Houston Felony DWI Lawyer

Houston Felony DWI Attorney

All charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI) are serious. If you are facing the possibility of a DWI criminal conviction and administrative penalties, you should seek the advice and expertise of a Houston felony DWI lawyer. There are several degrees of DWI charges in Houston. When the charges for a drunk driving rise to the level of a felony, the consequences are far greater.

Conviction for felony DWI can have lifelong implications. This offense doesn’t just lead to a reprimand or fine for drunk driving, but may lead to years in prison and the permanent loss of your driver’s license.

Greco Neyland is here to prevent these repercussions and help you through the criminal justice process in Houston. The Houston criminal lawyer who takes your felony DWI case will have prior experience with felony DWIs and the knowledge to effectively build your defense.

Learn more about our Houston DWI lawyers

Houston Felony DWI Lawyer

In Houston, the legal limit for drinking and driving is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%. Even if you are slightly over this limit, you will be arrested and charged with a DWI. If this is your first offense for DWI in Houston, the charges are likely to be a misdemeanor offense. Rarely does a first-time, or even second-time, offender face felony DWI charges in Houston.

These misdemeanor charges for DWI in Houston can still be extremely stressful and overwhelming – in particular if you require a Texas driver’s license to support your family or perform your job. It is never a bad idea to speak with a criminal lawyer at Greco Neyland about these charges.

However, there are several different circumstances when a DWI in Houston or Harris County could rise to the level of felony.

• Third offense for DWI: Under Texas law, a third or subsequent offense can be charged as a felony DWI. More specifically, a third offense for DWI in Houston is a third-degree felony.
• DWI with a minor passenger: Texas takes the endangerment of children and minors very seriously, and even a first-time DWI offender can be charged with a felony if a minor under the age of 15 was in the vehicle at the time of drunk driving and arrest.
• DWI with serious injury: When a DWI results in serious injury to another individual, whether due to a motor vehicle accident or otherwise, it is called intoxication assault in Houston. This is a third-degree felony.
• DWI that leads to death: When a DWI results in the death of another individual because of a motor vehicle accident, pedestrian accident, or otherwise, it is called intoxication manslaughter. This is a second-degree felony.

How Is Felony DWI Punished in Houston?

Charges for felony DWI in Houston are highly concerning and complicated. If you are facing accusations of felony DWI, you are probably seeking some outside advice and counsel from a Houston felony DWI lawyer.

The need for representation in these cases is even more necessary given the grave punishments that can accompany a Texas conviction for felony DWI.

• When felony DWI is a state jail felony: The maximum term of incarceration for a state jail felony in Houston is two years and a fine up to $10,000.
• When felony DWI is a third-degree felony: The maximum term of incarceration for a third-degree felony in Houston is 10 years and a fine up to $10,000.
• When felony DWI is a second-degree felony: The maximum term of incarceration for a second-degree felony in Houston is 20 years and a fine up to $10,000.

A felony DWI lawyer in Houston can take your case for any of these serious charges. Whether you are concerned with the implications of these possible prison terms, the payment of a substantial fine, the loss of your driver’s license, or other punishments – you need to talk with a lawyer about how a felony DWI could impact your future.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is a DWI Lawyer in Houston?

A: A DWI lawyer in Houston can range in cost. Factors that can influence the cost of a lawyer include their experience level, reputation, and fee structure. You should also consider the severity and complexity of the case.

For example, misdemeanor cases involve lighter criminal charges than felony cases. Felony cases often require a bolstered legal defense, resulting in potentially higher costs. Finally, urgency is another factor to consider. If you need immediate assistance, requiring the lawyer to rearrange their schedule may cost more.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Felony DWI in Texas?

A: The statute of limitations on a felony DWI in Texas is three years from the date of the DWI offense. If the three-year time period expires with no DWI charge filed, the prosecutor may still file a charge, but the court should dismiss it. If you weren’t immediately charged with a DWI, it may be because the prosecutor is compiling evidence to stack against you. However, you should still engage an attorney for help in this case.

Q: What Are the Odds of a DWI Being Dismissed in Texas?

A: There is always a chance of a DWI being dismissed in Texas. Each DWI case is unique. Also, just because a DWI is dismissed does not mean there is no punishment. Sometimes, there are conditions tied to the dismissal and other times, a dismissal can mean a lesser charge. The odds of dismissal can also depend on the location of the charge.

In general, smaller counties are less likely to dismiss DWI charges. If the evidence against you is ruled inadmissible, the charges may be dropped because there is not sufficient proof for a conviction.

Q: How Do I Win a DWI Case in Texas?

A: To win a DWI case in Texas, you must challenge the evidence presented against you and show evidence that invokes reasonable doubt of your guilt. For example, if the police officer who arrested you has body camera or dash camera footage that shows they conducted the sobriety tests incorrectly or abused your rights, you may be able to present it in court. Also, if you have witnesses who can attest that you were not intoxicated at the time, that can help your case.

Q: Why Do I Need an Attorney for a DWI?

A: You need an attorney for a DWI because forgoing one can result in a conviction and the maximum sentence. A DWI attorney can investigate your case, make sure your rights are protected according to the law, and provide you with the legal support you need throughout your case.

A felony DWI is a serious charge in Texas, especially if it leads to the injury of another party. You could be facing jail time, fines, probation, and having your license revoked. An attorney can help you prepare a legal defense and give you a chance to avoid or minimize these penalties.

Contact a Top Felony DWI Lawyer in Houston

While the possible outcomes of a felony DWI conviction are serious, assistance is available to you. Contacting a DWI lawyer doesn’t have to be an overwhelming and daunting step towards your defense, and at Greco Neyland, we make it easy.

For any criminal case in Houston, including DWI and felony DWI, our team offers a free initial consultation. You can spend an hour with our qualified criminal lawyers, for free. We have helped clients all across the state of Texas resolve their felony cases. With our compassion, dedication, and determination, you can rest assured that you have the legal representation you need. Contact us today to get the results you deserve.