Jim Butler

I’m passionate about providing the best possible defense for my clients, which is why I earned Board Certification in DUI Defense from the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. I’m also honored to have be named an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer Scientist by the American Chemical Society, which means I truly understand the science behind breath and blood alcohol testing, and I use that knowledge to help my clients in every case.
I’m certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in administering and interpreting the Standardized Field Sobriety Test Battery, and I’m certified by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as an instructor for these tests. My expertise ensures that I can evaluate whether sobriety tests were conducted properly by law enforcement, helping me build the strongest possible defense for my clients.
In 2013, I had the privilege of studying at The Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, where I learned from legendary criminal defense attorney Gerry Spence. It was there that I was trained to dig deep into the heart of my clients’ story, and present that in a compelling way.
I’m also a Founding Member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association and a member of several respected organizations, including the National College for DUI Defense, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association. I’m also honored to be a member of The College of The State Bar of Texas, a group of legal professionals who are leaders in the Texas legal community, and passionate about advancing legal education and ethics.
At the end of the day, I’m here to fight for you, armed with experience, knowledge, and a deep commitment to your case.

South Texas College of Law

J.D. (1992)

Baylor University

B.A. (1988)

Owner

Butler Law Firm

1993 - Current

For over 30 years, The Butler Law Firm has helped people charged with DWI.

Using Science In DWI Trials - Using the State's Elimination Rates To Build Your Closing Argument

Counterpoint - The Journal of Science and the Law, Vol. 7, Issue 3, Article 4

November, 2023

Preparing Your DWI Case For Trial, DUIDLA Fall Seminar, Austin, Texas

September 5, 2024

DUIDLA

I spoke to DWI Lawyers from across the country on DWI trial preparation. I shared how I prepare a DWI case for trial, from initial investigation to trial preparation, including winning strategies for defending DWI breath and blood test cases.

Using Science to Win in Trial, Top Gun DWI Defense, Austin, Texas

2018

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

I presented on a method I had used in trial, which manipulated elimination and absorption rates to suggest alternative possible BAC results.

ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer Scientist

American Chemical Society

2023

Board Certified in DUI Defense

DUI Defense Lawyers Association

2018

Certificate of Completion Forensic Chromatography XXIX: Theory and Practice

Axion Labs

2023

I went back for a second helping of Gas Chromatography (and Chicago Pizza).

The ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation

American Chemical Society

2023

The ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation as recognized by the Chemistry and the Law Division of the ACS

DUIDLA Board Certification in DUI Law

DUIDLA - The DUI Defense Lawyers Association

2018

I was one of the first three lawyers in the country to pass the DUIDLA Board Certification exam.

Graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College at Thunderhead Ranch, Dubois Wyoming

The Trial Lawyer College

2012

I took three weeks out of my life to learn how to discover and tell the client's story from Gerry Spence at the Trial Lawyers College at Thunderhead Ranch, Dubois, Wyoming.

DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor Course

NHTSA and the International Association of Chiefs of Police

2011

I completed the course where officers learn how to teach the standardized field sobriety testing battery to other officers.

DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)

Founding Member

2014 - Current

National College of DUI Defense (NCDD)

1995 - Current

National College of DUI Defense (NCDD)

1995 - Current

Texas State Bar  # 00785738

Member

1993 - Current

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

1993 - Current

Texas

Since 1993

• Free Consultation
  A consultation with me is free of charge. If you decide to hire me, I charge an affordable "flat rate fee." That means you will know the entire cost of legal representation, so you can budget accordingly. I accept all major credit and debit cards, and in most cases, payment plans can be arranged.
• Credit Cards Accepted
  I accept all major credit and debit cards, including American Express. I also accept cash and personal checks.
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  I charge an affordable "flat rate fee", and payment plans can be arranged in most cases, to help with the cost of legal representation.

Q. Do I need a lawyer for a first DUI charge in Texas with 1.5 BAC?

April 14, 2025

A: Yes, you should hire an attorney to represent you in court. There are so many complex issues involved in a DWI case, that lawyers now specialize in that one area of criminal law. A lawyer who is educated in the science of blood alcohol testing may be able to spot issues with the manner in which your blood was drawn and analyzed, which can be used in your defense. I am assuming that your BAC was at least .15. An attorney who has experience defending DWI cases isn't going to run from that number. They are going to hold the State to it's burden of proving that BAC beyond a reasonable doubt at the time you operated your vehicle. They will review all of the evidence in your case, including all offense and laboratory reports, and they will review all of the video evidence recorded during your investigation. Were you aware that the officers were wearing body worn cameras? All of that evidence needs to be reviewed. Were you aware that your license could be suspended, but that you are entitled to a hearing to save your license? Be aware that this hearing needs to be requested within 15 days from the day you were arrested. Finally, most attorneys offer a free consultation. Take advantage of that and schedule a few consultations. The consequences of a DWI arrest nowadays are serious. You owe it to yourself to be represented by a competent DWI attorney in Court. ... Read More

Q. How to address potential license cancellation during probation with interlock requirement?

February 24, 2025

A: The good news is that you have done all that you need to do at this time. What you described is common. Once a court order is entered, saying that you are required to have an interlock installed in your vehicle, a copy of that order is sent to DPS in Austin, who then sends you the notice of cancellation. All you have to do is send them the $10.00 and they will send you a replacement license - which carries the "interlock restriction" endorsement on the back of it. That way, if you are ever stopped and an officer checks your license, they will know that you are required to have an interlock in your car.

Q. Can statute limitations start from arrest date not incident?

February 19, 2025

A: The question I have is when did they file the criminal information for the DWI and the carrying a weapon cases? The statue of limitations on a Misdemeanor in Texas is two years. So they had two years from December 2022 to file charges. So hypothetically, if charges were not filed until January of 2024, then they were filed one month beyond the statute of limitations. Check the date when the information was filed. The "information" is the charging instrument in a misdemeanor case.