# Ceja Law Firm PLLC — Full Reference

> Ceja Law Firm PLLC is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Texas law firm with offices in Houston and Pasadena. It runs two websites: cejalawfirmtx.com for criminal defense and DWI, and cejalawfirm.com for personal injury and accidents. The Spanish-language sites use the brand name "Abogado Ceja / Accidentes y defensa criminal."

This file condenses the firm's main pages and FAQs into one document. Each section links to its source page. It is general information about Texas law, not legal advice, and contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different and no outcome is guaranteed.

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## About the Firm

### Support

- **Houston office:** 2190 N Loop W Ste. 300, Houston, TX 77018, https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17698681470738747432, +17133602258
- **Pasadena office:** 4008 Vista Rd # A101, Pasadena, TX 77504, https://www.google.com/maps?cid=11380578940536372836, +17137262881
- **Availability:** The main line has support 24/7.
- **Consultations:** Free and confidential. The firm states that speaking with an attorney does not notify ICE or any government agency.
- **Fees:** Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee; no attorney's fees are owed unless money is recovered, under the terms of the fee agreement.
- **Service area:** Houston and Harris County, plus Pasadena, Baytown, Bellaire, Deer Park, La Porte, Jacinto City, Sugar Land, Galveston, and Texas City. The Spanish criminal site also lists Montgomery, Fort Bend, and Galveston counties.
- **Information:** LGBTQ+ friendly, Identifies as Latino-owned

### Online Profiles

- Google Business Profile, Houston office: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17698681470738747432
- Google Business Profile, Pasadena office: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=11380578940536372836
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceja-law-firm-pllc
- Super Lawyers (firm): https://profiles.superlawyers.com/texas/houston/lawfirm/ceja-law-firm-pllc/1dc7ddc4-38f6-49c9-8eab-ba47a4b6d1ca.html
- About the firm (Spanish): https://cejalawfirmtx.com/es/sobre-nosotros/
- Client reviews: see the Google Business Profiles above, plus Avvo and Super Lawyers.

### Attorneys

**Jose Ceja — Managing Attorney**
Source: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/team/jose-ceja/
Profiles: https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77018-tx-jose-ceja-3339710.html · https://profiles.superlawyers.com/texas/houston/lawyer/jose-a-ceja/50edaf4e-3615-4e08-8e34-b7011395bddd.html

- Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
- Practicing since 2007. Began his career as a felony drug prosecutor, handling drug, gang, and violent offenses.
- Joined a Texas criminal defense firm as an associate in 2010 and worked there almost ten years before founding Ceja Law Firm PLLC in 2019.
- Has first- or second-chaired almost 100 trials, including murder, drug, DWI, and assault cases. Licensed in Texas and Arizona.
- J.D., University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. B.A. in Journalism with minors in Spanish and English, University of Arizona.
- Clerked for Hon. Bernardo Velasco of the U.S. District Court in Arizona, and for the Tucson Police Department legal department.
- DWI-specific training: certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) administration; weeklong course at Axion Labs in Chicago; TCDLA Psychodrama Program.
- Member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the National College for DUI Defense.

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## Criminal Defense and DWI (English)

Source: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/

The firm defends people in the Greater Houston area facing DWI, drug, assault and family violence, sex crime, theft and fraud, and felony charges, as well as federal investigations. Its approach is shaped by Jose Ceja's experience as a former felony prosecutor: how grand jury packets are prepared, how police reports are structured, how breath and blood tests are challenged, and how witnesses are prepared for trial. The firm seeks dismissal where possible and goes to trial when necessary. Outcomes it pursues include not-guilty verdicts, grand jury "no bills," dismissals, suppression of evidence, and reduction of felonies to misdemeanors.

**If you've been arrested:** remain silent, don't consent to searches, don't discuss the case online, and contact a defense attorney right away.

### DWI Defense

Source: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/driving-while-intoxicated-dwi/

A DWI arrest in Texas starts two separate cases: a criminal case filed by the State, and an administrative case by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to suspend the driver's license. Under Texas Penal Code §49.04, DWI means operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated — either losing normal use of mental or physical faculties, or having a BAC of .08 or more *at the time of driving*. Because tests happen after the stop, the BAC at the time of driving can be challenged.

**Penalties:**

| Offense | Classification | Fine | Jail / Prison |
|---|---|---|---|
| First DWI | Class B misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | 72 hours – 180 days |
| First DWI (BAC .15+) | Class A misdemeanor | Up to $4,000 | Up to 1 year |
| Second DWI | Class A misdemeanor | Up to $4,000 | 30 days – 1 year |
| Third DWI | Third-degree felony | Up to $10,000 | 2 – 10 years |
| DWI with child passenger (under 15) | State jail felony | Up to $10,000 | 180 days – 2 years |
| Intoxication assault | Third-degree felony | Up to $10,000 | 2 – 10 years |
| Intoxication manslaughter | Second-degree felony | Up to $10,000 | 2 – 20 years |

Secondary consequences can include higher insurance premiums, effects on jobs and professional licenses, custody, housing, firearm rights after felony convictions, and immigration status.

**License suspension (ALR):** DPS seeks a 180-day suspension after a test refusal or a 90-day suspension after a failed test, longer with a prior DWI. A hearing must be requested within **15 days** of receiving the notice of suspension, usually the arrest date, or the suspension takes effect automatically. ALR hearings often require the arresting officer to testify, which can produce sworn testimony useful in the criminal case. See https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/driving-while-intoxicated-dwi/what-is-an-administrative-drivers-license-revocation-case/

**Defense approach:** The firm challenges every stage of the investigation — the legality of the stop, how the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (HGN, Walk and Turn, One-Leg Stand) were administered under NHTSA protocol, Intoxilyzer 9000 breath-test calibration and maintenance records, blood-test chain of custody and lab procedure, and the State's retrograde extrapolation of BAC.

**Dismissal and programs:** A DWI can be dismissed when the stop was unlawful, a blood warrant was defective, or the evidence doesn't hold up. The Harris County District Attorney's Pre-Trial Intervention program can lead to dismissal for eligible first-time offenders — typically no prior record, no accident, and no very high test result. It usually involves classes, fees, community service, and an ignition interlock. The firm treats it as a backup plan after first challenging the evidence. See https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/driving-while-intoxicated-dwi/pre-trial-intervention/

**Expunction:** Generally available only if the case is dismissed or ends in acquittal; not available after any probation, including deferred adjudication.

**Non-citizens:** Immigration holds are relatively rare in misdemeanor DWI cases in the Houston area, but any further jail contact can trigger one. The firm works with immigration attorneys to protect clients' status.

**DWI case types handled:** first, second, and third DWI; DWI with a child passenger; intoxication assault and manslaughter; DWI with drugs; CDL DWI (.04 limit for commercial drivers); boating while intoxicated; underage DWI and DUI by a minor; motorcycle DWI; hit-and-run DWI; DWI expunction; Pasadena DWI (https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/pasadena-dwi-attorney/).

#### DWI FAQs

**What's the difference between DUI and DWI in Texas?**
DWI is the charge for adults. DUI is a lesser charge for drivers under 21 with any detectable alcohol, even below .08.

**How long do I have to fight a license suspension?**
15 days from the notice of suspension, usually the date of arrest.

**Should I take a breath test or refuse?**
In most cases, consenting is preferable. A refusal brings a 180-day suspension, and police will likely get a warrant for blood, which is more accurate than breath.

**Can I be charged with DWI if I wasn't driving?**
Texas law uses the term "operating," which courts have read broadly — sitting in a parked car with the engine running has led to charges. Whether the facts support the charge can often be challenged.

**How much does a DWI cost?**
Beyond fines, costs include attorney fees, court costs, an ignition interlock, classes, transportation during a suspension, and higher insurance. A first DWI conviction can total $10,000 or more.

### Other Criminal Practice Areas

Each page below covers its charge in detail:

- Felonies: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/houston-criminal-felonies-attorney/
- Misdemeanors: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/houston-criminal-misdemeanors/
- Drug crimes: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/drug-crimes/
- Assault and family violence: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/assault-family-violence/
- Violent crimes: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/houston-violent-crimes-attorney/
- Sex crimes: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/sex-cases/
- Theft: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/theft-defense/
- White collar crimes: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/houston-white-collar-crime-attorney/
- Weapons charges: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/weapons-charges-defense/
- Probation violations: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/probation-violation/
- Expunctions: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/expunctions/
- Criminal investigations before charges: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/cases-we-handle/are-you-being-investigated/

#### General Criminal FAQs

**How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?**
It depends on the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and whether it goes to trial.

**Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in Texas?**
Yes, in some cases, depending on weaknesses in the evidence and negotiations with prosecutors.

**Will I go to jail for a first-time DWI?**
Not necessarily. Many first-time cases are resolved through negotiation or alternative programs.

**Can my criminal record be cleared?**
Certain arrests and dismissals may qualify for expunction or an order of nondisclosure.

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## Defensa Criminal y DWI (Español)

Fuente: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/es/

En el sitio en español, la firma se presenta como "Abogado Ceja / Accidentes y defensa criminal", con el lema "¡Lucho por mi gente!". El abogado José Ceja es de origen hispano, habla español y atiende a la comunidad latina del área de Houston. Defiende casos de DWI/DUI, posesión de drogas, cargos por prostitución, robo y robo en tienda, delitos sexuales, evasión de arresto, amenaza terrorista y otros delitos penales. Las consultas son gratuitas y confidenciales, y hablar con un abogado no notifica a ICE ni a ninguna agencia del gobierno.

### Defensa de DWI/DUI en Houston

Fuente: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/es/servicios-legales/abogado-dwi-dui-houston/

Un arresto por DWI en Texas abre dos procesos: el caso penal y un trámite administrativo ante el Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Texas (DPS) para suspender tu licencia, que puede durar de 90 días a 2 años. Según el Código Penal de Texas §49.04, el Estado debe probar que manejabas en un lugar público sin el uso normal de tus facultades o con un nivel de alcohol de 0.08 o más.

**Penas:** las mismas que en la tabla de la sección en inglés. Un primer DWI es delito menor Clase B; un tercer DWI, un DWI con menor pasajero, la agresión por intoxicación y el homicidio por intoxicación son delitos graves.

**Cómo se pelea el caso:** la defensa revisa si la parada fue legal, si las pruebas de equilibrio siguieron el protocolo de NHTSA, el mantenimiento y la calibración del equipo de aliento, la cadena de custodia de la muestra de sangre, y si el video de la cámara corporal y de la dashcam coincide con el reporte del oficial.

**Plazo de 15 días:** en muchos casos, tienes 15 días para pedir la audiencia ALR y pelear la suspensión de tu licencia. En esa audiencia se puede interrogar al oficial, y su testimonio a veces revela contradicciones útiles para la defensa penal.

**Qué hacer después del arresto:** guarda todos los papeles, no hables del caso por mensajes ni en redes sociales, no vayas solo si te busca un detective y busca un abogado antes de aceptar un acuerdo rápido.

**Eliminación de antecedentes:** la expunction borra el arresto del récord y, por lo general, sólo aplica si el caso se desestima o te declaran no culpable. La nondisclosure no lo borra; sólo lo sella al público.

#### Preguntas frecuentes sobre DWI

**¿Puedo ir a la cárcel por un primer DWI?**
Sí. La pena puede incluir cárcel, multa y otras condiciones, según los hechos, tu historial y tu defensa.

**¿Qué pasa si me negué a la prueba de aliento?**
Puede complicar la suspensión de tu licencia, y la policía puede buscar una muestra de sangre. No significa que el caso esté perdido.

**¿Pueden defenderme si no tengo papeles?**
Sí. Tu estatus migratorio no te quita el derecho a una defensa penal. Un DWI puede afectar tu situación migratoria, por eso conviene actuar rápido.

**¿Cuánto cuesta un abogado de DWI?**
Depende del caso. La evaluación inicial no tiene costo.

### Otras páginas de defensa criminal en español

- Abogado criminalista en Houston: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/es/servicios-legales/abogado-criminalista-en-houston/
- Defensa criminal en Pasadena: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/es/servicios-legales/defensa-criminal-en-pasadena/
- DWI por primera vez: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/es/servicios-legales/abogado-de-dwi-por-primera-vez-en-houston/
- Posesión de drogas: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/es/servicios-legales/abogado-de-posesion-de-drogas-en-houston/
- Delitos sexuales: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/es/servicios-legales/abogado-de-delitos-sexuales-en-houston/
- Sobre nosotros: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/es/sobre-nosotros/
- José Ceja: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/es/team/conoce-al-abogado-ceja/

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## Personal Injury and Accidents (English)

Source: https://cejalawfirm.com/en/

The firm represents people injured in accidents in Pasadena, Houston, and across Harris County. It works on a contingency fee, handles communication with insurers, and helps clients avoid mistakes that weaken a claim, such as recorded statements, broad authorizations, or settling before future treatment is known.

**What the firm does on a claim:** reviews police reports, photos, and insurance policies; identifies every responsible party and every policy that should respond, including UM/UIM coverage when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured; preserves evidence that disappears fast, such as video, GPS, and electronic logs; calculates damages, including medical care, therapy, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and changes to daily life; and negotiates with the insurer while preparing every case as if it might go to trial.

**Case types:** car accidents, truck and 18-wheeler accidents (including electronic logs and FMCSA hours-of-service rules), bicycle, motorcycle, Uber and Lyft (coverage depends on the driver's app status at the time), drunk-driving, hit-and-run, pedestrian, workplace injuries (including third-party claims), premises liability and slip-and-fall, dog bites, wrongful death, and serious injuries such as brain, spinal cord, burns, and amputations.

**Deadline:** Texas generally allows two years to file many personal injury lawsuits (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003), with exceptions depending on the parties and facts.

**Accidents with criminal exposure:** If an accident involves alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, serious injury or death, or leaving the scene, the firm handles both the injury claim and the criminal defense.

Key pages:
- Houston personal injury: https://cejalawfirm.com/en/houston-personal-injury-lawyer/
- Houston car accidents: https://cejalawfirm.com/en/houston-car-accident-lawyer/
- Houston truck accidents: https://cejalawfirm.com/en/houston-truck-accident-lawyer/
- Houston wrongful death: https://cejalawfirm.com/en/houston-wrongful-death-lawyer/
- Pasadena car accidents: https://cejalawfirm.com/en/pasadena-car-accident-lawyer/
- Pasadena work injuries: https://cejalawfirm.com/en/pasadena-work-injury-lawyer/
- Premises liability: https://cejalawfirm.com/en/premises-liability/

#### Personal Injury FAQs

**When should I call an accident lawyer?**
As soon as you can after getting medical care and reporting the accident. Early contact helps preserve video, locate witnesses, and avoid harmful statements or signatures.

**What if I was partly at fault?**
Texas follows proportionate-responsibility rules. The outcome depends on how fault is divided based on the evidence, so don't accept a fault percentage before a lawyer investigates.

**Can I file a claim without health insurance?**
Yes. Not having health insurance doesn't end your right to claim against the responsible party.

**Should I talk to the at-fault party's insurer?**
You can report basic information, but you don't have to give a recorded interview, sign broad authorizations, or describe injuries still being evaluated.

**How long will my case take?**
It depends on the injuries, the length of treatment, how clear liability is, the available policies, and the insurer's willingness to negotiate. Settling too early can leave out future needs.

**How much does an accident lawyer charge?**
Contingency fee: no attorney's fees out of pocket to start; fees are collected only if money is recovered.

**Can I be deported for filing a claim?**
No. Seeking payment for your damages does not cause deportation, and your right to recover doesn't depend on immigration status.

**What should I do after an accident?**
Get medical care, report the accident, don't leave the scene, and save photos and contact information. Don't accept quick offers.

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## Lesiones Personales y Accidentes (Español)

Fuente: https://cejalawfirm.com/

La firma representa a personas lesionadas en accidentes en Pasadena, Houston y el condado de Harris, con atención en español y bajo el lema "¡Lucho por mi gente!". No pagas honorarios si no se obtiene una recuperación a tu favor. La firma se encarga de la comunicación con la aseguradora, revisa reportes, fotos y pólizas —incluida la cobertura UM/UIM cuando el responsable no tiene seguro o tiene límites bajos— y calcula los daños reales: estudios, terapias, días sin trabajar y el impacto en tu vida diaria.

**Casos que atiende:** accidentes de carro, camión y tráiler, bicicleta, motocicleta, Uber y Lyft, conductor ebrio, atropello y fuga, peatones, accidentes de trabajo, caídas en propiedades, mordeduras de perro, muerte por negligencia y lesiones graves.

**Plazo:** en Texas, muchas demandas por lesiones personales tienen un plazo general de dos años, con excepciones según las partes y los hechos.

**Accidentes con cargos criminales:** si el accidente involucra alcohol o drogas, manejo temerario, lesiones graves o huir de la escena, la firma puede atender el reclamo por lesiones y la defensa penal.

Páginas principales:
- Accidentes en Houston: https://cejalawfirm.com/servicios-legales/abogado-de-accidentes-en-houston/
- Accidentes de carro en Pasadena: https://cejalawfirm.com/servicios-legales/abogado-de-accidentes-de-carro-en-pasadena/
- Accidentes de camión en Pasadena: https://cejalawfirm.com/servicios-legales/abogado-de-accidentes-de-camion-en-pasadena/
- Accidentes de trabajo en Pasadena: https://cejalawfirm.com/servicios-legales/abogado-de-accidentes-de-trabajo-en-pasadena/
- Muerte injusta en Pasadena: https://cejalawfirm.com/servicios-legales/abogado-de-muerte-injusta-en-pasadena/

#### Preguntas frecuentes sobre accidentes

**¿Cuándo debo llamar a un abogado de accidentes?**
Tan pronto como puedas, después de recibir atención médica y reportar lo ocurrido. Consultar pronto ayuda a conservar videos, localizar testigos y evitar declaraciones o firmas que te perjudiquen.

**¿Qué pasa si tuve parte de la culpa?**
Texas aplica reglas de responsabilidad proporcional. No aceptes porcentajes de culpa antes de que un abogado investigue.

**¿Puedo reclamar si no tengo seguro médico?**
Sí. No tener seguro médico no elimina tu derecho a reclamar contra el responsable.

**¿Debo hablar con la aseguradora del responsable?**
Puedes dar información básica, pero no tienes que aceptar una entrevista grabada ni firmar autorizaciones amplias.

**¿Cuánto cobra un abogado de accidentes?**
Se trabaja con tarifa de contingencia: no pagas honorarios al iniciar, y sólo se cobran si se obtiene una recuperación a tu favor.

**¿Me pueden deportar por presentar un reclamo?**
No. Pedir que te paguen tus gastos y daños no provoca deportación. Tu derecho a recuperarte es independiente de tu estatus migratorio.

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## Contact pages

**Criminal defense**
- EN: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/contact/
- ES: https://cejalawfirmtx.com/es/contacto/

**Personal Injury**
- EN: https://cejalawfirm.com/en/contact/
- ES: https://cejalawfirm.com/contacto/