WHAT IS A FELONY DWI?
Felony DWI in Texas is a serious charge that can have a major impact on your life beyond the associated penalties and punishments for the actual charge. Felony convictions can disqualify you from voting, obtaining certain jobs, renting apartments, and owning a firearm.
There are four intoxication related offenses that can be classified as a Felony DWI:
- A DWI 3rd or more offense
- A DWI with a child passenger
- Intoxication Assault
- Intoxication Manslaughter
State jail felonies can result in a fine of up to $10,000 and confinement in a state jail for any term not more than 2 years or less than 180 days. Your driver’s license may also be suspended from 90 days to 2 years.
If you are convicted, you will be assessed an annual $1,000 to $2,000 surcharge fee each year for 3 years in order to retain your driver’s license. If you are facing a DWI felony charge, seeking legal counsel may help you understand your charges, potential consequences, and other complicated legal components of navigating your case.
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Felony DWI in Texas and Required Restrictions
A conviction for Felony DWI in Texas often comes with a number of restrictions and requirements placed upon you by the court. Some of these restrictions are relevant even if you have only been charged, and not yet convicted, of a Felony DWI.
The court may require several things of you, including:
- Installing a vehicle ignition interlock device on your car
A vehicle ignition interlock system detects the presence of alcohol in your breath. When it detects a certain amount of alcohol, it will disable your vehicle for a set duration. This is often a condition of bond, and you will not be allowed to operate a motor vehicle without it.
- Abstaining from the use of alcohol or controlled substances without a prescription
Many courts may require that you completely avoid the use of alcohol or controlled substances, except when a prescription dictates necessary use of an otherwise controlled substance. This may be enforced through random or regular drug testing depending on the circumstances of your case.
- Abstaining from operating a motor vehicle until the results of your case are no longer pending
In some cases, the court will order that you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle while your case is pending. The circumstances and severity of your charges may vary, but Felony DWI charges are often accompanied by a higher number of stipulations and requirements.
What to Do When Facing a Felony DWI
If you are charged with any of these offenses, you should consider working with a particularly experienced and knowledgeable legal advocate. Houston DWI attorneys at Trichter & LeGrand have handled hundreds of Felony DWI cases, so we are well equipped to help you navigate the legal process ahead.
DWI and Felony DWI cases can be a complicated and intricate legal battle, relying on evidence and science that may not always be completely accurate or appropriate for an individual’s case, potentially leading to convictions of the wrongly accused. We understand those processes, and are prepared to help you fight for better results in your case.
Mr. Trichter and the entire staff was extremely knowledgeable, professional, caring and compassionate. Mr. Trichter has an immense amount of knowledge. Including the details and specifics of dealing with the FAA after an arrest. As a fellow aviator and aviation enthusiast there is connection and passion that is priceless. Anytime I had a question or concern I knew I could reach out and have a reliable and caring person to help me. The end result of the case was favorable but more importantly the personal growth I obtained with the help of Mr. Trichter is something I will have for the rest of my life. I am so thankful I chose Mr. Trichter to represent me.Ross “Maverick”27/10/2022
If you are in search of a good lawyer, or having doubts about choosing one that will remain in your corner and back your play, I strongly recommend Mr.Gary Trichter, Mr.Trichter along with his legal staff were super beneficial and helpful to me when I needed help the most as a good DWI team they came together and got me through one of the darkest times in my life and I couldn’t be more appreciative and thankful, all the hard work and dedication from the Trichter law team, I would strongly recommend them to anyone In need of assistance for DWI or just a good lawyer to go to bat for you in your time of need.Brandon Baker18/09/2022
Of course america, Mr trichter is the best lawyer I see ever .Paris Pshouq15/09/2022
I was referred to Mr. Trichter by a close family friend. Two of his family member had used him to represent them in their DWI case and were both very pleased with his work. After having Mr. Trichter represent me I can fully understand why. I can not express the amount of gratitude I have for him. He is an amazing attorney and the best at his job by far. But more then that he is an amazing person that truly care about his client. I will forever be great full for what he has done for me in helping me have my case dismissed. Thank you again Gary!!!Luke Fritz14/09/2022
Aaron White was very helpful and detailed. Explained things to me every step of the way and was able to get my case dismissed. Thank you very much!Josh Reynolds24/08/2022I feel very fortunate to have selected Greg Houlton to represent me in my two DUI cases. My arrests occurred within three months of each other and I was sure I'd be facing jailtime, considering the circumstances of my arrests. It was a very difficult time and I was obviously struggling in my personal life. But within the first few minutes of meeting Greg, he made me feel very comfortable and insisted that I take care of myself, first and foremost, and let him deal with the legal proceedings. So that's what I did and Greg won both of my ALR hearings and got one of my cases dismissed. I received a year and a half of probation with no jailtime or significant fine. Greg by far exceeded my expectations and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. I can't say enough about Greg and his professionalism and the calming effect he had on me throughout this stressful period.KM01/08/2022Don’t think about it twice. If you need help with a DWI hire my man Leslie LeGrand!Air Wreck03/07/2022
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