Drunk driving is something most people say they would never do in a million years. That’s a reassuring sentiment for all the other drivers and pedestrians in the world. The problem is that we don’t always realize we’re over the limit.
If we’re pulled over and fail a sobriety test, we’re guilty. That’s why it‘s so important for drivers to understand the consequences of driving while intoxicated in Texas.
How serious is it if it’s a first offense? Are you going to get a fine, jail time, or other forms of punishment? Also, how are felony DWI cases different? What makes them so much more serious, and what are the repercussions?
Misdemeanor and Felony DWI Charges
Before we look at the potential consequences of a DWI charge, we need to look at the different types of cases. Many felony DWI defense cases in Texas are misdemeanors. That means drivers face lower-level penalties for their actions.
Most first-time offenses will be classed as misdemeanors and won’t lead to serious consequences, especially if drivers are compliant and accidentally over the limit by a small amount. It’s a different story for repeat offenders and those that are more reckless.
Texas holds records of all prior offenses, so if a license flags up 2 previous arrests on the system, that third charge becomes a felony charge. Other felony charges include DWI with a minor in the car, intoxicated assault, and intoxicated manslaughter.
Therefore, if you drive drunk with a kid in the car or accidentally injure or kill a pedestrian, it’s an automatic felony.
The Repercussions Of A First-Time DWI
The first question anyone dealing with a first-time DWI case will ask is whether they will face jail time. Jail sentences are a possibility in some cases. This could be as little as 72 hours or as much as a year. The latter relates to causes where blood alcohol concentration levels are above 0.15%.
It’s a similar situation with the fines, where the costs increase depending on circumstances and that higher BAC reading. The maximum shouldn’t exceed $2000 if you’re below that upper limit.
Another issue to deal with is the suspension of your driver’s license. This could be between 90 days to a year, depending on the case. It’s important to note that you can also lose your license on the spot if you refuse or fail a breathalyzer test.
Occupational licenses are available for those who need them, but only under special circumstances. It will also require the installation of an ignition interlock device to start the car.
Of course, the consequences surrounding DWI charges aren’t limited to fines, jail time, and suspensions. There is the possibility that you’ll need to enroll in some form of driver’s education program and/or community service as part of your punishment.
The Repercussions Of A Felony DWI
When we get to felony DWI charges in Texas, things get a lot more serious. The severity of the punishment will depend on the details of the crime. For example, besides looking at your blood alcohol concentration level, there is an impact on other people. Unless you’re charged on a third offense, a felony charge typically involves another victim.
Understandably, the fines and jail time for these felony charges are much higher to fit the crime. A third offense can see the fines increase to $10,000 with a minimum of 2 years in jail and no license for 2 years. Cases involving minors and assault will lead to longer jail terms, closer to 20 years.
All sentencing is at the discretion of the judge, and they will take all the evidence into account. A strong case can make all the difference in getting a lighter sentence or maybe even getting the case thrown out. That’s why you need a credible felony DWI defense lawyer in Texas in your corner.
The social and emotional consequences of felony DWI cases are also far more severe. Charges involving other people can bring a lot of guilt and shame, especially if they were seriously hurt or even killed.
The same goes for any cases involving children. If it’s your own child, will you be able to trust yourself with them again? How will it affect your relationship with them and their other parent?
Then, there are the additional stresses and financial strains from additional legal cases. Fighting a first-time DWI charge is tough enough as you work to get the best possible outcome.
A criminal case for a felony charge is even harder because of the additional factors and higher stakes. But then you have the civil cases brought on by the victims or families of victims. They can sue for personal injury due to a pedestrian injury or for wrongful death.
Getting the Best Texas Felony DWI Defense Lawyers On Your Side
Felony DWIs, especially cases of assault and manslaughter, are as bad as it gets when it comes to legal cases. Still, you can’t give up hope and assume you’ll get the full jail term or the full fine. A skilled DWI lawyer can build a case and help you out.
They may find enough evidence to bring the sentence down and make a bargain. They may even be able to strike out a prior arrest and get your case down to a second offense misdemeanor. Either way, you don’t know until you try. There is nothing to lose in hiring top felony DWI lawyers and a lot to gain.
Also, don’t forget to call for legal representation as soon as possible, regardless of the type of DWI charge you end up facing. You can still protect your rights to a fair trial and due process on a first-time offense and have expert legal teams get the best result possible.
This legal expertise will make it easier to deal with the process without further incrimination and will help hold the police department to a higher standard.
Basically, DWI layers in Texas are a valuable resource for anyone facing drunk driving charges – whatever the severity. Seek help, follow their advice, and see how they can help you lessen some of those potential penalties.
