Austin Multiple DWI Attorneys
Legal Representation for Multiple Drunk Driving Charges in Travis County
Being arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (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 DWI within a 10-year timeframe are severe, including imprisonment, hefty fines, probation, and more.
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our Austin multiple DWI lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights. If you are facing charges of multiple DWI, our criminal defense team is here to tenaciously defend your rights in court and use every legal avenue available to seek a favorable outcome. 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. We work to reduce charges, get cases dismissed, and minimize the impact of a conviction whenever possible.
Contact us online or call (512) 359-3743 to request a free, confidential consultation.
Understanding Multiple DWI Charges in Texas
When someone is allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs for a second, third, or subsequent time within 10 years of a past DWI conviction in Texas, they face multiple DWI charges. These charges tend to be much more serious than the initial offense, as 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.
Penalties for a Second DWI Offense
Most second-time DWI offenses are charged as Class A misdemeanors in Texas, which may include mandatory minimum time in jail.
Penalties for a second-time DWI include:
- 72 hours or 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 misdemeanor reckless damage or felony 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 typically 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 form of 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.
Penalties for a 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 in Texas.
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 restitution to the owner. If your third offense involves serious bodily injury or death to another, you will face either intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter charges.
Aggressive Legal Representation for Your Multiple DWI Case
The penalties for multiple DWI in Texas 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 can 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 an 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
911 caller reported a major rollover, single car accident. EMS and fire arrived on scene. They had to break the window to get our client out of the car. He said he had swerved to miss a deer and had been up close to 18 hours before the crash. Police later arrived on scene, spoke to our client and he admitted to coming from a bar and drinking 2 martinis.
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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 2nd DWI
Our client was involved in a vehicle accident in La Grange where she was ejected from the vehicle and had to stay in the hospital. There was alcohol in the car, and she had prior DWIs. The ethanol levels in her blood came back at a .13 so she was charged with Driving While Intoxicated. This client was unaware that she was charged after she left the hospital which resulted in the charge of Bail Jumping. However she maintained that she had only an 8% functioning liver due and upon researching her medical hist
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Deferred Adjudication Aggravated Assault & Tampering with Evidence
Our client was involved in a verbal dispute that turned into an altercation where a firearm was discharged into the ground. The round ricocheted and grazed a party to the dispute. Our client was facing multiple felony convictions and a prison sentence.
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Deferred Adjudication Aggravated Assault Family Violence w/ Serious Bodily Injury
Our client was involved in a domestic altercation that resulted in one of the parties sustaining a very serious life -altering injury that required serious medical intervention. We took the case and approached our defense with heavy strong willed negotiations with the State.
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Rejected Pre-Indictment Aggravated Assault Strangulation/Impeding Airway Investigation