Multiple DWIs

Charged with your second, third or fourth DWI offense?

Multiple DWI charges are extremely serious, as the penalties in Texas for DWI are enhanced when an individual is convicted of multiple DWI charges. If you have previously been convicted of two or more related offenses over the past ten years, you may be facing serious legal trouble. When convicted of a third DWI offense, an individual will be faced with a third degree felony offense and will be punished under the law accordingly. This means a heavily increased jail sentence, much harsher fines, and title of being a convicted felon.

Legal Penalties of Multiple DWI's

When facing a second or third DWI conviction, it is no surprise that the resulting penalties will be severely enhanced. The penalties for a first time offense are already serious, but subsequent offenses may bring consequences such as:

Second DWI Conviction: A second offense is a class A misdemeanor and may include penalties of up to 30 days in jail, a $4,000 fine, a driver's license suspension of up to 2 years, and license surcharges of up to $2,000 if the driver's BAC was greater than .16%
Third DWI Conviction: A third conviction would bring the charges up to a third degree felony offense and would include penalties of 2-10 years in a state penitentiary, a $10,000 fine, a driver's license suspension of up to 2 years, and a license surcharge of up to $2,000 if the driver's BAC was greater than .16%

If you are hoping to avoid the increased penalties of a second or third DWI conviction, it is highly recommended that you contact a qualified attorney as soon as you have been arrested and charged with a crime. Knowledgeable legal counsel may be able to challenge any evidence that is being used against you, including the results of a field sobriety test and/or a breath test that was administered in the field.