If you have been convicted of a DWI in the past, you may be concerned about the possible penalties associated with additional DWI offenses. Based on the specifics of each offense, these penalties could include fines, jail time, or temporary loss of your driver’s license, all of which could have an effect on your daily life. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, explore your options, and work hard to achieve the best results for your circumstances.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, tens of thousands of people are arrested each year for driving under the influence. At Nava Law Texas, we know each of these cases are different. We offer free consultations to discuss your unique situation and to determine your next steps.
Along with the number of previous convictions, there are other factors that can affect the ultimate outcome of your case. Your penalties may be impacted if:
Combined with the DWI charge, these factors may lengthen a jail sentence, increase fines, or result in the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
The Texas Penal Code provides the penalty guidelines for each classification of offense. It is important to know the classification of your prior offense(s), as this will determine whether your most recent charge automatically puts you into a higher level of classification. Make sure your lawyer is also aware of your prior offenses.
There are certain classifications you can expect for a multiple DWI case: a Class A misdemeanor, state jail felony, or a third degree felony. The baseline penalties for these levels of classification are:
It is important to remember that any other offenses, like manslaughter, property damage, or assault, that may have occurred when driving while intoxicated will be factors in your case. These factors may result in a first or second degree felony charge. On top of fines and jail time, driving-related offenses can also result in the suspension of your driver’s license for anywhere between 180 days and 2 years.
With the right attorney, you can build the strongest case possible for your circumstances. Alyssa Nava has worked on hundreds of criminal defense cases and has been serving the El Paso area for over a decade. As a former prosecutor and a skilled negotiator, she has years of experience in the courtroom and a long history of achieving just pleas and dismissals on behalf of her clients.
A serious charge requires a serious lawyer. Fill out the contact form below to connect with the office of Alyssa Nava at Nava Law Texas.