Jim Butler

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."

• 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.

Texas

Since 1993

Owner

Butler Law Firm

1993 - Current

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

South Texas College of Law

J.D. (1992)

Baylor University

B.A. (1988)

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

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

Q. Texas Collin County. Should I have a lawyer present for a DWI Bond violation hearing?

January 2, 2025

A: In a word Yes! A bond is what is keeping you out of jail right now, and they are trying to take that away from you. When your freedom is at stake, you hire a lawyer. One who is familiar with the Judge and the prosecutors in your jurisdiction. They can review the evidence supporting the State's motion to revoke your bond - and challenge it. I recently was involved in a motion to revoke bond where the allegation was that my client tampered with a "SCRAM" device. That's an electronic cuff worn around the ankle that monitors perspiration for alcohol. Long story short, we were able to show that the client was in bed asleep during the times tampering was alleged. The motion to revoke was vacated, and my client continued on bond. So I think it is worth hiring a lawyer to speak on your behalf. Even if you messed up, they may be able to mitigate the consequences of your actions.

. ... Read More

Q. What case would include two perspectives for a dwi project?

January 1, 2025

A: Case law is made when someone appeals a ruling from a lower court - usually the trial court - to the appellate court. In a criminal case, the appellate court will consider the arguments of both the Defense and the Prosecution, and then render a decision to either uphold the trial courts ruling or reverse the trial court's ruling. If that decision is published, it becomes a case that we use as guidance. Case law interprets the rules we play by. Go to Google Scholar and search Texas Case Law, then enter these citations: (1) Boyle v. State, 778 SW 2d 113 - Tex: Court of Appeals 1989, and (2) Reddie v. State, 736 SW 2d 923 - Tex: Court of Appeals, 4th Dist. 1987. These two cases discuss the proof required to convict someone of DWI - specifically addressing the issue of "operation of the vehicle." These are two great cases to get you started.

There are many cases out there that you can look at using Google Scholar. Just be sure to search cases in the jurisdiction you are interested in. These cases are out of Texas. Happy New Year and good luck with your paper. ... Read More

Q. Can a police officer take your pulse or blood pressure without your consent during a DRE examination for DWI?

October 28, 2024

A: This is a great question. The DRE evaluation just like the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests is voluntary. You agree to allow them to perform the evaluation. This evaluation must be done down at the station and the first step in the 12 step process is getting a sample of your breath - to rule out ethanol intoxication. You cannot force someone to blow into the Intoxilizer - or whatever your machine is in California - so a DRE evaluation is voluntary and cannot be compelled by a warrant. You cannot get a warrant to force someone to blow. The consequences? It depends on the prosecuting body. If you refuse a DRE in Texas, they will get a warrant for your blood. But proving intoxication by a drug is difficult, because expert testimony is needed to admit the results of drugs in a blood sample. Intoxication by drugs is so misunderstood by officers. There are people out there who only act "normal" because they are taking medication. But if an officer suspects you are "not normal" - whatever that means - they will go to great lengths to prove you guilty. That's why you need a DWI lawyer who knows this topic backward and forward. ... Read More