A first-time DWI offender is often charged with a misdemeanor. In Texas, a class B for a blood-
alcohol level of between .08 and less than .15, and a class A misdemeanor for a blood-alcohol
level of .15 or greater. However, there are instances where a DWI offender can be charged with felony-level charges instead of misdemeanors.
alcohol level of between .08 and less than .15, and a class A misdemeanor for a blood-alcohol
level of .15 or greater. However, there are instances where a DWI offender can be charged with felony-level charges instead of misdemeanors.
How Could I End Up with a Felony DWI Charge?
You could end up facing a Felony DWI charge if:
You could end up facing a Felony DWI charge if:
- You have had two prior DWI charges and this is your third
- You are accused of DWI and, while driving, you had a minor in your vehicle
- You have aggravated circumstances, such as severe injury to another person or causing a major accident
- You have suspended or revoked driving privileges and are suspected of DWI
Why Does a Felony DWI Charge Matter?
A felony DWI conviction can do irreparable harm to you and your family. Here are some of the biggest differences:
A felony DWI conviction can do irreparable harm to you and your family. Here are some of the biggest differences:
- On a felony charge, you can serve a lengthy prison sentence as the result of a DWI conviction. In Texas, most felony DWI charges are categorized as 3 rd degree felonies. That carries as maximum possible punishment of 10 years in the Texas Department of Corrections and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Compare that to a normal class B misdemeanor DWI conviction, which carries a maximum punishment of 180 days in the local county jail and up to a $2,000.00 fine.
- A felony DWI conviction also means that you will be labeled a “felon.” That label will remain with you your entire life and impact the way others interact with you.
- You could have your driving privileges suspended for a lengthy period of time or even permanently revoked.
- You could lose your Second Amendment right to bear arms.
So What Do I Do Now That I Have a Felony DWI Charge?
If you have been charged with a DWI in Tarrant, Denton, Collin, or Wise County, please call me to see how I can help you. I am an experienced DWI defense attorney with a sound understanding of the DWI laws in Texas. As a former prosecutor, I know what elements the State needs to prove their case, and I am tenacious in attacking those elements. I work hard to try to get my clients’ cases dismissed and, if dismissal is not possible, to limit the permanent impacts to my clients’ futures. I can and will do the same for you.
If you have been charged with a DWI in Tarrant, Denton, Collin, or Wise County, please call me to see how I can help you. I am an experienced DWI defense attorney with a sound understanding of the DWI laws in Texas. As a former prosecutor, I know what elements the State needs to prove their case, and I am tenacious in attacking those elements. I work hard to try to get my clients’ cases dismissed and, if dismissal is not possible, to limit the permanent impacts to my clients’ futures. I can and will do the same for you.
The advice contained in this post does not constitute an attorney-client relationship between the reader and attorney Jeff Brown.