Multiple DWI Attorney Dallas, TX

Defense for Second or Subsequent Drunk Driving Charges in TX

In Texas, a first-offense driving while intoxicated conviction may result in up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000. The penalties increase substantially for each subsequent conviction. This means that if you're charged with a second or third DWI, you could be facing severe consequences that may affect your personal life, finances, and ability to operate a vehicle on Texas roads. To effectively fight your charges and seek to avoid or minimize penalties, you need a lawyer on your side who is ready to provide the aggressive defense you need.

Backed by over 140 years of combined experience and having handled numerous multiple DWI matters, our Dallas lawyers can deliver sound advice, as well as zealous advocacy for your case. At Scott H. Palmer, P.C., two of our attorneys are former prosecutors, and Attorney Scott Palmer is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We have a wealth of knowledge and resources to bring to your case, and, because we work together, you'll have a team of attorneys skillfully guiding you through the entire judicial process. We are prepared to work tirelessly toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Have questions about your drunk driving charges? Call our Dallas multiple DWI attorneys at (214) 891-3382 for answers and to learn more about your legal options.

What Is a DWI?

In Texas, a DWI is charged when someone operates a vehicle in a public space when they are intoxicated by alcohol and/or drugs.

"Intoxicated" is defined as either:

• Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, or
• Being impaired to the point that normal physical or mental faculties are compromised

What this means is that if you're weaving in and out of lanes while driving and an officer pulls you over, they could arrest you for DWI regardless of whether or not your BAC was at .08 or higher.

Additionally, Texas operates under implied consent laws, meaning when you got your driver's license, you automatically gave permission to have your blood or breath sample taken as part of a DWI arrest. Thus, if you refuse a chemical test to determine your BAC level, you may be subject to an automatic driver's license suspension of 180 days.

Penalties for Multiple DWIs in Texas

As mentioned earlier, second and subsequent DWIs are charged at higher classes and levels than a first-time offense. The penalties you could face depend on whether you are accused of a second or third DWI.

A second offense DWI is a Class A misdemeanor and carries the following penalties:

• Up to $4,000 in fines
• 30 days to 1 year in jail
• Driver's license suspension for up to 1 year
• Additional $3,500 penalty for an offense occurring within 36 months of the previous

A third offense DWI is a third-degree felony and may be penalized by:

• Up to $10,000 in fines
• 2 to 10 years in prison
• Driver's license suspension for up to 2 years
• Additional $3,500 penalty for an offense occurring within 36 months of the previous

Ready to Stand Up for Your DWI Charges in Texas

If you have been charged with a second or subsequent DWI, you need skilled defense on your side as soon as possible. The decisions you make or actions you take at the beginning of your case can have a substantial impact on the outcome.

At Scott H. Palmer, P.C., from the moment you retain our services, we'll provide answers to your questions and sound guidance to help you make informed decisions about how to proceed with your case. Our Dallas multiple DWI lawyers will also examine every detail of your situation, including the initial stop, arrest, and process for taking blood or breath samples, to determine what defenses may be raised on your behalf.

Speak with a Dallas multiple DWI attorney by contacting us at (214) 891-3382.