Felony DWI Defense in Dallas, TX
The first time you are charged with DWI, it will be a misdemeanor charge, with relatively small fines and at most six months of jail time. However, the penalties for second-time DWI charges are much more severe and increase the potential for felony DWI charges to be brought against you.
Unlike misdemeanor charges, if you are convicted of a felony you face prison time from 2 to 10 years. To maximize your chances of avoiding prison when you are charged with felony DWI, you must have an aggressive, seasoned DWI attorney by your side in court.
The rationale for bringing felony DWI charges
When you have been arrested multiple times for DWI, you begin to be viewed by the court as a hazard to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. To get you off the streets and reduce the alleged risk you pose to yourself and others, the prosecutor might bring felony charges against you if you continue to be arrested for DWI. John M. Cook understands that being accused of a felony DWI does not mean that you are guilty, and will fight as hard for your rights as he would on his behalf, beginning with an attempt to preserve your driving privileges while you await dismissal, a reduction in charges, or trial.
Three types of felony DWI charges
There are three categories of felony Texas DWI charges: third-degree felony DWI, second-degree felony DWI, and state jail felony DWI. You can be charged with third-degree felony DWI if you have two prior DWI convictions or if your DWI results in bodily injury to another person. If you are convicted of third-degree felony DWI, you face from two to ten years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and the loss of driving privileges for an extended period.
Second-degree felony DWI charges are brought when your driving causes the death of another while driving drunk. A conviction of second-degree felony DWI may result in a minimum of two years in prison, but your sentence can be as much as 20 years. You will also face a $10,000 fine and a face a permanent revocation of your license.
If you are arrested for DWI and there is a minor under the age of 15 in the car, in addition to facing a $10,000 fine you will be charged with a state jail felony. State jail felony convictions come with a jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years, and your license will be suspended or revoked.
