When a DWI Becomes a Felony in Texas

When you are accused of a felony DWI in Houston (Texas), you can expect to be treated like a convicted murderer. The criminal justice system in Texas doesn’t take too kindly to the commission of felonies, and with the number DWI deaths in Texas being perceived to be at catastrophic levels, don’t expect much love from the State of Texas if you’ve been accused of a felonious DWI offense, or any other class of DWI crime for that matter.

Criminal Penalties For A Felony DWI Conviction

A conviction for a felony case of driving while intoxicated will cause a number of negative repercussions in your life in the event that you are found guilty in the court of law. Aside from the lighter penalty of a two year suspension of your Texas Drivers License, a felony conviction for driving while intoxicated could net financial penalties of up to 10,000.00 and a possible 20 year prison sentence.

If you’re ever accused of a felony DWI, we recommend talking with an experienced Houston DWI Attorney immediately for the best chance of a strong legal defense by having it in the able hands of a top lawyer.

The nationally renown law firm also has offices in League City, and Galveston, Texas for the convenience of the good people of southeast Texas.

When working with a lawyer for your criminal case it’s important to ensure that they’re experienced when it comes to fighting criminal allegations similar to yours with a big plus being a certification in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

DWI Charges That May Result In a Felony

• A Conviction for a 3rd Driving While Intoxicated Criminal Offense
• Intoxication assault (Cases in which there is a motor vehicle accident as a result of driving while intoxicated.)
• Intoxication manslaughter (Cases in which death or serious injuries occur as a result of driving while intoxicated.)
• DWI with a child passenger (This is basically being caught drunk while driving with a child or a minor in the vehicle as a passenger.)

Texas Driver’s Rights

If you’re ever in a road-side encounter with a law enforcement agency in Houston, Galveston, Harris County, or League City, Texas, there are a number of rights that you have as a driver which are derived from the Constitution of the United States.

You have the right to refuse any of those crazy questions police have a tendency to ask related to where you are coming from or heading to. You certainly don’t have to answer any questions related to whether or not you’ve been drinking alcoholic beverages. Also, you don’t have to discuss any of your medical history with the police, and you also have the right to lawfully refuse any field sobriety testing or “blowing”.

However, you are compelled by law to show police your drivers license, car insurance, or vehicle registration if they ask for it. If you refuse to give the police officer or sheriff’s deputy this information, it may result in you being jailed and having your vehicle towed to a car impound lot while the police process you for identification purposes. This normally happens at a jail.

If this happens to you, it will do nothing more than add to the costs associated with dealing with the criminal justice system as a suspect of a crime. Consider the cost of a bail bond and the cost of getting your vehicle out of storage. As you can see, the costs can rise quickly.

Once these costs begin to soar, you have a 0% chance of recouping any of these expended funds in the event that you are found not guilty in the court of law. With that understood, its best to cooperate with the police if you are pulled over and prevent being arrested for a DWI offense in Texas.