Facing A Third-Time Or More DWI Charge In Victoria
Facing a third driving while impaired (DWI) charge is a life-changing event. Unlike previous charges, the state no longer views this as a misdemeanor traffic offense. It is now a felony. This shift brings a level of seriousness that can be terrifying.
Our Victoria DWI attorneys at Dornburg Law understand the gravity of your situation. We also know that addiction or personal struggles often play a role in these cases. We are not here to judge you; we are here to defend you. Since 1999, we have stood by clients facing felony DWI charges. Our goal is to protect your future and find a solution that helps you move forward.
Charges You Could Face For A Third DWI Offense
When you are arrested for a third DWI, you are facing a third-degree felony charge. This is a major escalation from a misdemeanor. The prosecution does not need to prove you hurt anyone or caused an accident. Simply having two prior convictions is enough to trigger this felony status.
The state will look at your entire history, and they will use every resource they have to secure a conviction. Because this is a felony, the case will be heard in a District Court, and the stakes are much higher than in County Court.
Penalties For A Third-Time DWI In Texas
The punishments for a third-degree felony are severe. The state sets these penalties high to deter repeat offenses. If convicted, you face a fine of up to $10,000 and two to 10 years in prison. This is time in a state penitentiary, not just the local county jail.
You will also lose your driver’s license for up to two years. There are also state fines you must pay, which are separate from the court fine. This can cost $3,000, $4,500 or $6,000.
As your criminal defense lawyers, we will work hard to find alternatives to incarceration. In some cases, we can advocate for specialized probation programs. These programs focus on treatment rather than punishment. By showing the court that you are willing to seek help, we could negotiate a plea to avoid prison time.
How A Victoria DWI Attorney Can Help
Defending a felony DWI requires an aggressive strategy. We will start by looking at your past convictions. If there were legal errors in your first or second DWI cases, we might be able to stop the state from using them to enhance your current charge. If we can knock out a prior conviction, the current charge might drop back down to a misdemeanor.
We will also challenge the current evidence. We will review the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, and the blood or breath results for any mistakes. As your defense team, we fight to lower the bond, reduce the charge or seek a dismissal if possible.
Don’t Face A DWI Felony Charge Alone. Call Dornburg Law Today.
A felony charge puts your entire future at risk. You need a defense team that has experience with high-stakes cases in Victoria. We have been protecting our neighbors for over 25 years. We are familiar with the local courts, and we can build a defense that targets the weaknesses in the case against you. Call 361-570-4444 or complete this form to know how we can help.