardized field sobriety tests and brings laboratory expertise in analyzing blood for alcohol and drugs, ensuring a meticulous approach to every case. Stewart’s sole focus on DWI cases sets him apart, offering clients the dedicated advocacy they need for the best possible outcomes.
Serving clients across Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Chambers, Waller, and Liberty counties, Stewart fights tirelessly to secure dismissals, protect his clients’ futures, and deliver peace of mind.
Jed Ross Silverman
With more than two decades of experience, Jed R. Silverman is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist known for his exceptional trial record and dedication to securing the best outcomes for his clients. Since being admitted to the Texas Bar in 1999, Silverman has represented individuals in a wide range of criminal cases, including representing 472 DWI offenses with positive outcomes in 72.45%, in both state and federal courts across Texas. His recognition as a Texas Super Lawyer for nearly a decade and inclusion among the Best Lawyers in America reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence.
In addition to his legal practice, Silverman serves as the President-Elect of the Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and has held leadership roles with the State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee. His career highlights include being appointed as a special prosecutor in a high-profile securities fraud case against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, showcasing his expertise in handling complex legal matters.
Silverman is a member of numerous prestigious organizations, including the National College for DUI Defense and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and multiple federal courts. Known for his strategic approach and dedication to protecting his clients’ rights, freedoms, and futures, Silverman remains a trusted advocate in criminal defense.
Where to Learn More
If you’ve found this guide helpful and want to explore more resources about choosing the right DUI/DWI attorney near you, visit https://referu.ai/blog. Here you’ll find:
- Detailed Attorney Matching: Explore profiles for other top-rated DUI/DWI attorneys near you in Houston and nearby areas.
- Free Legal Resources: Access articles, guides, and tools designed to educate you about Texas DUI/DWI laws and your rights.
- Trending Legal News: Stay up-to-date with recent developments in the legal landscape that may affect your case.
- Forms and Contracts: Download free templates for legal documents you might need.
Explore Similar Guides
This article is part of a series that highlights the Top 10 Defense Attorneys for each of the ten most common criminal charges in Houston. Whether you’re looking for representation for assault, drug charges, or other offenses, you can find tailored recommendations based on attorney performance data. Stay tuned for guides like:
- The Top 10 Assault Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
- The Top 10 Drug Defense Attorneys Near You in Houston, 2025
Market Availability
ReferU.AI is currently expanding its services. While Houston will soon be the latest entry, the platform is preparing to launch in additional markets soon. Sign up on our website to stay informed about our availability and updates.
Conclusion
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right DUI/DWI attorney near you can make all the difference when facing serious charges that could alter your future. This guide has highlighted the Top 10 DUI/DWI Defense Attorneys in Houston for 2025, each selected based on their verified track record, expertise in DUI/DWI cases, and commitment to their clients. By relying on ReferU.AI’s data-driven approach, you’re empowered to make an informed decision, ensuring that your legal defense is in the hands of a proven expert.
Next Steps
- For Users: Don’t leave your legal future to chance. Visit ReferU.AI today to connect with one of the top-rated attorneys near youa. With personalized recommendations based on real court performance data, you’ll have the best possible defense by your side.
- For Attorneys: Showcase your expertise and grow your practice with ReferU.AI. By leveraging our innovative platform, you’ll connect with clients seeking representation in your specialty area, paying only for qualified leads that match your practice’s strengths.
*When evaluating a defense attorney’s “win rate,” we define a “win” as any case outcome that does not result in a permanent criminal record. This includes dismissals, acquittals, pretrial diversions, and other resolutions that do not leave a lasting conviction. However, we include deferred adjudication in our calculation, as it allows the case to be dismissed upon successful completion of its terms, ultimately clearing the defendant’s record.
Written by
