Felony DWI Lawyer in Dallas, TX

DWI Charged as a Felony in Texas

Although a Texas DWI is often charged as a misdemeanor, there are several circumstances where a person can face a felony charge – even for a first-time offense. A felony DWI is punishable by tens of thousands of dollars in fines, a lengthy driver’s license suspension period, and even imprisonment. To avoid serious criminal penalties, it is in your best interest to hire a skilled Dallas felony DWI lawyer immediately for your defense.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a felony DWI in Dallas, Palmer Perlstein can protect your rights and freedom. Attorney Scott Palmer is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction earned by only 5% of all lawyers in the state. For more than two decades, he has successfully handled hundreds of criminal cases, including various DWI charges.

Contact us today at (469) 966-7614 to schedule a confidential consultation with our Dallas felony DWI attorneys.

What Is a Felony DWI in Texas?

Although DWIs are more often than not charged as misdemeanors, this does not mean that every DWI case will be a misdemeanor, especially if aggravating circumstances exist. Under Texas state law, drivers can be charged with felony DWI in certain cases.

As with any felony, these charges should be taken very seriously, as they can pose minimum terms of imprisonment, lengthy driver’s license suspension or revocation, years of probation, a loss of civil rights, and the many long-term challenges that come with having a felony on one’s criminal record. Felonies are the most serious offense level in Texas.

Felony DWI Texas Penalties

While first and second DWI offenses are misdemeanors, a third DWI offense is a felony.

In Texas, a conviction for a third DWI carries the following:

A maximum 10-year prison term
A fine no more than $10,000
Driver’s license suspension for up to two years

Is A DWI A Felony in Texas?

Under Texas law, the following are other types of felony DWI offenses:

Third DWI offense: In Texas, a third DWI is a third-degree felony. There is a time frame for multiple offenses, and our team can help you understand how it may play a role in your case. Typically, drivers facing charges for a third DWI face penalties that include 2 to 10 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, loss of driver’s license for 2 years, lengthy probation, and more.
DWI with child passenger: Texas makes it a felony offense to drive while intoxicated with a child passenger under the age of 15. DWI with child endangerment is a state jail felony, and it carries penalties that include terms of imprisonment in a state jail between 180 days to 2 years, fines up to $10,000, license penalties, lengthy probation, and other repercussions.
DWI causing injury: If your DWI arrest involved an accident that resulted in another person suffering a serious injury, it is considered a third-degree felony. Known as intoxication assault, this crime is punishable by 2 to 10 years imprisonment, up to $10,000 in fines, driver’s license penalties, mandatory community service, probation, and more.
DWI causing death: If your DWI arrest involved an accident that resulted in another person’s death, it is considered a second-degree felony. Referred to as intoxication homicide or intoxication manslaughter, this offense poses serious and life-altering penalties. Legal representation is essential in these cases.

Defense for Felony DWI Offenses in Texas

Due to the severity of the criminal penalties you face, our Dallas felony DWI attorney can help you either get your charges or penalties reduced or get your entire case dismissed. We can investigate your arrest, obtain and assess evidence, and develop an effective and personalized defense strategy to get the best possible outcome.