Austin Multiple DWI Attorney
Legal Representation for Multiple Drunk Driving Charges in TX
Being arrested and charged with DWI in the state of Texas puts your freedom and future at stake, and a conviction leaves you with the detriment of a permanent criminal record. The penalties for a second, third, or subsequent Texas DWI within a 10-year time frame are severe, including imprisonment, hefty fines, probation, and more.
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our Austin multiple DWI lawyers are committed to meeting your legal needs. If you are facing charges of multiple DWI, our criminal defense team will tenaciously defend your rights in court and using every legal avenue to seek a favorable outcome, which may help minimize the consequences. We have a thorough understanding of all facets of DWI law, from the initial stop to field sobriety tests to how chemical testing was conducted. With our help, your chances for a positive outcome can be increased.
Contact our firm at (512) 359-3743 to arrange for a free, initial consultation with our Austin multiple DWI attorneys today.
Multiple DWI Charges in Texas
A multiple DWI charge means that you have been found driving while intoxicated in a second, third, or subsequent offense within 10 years of your first DWI. Multiple DWI charges and convictions are much more serious than the initial offense because you are seen as a repeat offender. A past conviction is information the judge and jury will be presented with at the outset, which can put you at an unfair disadvantage right out of the gate.
Texas Second DWI Offense
A second DWI offense in Texas is charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which may include a mandatory minimum time in jail.
Penalties for a second-offense DWI include:
- 72 hours up to 1 year in jail
- Fines as high as $6,000
- Driver’s license suspension of 6 months up to 2 years
- Probation of up to 2 years
If your second DWI involves any aggravating circumstances, you may find yourself facing felony charges. Aggravating circumstances can include causing property damage, serious bodily injury to another, or death to another. In the case of property damage, you could be charged with the misdemeanor of reckless damage or the felony of criminal mischief. How you are charged and the penalties that will follow will be based on the type of damage done and its financial value.
If your second DWI results in a traffic crash that seriously injures someone else, you may face the charge of intoxication assault. This type of assault is charged as a third-degree felony. It is generally defined as causing a significant risk of death, causing some type of loss or impairment of a body part or function, or causing disfigurement. The offense carries a prison term of 2 to 10 years and/or fines of up to $10,000.
A second DWI resulting in the death of another is the most serious of this category. As a homicide, it is charged as intoxication manslaughter, which is a second-degree felony. Penalties include up to 20 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000.
Texas Third DWI Offense
If you have two prior DWI convictions, a third offense will be charged as a felony under state law. In the past, a third DWI would be charged as a Class B Misdemeanor and treated as a first offense if at least 10 years had passed since the date of the last DWI, but this is no longer the case. Today, any prior DWIs can be used to enhance a new charge.
The penalties for a third DWI include:
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Imprisonment for 2 to 10 years
- Driver’s license suspension for 180 days to up to 2 years
If your third offense involves aggravating circumstances, such as causing a traffic accident, you will likely face enhanced charges and penalties. If you cause property damage, you may face additional charges beyond the DWI of reckless damage or criminal mischief. How you are additionally charged will depend on the type and extent of damage. You may also be required to pay to the owner. If your third offense involves serious bodily injury or death to another, you will face either intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter.
Aggressive Legal Representation for Your Multiple DWI Case in TX
The penalties in cases of multiple DWI are severe and will lead to a permanent criminal record. The repercussions of such a conviction can haunt you for many years, which is why it’s vital to avail yourself of trusted and competent legal assistance. The Austin multiple DWI attorneys at Smith & Vinson Law Firm will thoroughly investigate all aspects of your arrest, gather and analyze crucial evidence to build your case, and aggressively defend your rights in court. We are committed to helping you pursue a favorable outcome, no matter how complex or challenging your situation may appear to be.
Ready to discuss your case with a Austin multiple DWI lawyer? Contact us at (512) 359-3743 to get started today.
Our Client Reviews
Earning Our Reputation by Protecting Yours
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Smith and Vinson are absolutely incredible! They go above and beyond to help their clients and have a track record of success in getting cases dismissed. Their aggressive approach and unwavering dedication make them stand out from the rest.- Linda W.
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What sets this firm apart is their unwavering dedication to their clients. They listen attentively, provide clear guidance, and approach every case with the utmost diligence. Their attention to detail is truly impressive, and they leave no stone unturned.- Former Client
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When in battle you need people by your side who are fierce enough to face the opposition with you. Brad and Jarod far exceeded my expectations with their passion for winning and attention to detail.- Nikki C.
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After the Jury was selected, the first witness was called to the stand, and Brad and Jarrod imploded the State's case. Moments later, the case was dismissed. I couldn't be any more thankful for Smith & Vinson.- Former Client
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
Our client was pulled over for a traffic violation. Officer smelled alcohol, client admitted to consuming a few drinks. Officer also noted slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Client performed the SFST’s (roadside tests). Officer said he failed all 3, eye test, walk and turn and one-leg stand. Officer placed client under arrest and asked him for a sample of breath and/or blood. Client refused. Officer did not get a blood warrant.
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Case Dismissed Aggravated Assault w/ Deadly Weapon
Our client, a veteran with no criminal history, allegedly got into an altercation at a gas station after an argument about politics that started verbal turned physical. The client drove away before the other parties called police. Police caught up to him and arrested him, not only for the alleged altercation, but on suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated.
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Case Dismissed DWI
Our client, a veteran, fell asleep at the wheel and was involved in an accident. He was arrested for DWI and refused to give a breath or blood sample to the police. He came to us concerned that a DWI conviction would put an end to his military benefits. We received a plea offer for a DWI conviction with 15 months of probation, but we knew we could do better.
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Case Dismissed Assault Family Violence
Our client was charged with Assault Family Violence after an argument with his girlfriend in their shared residence. At the time of his arrest our Client was a young father who also worked for the city. Having this charge put him as risk of losing a custody battle for his child and his stable employment.
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Case Dismissed; Charges Reduced Two Counts of Sexual Assault of a Child
Our client was arrested after two girls he met online turned out to be underage. He was charged with four counts of sex assault of a child. The State interviewed the girls and obtained incriminating cell phone evidence, as well as evidence of drug use. The DA’s Office aggressively prosecuted this case and sought prison time.