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Jim  Butler

Jim Butler

Butler Law Firm - "The Houston DWI Lawyer" - 100% DWI/DUI Defense
  • Criminal Law, DUI & DWI
  • Texas
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Biography

Jim Butler is Board Certified in DUI Defense by the DUI Defense Lawyer's Association. He earned the American Chemical Societies designation as an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer Scientist. Jim understands the science of breath and blood alcohol testing and uses that knowledge for his clients benefit. Jim received certification by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the Administration and Interpretation of the Standardized Field Sobriety Test Battery, as well as certification by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as an Instructor of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. He knows how the sobriety tests are supposed to be administered and scored by Police Officers, and makes sure they followed proper procedure.
Jim is a 2013 graduate of The Trial Lawyers College in Dubois Wyoming, where he learned how to discover and tell the client's story from legendary criminal defense lawyer Gerry Spence. Jim is a Founding Member of the DUI Defense Lawyer's Association, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, and The Harris County Criminal Lawyer's Association. Finally, Jim is a Member of The College of The State Bar of Texas, "a professional society of legal scholars who are leaders in the Texas legal community and champions of legal education."

Education
South Texas College of Law
J.D. (1992)
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Baylor University
B.A. (1988)
Baylor University Logo
Professional Experience
Owner
Butler Law Firm
- Current
For over 30 years, The Butler Law Firm has helped people charged with DWI.
Publications
Articles & Publications
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
Speaking Engagements
Preparing Your DWI Case For Trial, DUIDLA Fall Seminar, Austin, Texas
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
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.
Certifications
ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer Scientist
American Chemical Society
Board Certified in DUI Defense
DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Awards
Certificate of Completion Forensic Chromatography XXIX: Theory and Practice
Axion Labs
I went back for a second helping of Gas Chromatography (and Chicago Pizza).
The ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation
American Chemical Society
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
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
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
I completed the course where officers learn how to teach the standardized field sobriety testing battery to other officers.
Certificate of Completion of Drug Recognition Overview Course
International Order of Chiefs of Police
This is the initial 20 hour course that must be completed by officers who wish to become DRE's (Drug Recognition Evaluator's).
Certificate of Completion Hands on Gas Chromatography Course
Axion Labs
I completed the 4 day Hands on Gas Chromatography course in 2010 where I studied under Dr. Harold McNair and Dr. Neil Polite.
Certified in the Administration and Interpretation of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
I completed SFST training.
Professional Associations
DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
Founding Member
- Current
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National College of DUI Defense (NCDD)
- Current
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National College of DUI Defense (NCDD)
- Current
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Texas State Bar  # 00785738
Member
- Current
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Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Texas
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Fees
  • 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.
Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
DUI & DWI
Languages
  • English
  • Spanish
Legal Answers
Q. I have caught three dwi in less than one year
A: If I understand your question correctly - and assuming these are the only charges you have on your record - the maximum jail time you could receive is up to 180 days in jail and up to a $2000 fine. But those are the maximum punishments - not what's likely to happen. It's fortunate that all three DWI's are "pending" and that you have not plead to any of them. It's like a first DWI, a second first DWI, and a third first DWI. But the same cannot be said if you plead to them. A prosecutor will want you to plead to two of these DWI cases so that if you ever pick up a third DWI in the future - you will be charged with a felony. I'm sorry to hear about your problem, and I hope this answer helps. ... Read More
Q. I got a dwi in june 2023 at 17 then i picked up another one the same year but was only charged for the second one
A: You need to hire an experienced DWI Defense Attorney to help you with this one. That would be my first call. Most attorneys will give you a free consultation. My second call would be to a Bonding Company. Are you currently out on bond on the second DWI - the one you were charged with? If so, I would call that same bonding company and ask them if a bond was set on the first DWI. They can look it up in the computer and tell you if there is a bond set. Then I would go and make that bond. As far as jail time is concerned - a Judge can always decide that your current bond is inadequate or insufficient to protect the public - and raise it at the arraignment setting - that's why we always have a representative of the bonding company available to meet us at court - if need be. Have you already had an arraignment setting on the second DWI? If so, I would imagine that the Judge was made aware of the first uncharged DWI when setting bond on the second DWI. I need more details in order to give a better answer. I hope this answer helped. ... Read More
Q. I'm 13 and I got caught with 3 disposables on school prpty and 2 were empty one was full of honey, what am I facing.
A: We are talking "honey", "budder" - the vape cartridges that contains Delta 8,9, or 10 ? I'm not sure what your schools policy is if you are caught with a vape that contains one of these oils. If it turns out to be Delta 9 they could charge you with possession of marijuana but they probably would have already done that. The school could suspend you and put you in an alternative school . I know they like to do that sort of thing here in Houston where I practice law.

School is confusing enough without vape, and you are so young. Vape adds a whole other layer of stress and potential addiction to nicotine that you don't need.

This is from the Texas Comptrollers Office - "It is illegal in Texas for a person younger than 21 to possess, buy, consume or accept cigarettes, e-cigarettes or other tobacco products. It is also a crime to falsely represent oneself to be 21 years of age or older by displaying proof of age that is false, fraudulent or not actually proof of the individual's own age in order to obtain, purchase or receive cigarettes, e-cigarettes or tobacco products. (Health & Safety Code, Section 161.252)

The Penalties:

Violators may be fined up to $100. Exceptions apply if the minor is in possession or receipt of cigarette, e-cigarette, or tobacco products – while in the presence of an employer – in the performance of required job duties as an employee or in the course of supervised law enforcement activities. Violators receive a suspended sentence but must attend a tobacco awareness program or perform community service if no such program is available locally. A court may also require the minor’s parent to attend the tobacco awareness program. Upon completion of the program or service, the fine may be reduced by up to 50 percent, the charge dismissed or the violation expunged from the minor's record depending on certain circumstances."

So there you go. If they charge you with violating the law, you have to take a tobacco awareness class, and pay a fine, and later this thing can be wiped clean from your record. I hope this information helps and I really do wish you the best.
... Read More
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Laywer
Contact & Map
Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer
11500 Northwest Freeway
#400
Houston, TX 77092
Telephone: (713) 236-8744
Fax: (713) 236-8173
Notice: By appointment only. We are in the office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , but our phone is answered 24/7. If you need help - call, or leave a message on our website thehoustondwilawyer.com.
Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer
405 Main, Street
Suite 1120 C
Houston, TX 77002
Telephone: (713) 236-8744
Notice: By appointment only. Phone answered 24/7.