Multiple DWI Defense Lawyers in Austin

Aggressive Criminal Defense Firm Fighting for You

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 DWI attorneys 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 defense 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.

A 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 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.

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.

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.

Arm Yourself with Aggressive Legal Representation

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. 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 member of our team? Contact us at (512) 359-3743 to get started today.