Jim Richard Butler

Jim and Kristen are miracles workers. This law firm dedicates its sole time and energy to focus on DWI cases, and helping people like you and me get our lives back. With years of experience focused on this particular branch of law, I can honestly say Jim and Kristen are the only people to call when you get in unfortunate trouble. I am a 24 year old IT consultant, who recently graduated from UT Austin and moved to Houston for work purposes. I live around the Washington / Midtown area, which is HIGHLY FREQUENTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT. Long story short, mistakes happen. I found myself on the wrong end of the law one night after having 1 too many, and was promptly escorted to jail. I like to believe I am a good kid, who made 1 mistake by deciding to drive after knowing I shouldn't have. All sorts of emotions spilled inside of me as i sat in jail that night. Fear, remorse, anger, sadness, disappointment.These are but a few which come to mind. There isn't much to do but ponder how screwed up your life is going to get when sitting in jail, surrounded by pimps and gang bangers. I emerged from jail 19 hours later, mentally and emotionally scarred. I knew that I needed to hire someone quickly, and figure out my options. I am white collar worker and a young kid with a lot left to pursue (an MBA, new jobs) and having a DWI on my record left me scared beyond belief. I called a few other lawyers around Houston after consulting Avvo ( very good lawfirms with very good people, the other "big names" with expertise in this field). I chose to have Jim represent me after weighing my options because it just felt right. From the moment I called Jim's law firm, his cheery second in command Kristen picked up and made me feel welcome. I could feel the warmth and concern in her voice as i recanted my tale. Later on in the day I received a call from Jim himself, on the way back from the court case which her had just won, and i told him my story as well. Jim made me feel at home, identified the key facts over the phone, and offered a very reassuring feeling right away. I visited Jim the following day, and i learned how his law firm is a family. Their small team works exceptionally well together, fueled by years of personal connection. I felt at home instantly. I hired Jim, and paid a very reasonable fee (and cheaper than any of the other lawyers from Avvo i had consulted!). I am paying it off installments every month. Kristen usually gives us a call at month end to let us know she is charging. I never went to trial. Had I gone, Jim would then charge me for trial fee. UNLIKE OTHER LAWYERS, who charge for trial fees regardless of whether they clients go to trial or not. The facts: 1. I ended up blowing between a .09 - .1 2. My video was "pretty good" I was called for Docket call 3-4 times before my case was DISMISSED. During Docket call, you are expected to show around 8:30 for court. You can not use a cellphone inside, so make sure you take reading material. You will sit for an hour or two while people are called for attendance. Then Jim will show up, work out some paperwork, and you will be free to go. I was able to be at work by 11. Jim took a very hard stance from the get go. After receiving my video and breathalyzer results, he told the prosecutor that we would be ready to go to trial if they did not dismiss. had we gone to trial, Jim had already worked out his argument for jurors, how he would use the breathalyzer machine against the case (theres a 20% margin on them!) and how to use the video to prove that at time of driving i was legally under .08 (the ONLY thing that matters is state of alcohol at time of driving). I am extremely impressed with Jim and Kristen. If you are in need of a lawyer, please just call them. He will help give you your freedom back. Being in the middle of a DWI is a nightmare, and hiring a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable is paramount. Jim is one of the best.

I was pulled over in January 2015 after eating dinner at a Mexican food restaurant with my wife. I did not use a blinker taking a left turn and according to the officer cut in front of oncoming traffic making cars "slam" on their brakes. None of the drivers honked at me and neither my Wife nor I thought we were in any danger of an accident but we were pulled over anyway. I knew there would be trouble because we both had 2 margaritas at dinner and were pulled over a couple blocks from the restaurant. Sure enough the officer smelled the alcohol and proceeds to question me and administered field sobriety tests. I specifically remember him saying "You are right on the edge". He then called in a DWI task force officer who did the same tests. I felt that I did a really good job and was expecting to be let go. No such luck. I am taken to the downtown jail, processed and then forced to do the same tests again. I nail them. Then I am asked if I want to give a blood or breath test. I then ask for an attorney which, come to find out, is considered a refusal. The officer goes to the judge and gets a blood warrant and a blood sample is taken. You simply cannot refuse anymore. So much for the constitution. The next day after a long night in jail i get home and immediately start my search for a lawyer. Mr. Butler seemed to have a good track record and specifically deals with DWI cases. I decide to call him and reach his assistant who immediately transfers me to Mr. Butler. This surprised me because it was a Saturday. We speak and I am immediately at ease talking with him. I decide to meet at his office on Monday. I know I have found my lawyer. April comes after a couple court resets waiting on my blood test results. When we see the # we are both shocked.. 0.249. I am devastated because I know there is no possible way. I nailed the tests, I remember everything, it simply cannot be that high. I am forced to get an interlock device in my car and I am put on bond supervision. One more court reset and then after reviewing my videos from the jail we both decide to take the case to trial. FINALLY after much stress, more monthly fees, more court resets the trial begins on Nov 2. Of course I am beyond nervous and Mr. Butler can see that. He tells me not worry and to just let him work. I can sit back and relax as he does not want me to testify. Whew! Relieved! Mr. Butler is amazing at questioning the prosecution's witnesses. He has deep knowledge of how blood alcohol is tested and the procedure law enforcement officials are supposed to go through when testing blood. Using that knowledge he found mistakes, on video, in how the nurse who took my blood handled and packaged it. There was also some questionable paper work from the lab that tested my blood which he was able to dig up. Also, there was my video of me nailing the tests which he cleverly played on a loop to run over and over for the jury. His passionate closing argument really had me feeling that we had proven reasonable doubt. After 2 days of working his magic the Jury goes into their room to deliberate my fate. Almost 2 hours go by and I am about to lose it. Finally they have a verdict. We stand and the verdict is read, "NOT GUILTY" !!!! I cannot believe it. Even Mr. Butler tells me it won't sink in until later. We shake hands, hug it out and I congratulate him and thank him profusely. He mentions that this is the highest BAC in a case he has ever won. I wouldn't be surprised if it is mentioned in a law publication. I will forever be grateful to Mr. Butler. He is a wonderful attorney, a true professional and a very genuine, caring human being.