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Jim  Butler

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Butler Law Firm - "The Houston DWI Lawyer" - 100% DWI/DUI Defense
  • Criminal Law, DUI & DWI
  • Texas
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Lawyer Rating and Reviews
Legal Knowledge
5.0/5.0
Legal Analysis
5.0/5.0
Communication Skills
5.0/5.0
Ethics and Professionalism
5.0/5.0
Client Reviews
Andy A. August 8, 2023
Case dismissed! Jim worked hard and gained my absolute trust with my case which I was originally going to take a plea deal, but Jim said there was a chance if we fought it that we would end up winning overall and he was able to get it dismissed! Thankyou Jim! 10/10 recommend!
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Biography

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.

Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
DUI & DWI
Video Conferencing
  • FaceTime
  • Google Meet
  • Zoom
  • WhatsApp
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.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Texas
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Languages
  • English
  • Spanish
Professional Experience
Owner
Butler Law Firm
- Current
For over 30 years, The Butler Law Firm has helped people charged with DWI.
Education
South Texas College of Law
J.D. (1992)
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Baylor University
B.A. (1988)
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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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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
Websites & Blogs
Website
Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Laywer
Legal Answers
13 Questions Answered
Q. Do I need a lawyer for a first DUI charge in Texas with 1.5 BAC?
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?
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?
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.
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Contact & Map
Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer
11500 Northwest Freeway
#400
Houston, TX 77092
US
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
US
Telephone: (713) 236-8744
Notice: By appointment only. Phone answered 24/7.