Dallas, Texas, Felony DWI Defense Lawyer
The penalties for a felony DWI conviction are substantially greater than a Class B or Class A misdemeanor for multiple DWI convictions. While a second DWI is not automatically a felony, the chances of being charged with a felony increase substantially with each additional offense. A second DWI conviction in essence can result in double the penalties.
Crain ◊ Lewis, LLP provides aggressive representation for people charged with felony DWI in Texas. Our firm is recognized for effective and successful strategies to fight the toughest penalties.
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Felony DWI
If you have two or more DWI convictions on your record, the courts consider that you have a serious problem with alcohol and are a danger to others on the road. By increasing the charge from a Class A misdemeanor to a felony, the penalties are substantially greater, including mandatory jail time. The courts can also order you to alcohol or drug rehabilitation.
Third degree felony DWI
A third-degree felony DWI may be charged if you have two or more prior DWI convictions or if you cause an accident that results in injuries (also known as “intoxication assault”). Penalties for a third degree felony DWI may include up to a $10,000 fine, ten years in prison, and a suspended license for a significant length of time. Administrative penalties include a substantial surcharge fee for multiple years. You may also be required to have an ignition interlock device (deep lung device) or inhaler installed on your car. This device will not allow the engine to start if your breath test registers a certain BAC reading.
Your Crain ◊ Lewis attorney will fight hard for a non-prison alternative to a third degree felony DWI, such as inpatient substance abuse treatment and extended probation upon successful completion. Penalties may also include a mandatory prescription for Antabuse, a drug that will make you violently sick after consuming any amount of alcohol.
Second Degree felony DWI or intoxication manslaughter: You could face a second degree felony DWI charge if you were the cause of a drunk driving accident that resulted in a death. Second degree felony DWI can result in up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. At minimum, a conviction will result in two years in prison.
If a car accident results in death, police are required to take a blood sample to determine whether charges of intoxication manslaughter should be brought. Conviction for intoxication manslaughter may also result in permanent revocation of your driver's license.
State Jail Felony - If you were arrested for DWI with a child under the age of fifteen in the car. This is a lower-level offense, punishable by 180 days to 2 years of confinement in a state jail. Fines for this offense could include up to $10,000. Similar to other DWI convictions, there are also related license suspension and insurance consequences.
Contact our Dallas law office for a free consultation with a DWI defense lawyer if you have had several past DWI convictions. We fight hard to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Learn about Texas drunk driving charges. See our DWI Information Center.
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