Being convicted of a DWI felony offense is no joke. The charges are serious and can have a major impact on your life. A DWI felony conviction can disqualify you from voting and your right to bear arms. Not to mention the social stigma and guilt if you caused an auto accident or injured others while intoxicated. A felony DWI does not have to ruin your life. There are a number of defenses for felony DWI charges, and it’s possible to avoid conviction if you speak with the proper defense attorney.
The Gonzalez Law Group is experienced with felony DWI charges in Houston, Texas and you can rest assured that your case will be handled with trust and diligence. We will fight to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. Call us today at (832) 530-4070 or submit your information in our online form for a free case consultation. We proudly defend clients in the greater Harris County area including Pearland, Baytown, Seabrook, La Porte, Pasadena, Galena Park, Friendswood, and many others.
Overview of Felony DWI in Houston, TX
Third DWI
A third DWI is considered a third-degree felony in the state of Texas. The Texas Penal Code Section 12.34 establishes the punishments for a third-degree felony as follows:
- A fine no greater than $10,000
- No less than two years but no more than 10 years in prison
- Up to two years of probation or community supervision with at least 160 hours of community service but no more than 600.
- An ignition interlock device that requires a deep lung air sample before the vehicle will start.
- A suspended driver license for no less than six months but no more than two years
DWI with Minor in the Vehicle
In the state of Texas, it is considered a felony to operate a vehicle while intoxicated with a minor child in the vehicle that is under 15. If a driver is convicted of driving while intoxicated with a minor child in the car, they can be punished with the following:
- A prison sentence of at least 180 days and up to 2 years
- A fine no greater than $10,000
DWI with Serious Bodily Injury
If you are convicted for a DWI that involves serious bodily injuries, it is considered intoxication assault under the Texas Penal Code. In Texas, intoxication assault is a third-degree felony. If convicted you could face the following penalties:
- A fine up to $10,000
- A required prison term of two years but no greater than 10 years.
- Required probation for a minimum of 30 days(?) in jail that is served as a condition of probation. If the court finds that a deadly weapon was involved, you may be ineligible for any kind of probation.
- At least 160 hours of community service for any probation term, but no more than 600 hours.
Intoxicated Manslaughter
If a drunk or intoxicated person operating a motor vehicle causes the death of another person, it is known as intoxicated manslaughter. Texas law establishes mandatory penalties the court is required to impose after someone is convicted of intoxicated manslaughter and they include the following:
- A fine up to $10,000
- A required prison term of not less than two years but no more than 20 years.
- 240 hours of required community service for any probation term, but the court may impose up to 800 hours.
People who drink and drive usually have the intent of making it home without killing or harming another person. Sometimes though, you get into a vehicle while drunk or under the influence of drugs and someone gets hurt or killed. To mitigate the damage a felony DWI has done to your criminal record, you should contact an experienced lawyer who can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
Additional Felony DWI Resources in Houston, TX
Texas Felony Punishments – Follow this link to view the Texas Penal Code that establishes the punishments for felony offenses in Texas. The statute also establishes penalties for repeat offenders and possible penalty reductions.
Houston Alcoholics Anonymous– View the webpage for Houston’s Alcoholics Anonymous. The webpage allows users to find local meetings and events. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of women and men who share their experience with alcoholism and their hopes for recovery.
Contact a Houston, TX DWI Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested for a felony DWI offense in Houston, TX, you should contact The Gonzalez Law Group as soon as possible. Our attorneys are experienced with defending felony DWI offenses in Harris County. We will strive to protect your rights and possibly get your charges reduced. Call us today at (832) 530-4070 or submit your information in our online form for a free case consultation. We defend cases in the greater Harris County area including Pearland, Baytown, Seabrook, La Porte, Pasadena, Galena Park, Friendswood, and many others.
