McKinney, TX Felony DWI Lawyers

Attorneys Helping Clients Defend Against Felony Convictions in DWI Cases in McKinney, Texas

In many cases, people who are arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas will face misdemeanor charges. First-time DWI and second-time DWI cases will usually be classified as misdemeanors. However, other types of DWI cases may involve felony charges. A person who is convicted of a felony may be required to serve time in a state jail or prison, and they will also face other types of serious consequences. To address felony DWI charges, it is important to work with an attorney who understands the specific accusations, the potential penalties, and the options for defense that may be available.

At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in felony DWI matters and other types of criminal cases. We know how people may be affected by felony charges, and we work to ensure that our clients will be able to defend against these charges successfully. We can determine the best defense strategies to use based on the circumstances involved in a case, and we will work to find solutions that will help our clients avoid serious, long-term penalties.

Situations That Can Lead to Felony DWI Charges

Repeat DWI Convictions

If a person has two or more previous DWI convictions, a third DWI offense will be charged as a third-degree felony. One prior conviction for DWI in which someone was killed will result in third-degree felony charges for a second DWI offense. There is no time limit that will apply when considering previous convictions, so any DWI convictions in Texas or other states could lead to felony charges for a new DWI offense.

DWI With a Child Passenger

In addition to DWI charges, a person may be charged with driving while intoxicated with a child passenger if a person younger than 15 years old was in their vehicle at the time of an alleged offense. This offense is a state jail felony, and felony charges will apply regardless of whether a person has any previous DWI convictions.

DWI in a School Zone

People who are accused of intoxicated driving in areas where children are at risk of harm may face enhanced DWI charges. DWI that allegedly took place in a school crossing zone at the time when a reduced speed limit was in effect can result in state jail felony charges.

Intoxication Assault

A person who is accused of causing a serious injury to another person when they were operating a vehicle while intoxicated may be charged with intoxication assault. This offense is a third-degree felony, and it may apply even if a person had never been arrested or convicted for DWI in the past.

Intoxication Manslaughter

A person who is accused of killing someone due to intoxicated driving may face more serious felony charges. Intoxication manslaughter or vehicular manslaughter charges may apply in these situations. These offenses will usually be classified as second-degree felonies.

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Penalties for a Felony DWI Conviction

The penalty range for a felony DWI will typically depend on the specific offense. A state jail felony carries a potential sentence that may last from six months to two years. A third-degree felony may lead to a sentence in a state prison lasting from two to 10 years. A second-degree felony carries a potential sentence of two to 20 years in a state prison. Felony convictions may also result in fines that may be as high as $10,000.

Why a Strong Defense Is Important in Felony DWI Cases

A felony conviction can lead to consequences that may extend beyond fines and incarceration in a state jail or prison. Felony convictions generally cannot be expunged, so a felony DWI will be a permanent part of a person's criminal record. It will be visible on background checks for the rest of their life.

The collateral consequences of a felony conviction can be significant, playing a role in a person's daily life. A person will lose the right to vote until their complete sentence has been served, including any term of probation or community supervision. Firearm restrictions will apply, permanently preventing a person from owning a gun or possessing a firearm. Professional licensing boards may decide to revoke a person's license due to a felony conviction, or they may deny a license to a person with a felony record. Employers may refuse to hire candidates who have felony convictions.

Due to the long-lasting consequences a person may face, it is crucial to address a felony DWI charge and prepare a thorough defense. At Texas Defense Firm, we can provide the representation needed to defend against a felony conviction. We may be able to challenge the reasons for a DWI traffic stop, dispute the results of chemical tests, argue that a person was not responsible for causing injuries in an accident, or take other steps to minimize the penalties that our client may face.

Our team will work to identify every possible path to resolve a felony DWI case successfully. In some cases, we may be able to negotiate reduced charges, allowing a person to avoid an outcome that would result in a felony criminal record. In others, we may present mitigating evidence to help a person receive probation instead of a sentence in jail or prison, or we may prepare to defend against a conviction in a trial. We understand the ways a felony charge can affect a person and their family, and we will provide compassionate representation and provide our clients with the assurance that they can achieve the best possible outcomes to their cases.

Contact Our McKinney Felony DWI Attorneys

Because of the long-term consequences of a felony conviction, experienced legal representation is essential from the very beginning of a case involving felony DWI charges. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys can build defense strategies to help clients address these types of charges and resolve their cases successfully. Contact our McKinney, TX felony DWI defense lawyers at 972-369-0577 to arrange a free consultation.