My name is Lee Wine, and for the past 11 years, I’ve fought hard to rebuild my life after overcoming heroin addiction and homelessness. Today, I’m proud to be a stable, active member of the Clear Lake/Houston recovery community — someone people turn to for support, encouragement, and proof that long-term sobriety is possible. I’ve stayed clean through dedication, community involvement, and prescribed medical support (including Suboxone and THC as part of my treatment plan).

But life has thrown another major challenge: developmental disabilities, including Tourette’s Syndrome and ADHD, that make everyday situations harder than most people realize. Tourette’s isn’t always obvious on the surface — with effort, I can appear calm and focused for short periods. But internally, it’s a constant battle. Premonitory urges build like intense, painful tension before any tic, and suppressing them causes real physical discomfort, muscle aches, and exhaustion. Under stress or close scrutiny (like during a high-pressure interaction), that discomfort intensifies dramatically — making it nearly impossible to stay perfectly still or perform precise coordination tasks without my body fighting back.

Last year, while working as a delivery driver in the Houston area, I was pulled over in Friendswood, Texas. I was completely sober at the time — no alcohol, no illicit substances. I immediately disclosed my Tourette’s Syndrome, ADHD, and prescribed medications, explaining openly that these conditions could affect my performance on any physical or balance-based tests.

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are widely used to assess impairment, but research and expert analyses show they have significant limitations — with false positive rates documented in studies (sometimes 20–30% or higher for sober individuals), especially when neurological or medical conditions interfere with balance, eye movements, or coordination. For someone with Tourette’s, where tics or suppression discomfort can mimic signs of impairment, these tests can lead to misleading results despite full honesty and sobriety.

Despite my disclosures, I was arrested for DWI. The charge has turned my life upside down — threatening my stability, recovery progress, and ability to keep giving back to the community that’s supported me so much. Now, to go to trial and prove my innocence (which my attorney believes is strong based on the evidence, including bodycam review showing no slurring or impairment), I need $12,000 in upfront legal fees.

All funds raised will go directly toward these attorney costs. If we exceed the goal, any extra will help me catch up on overdue bills, maintain housing stability, and continue focusing on my recovery without added financial stress. Transparency is important: I’ll post regular updates on progress, expenses, and milestones.

This isn’t just about one legal battle — it’s about protecting the hard-won life I’ve built after years of struggle. Your support would mean everything: it would help me clear my name, reduce the anxiety that’s been amplifying my Tourette’s symptoms, and let me keep showing up as a positive force in recovery circles and beyond.

If you’ve faced similar injustices, know the challenges of hidden disabilities, or simply believe in second chances and fairness, please consider donating — even small amounts add up quickly — or sharing this page with your network. Sharing reaches people who might relate or want to help.

Thank you sincerely for reading my story and for any kindness you can offer. Your generosity could make all the difference in helping me move forward stronger.

With deep gratitude,

Lee Wine

Clear Lake, Houston, Texas