Austin, Texas Second and Third DWI Arrest Lawyers

Attorneys in Travis County for Repeat Drunk Driving Offenses

If you are facing charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas, the penalties to which you could be subject for a conviction depend on a number of factors. One of the most important of these factors is your history of drunk driving offenses—specifically whether you have a prior DWI conviction on your record. First-time offenders are often able to avoid serious jail time by negotiating plea deals or agreeing to participate in a pre-trial intervention program. Things become much more serious, however, when you are charged with DWI for a second or third time.

In such a situation, it is critical to choose a law firm that has the experience, knowledge, and resources to protect your rights and your future. At Morales Law Office, Attorneys at Law, PLLC., in Austin, Texas, our criminal defense team has been helping clients charged with second and third DWI offenses since 1996. Our skilled attorneys have more than 50 years of combined criminal law experience, and we know what it takes to get results, even in the toughest cases. Let us put our proven approach to work for you.

Repeat DWI and Increased Penalties

Any alleged DWI offense in the state of Texas is serious, and being convicted could land you in jail, even for a first offense. When you are facing a DWI charge and there is a prior DWI conviction in your past, your new charges will be more serious and the potential penalties will be more severe. A third DWI offense is automatically handled as a felony charge. It is important to realize that a prior DWI conviction never "drops off" your record. This means that even if your first DWI was 25 years ago, being charged again now will still be treated as a repeat offense.

A second DWI charge in Texas is generally prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor, the penalties for which could include between 30 days and one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Your driver's license will also be suspended for as long as two years, and you will probably be ordered to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on any vehicle you drive. There is a good chance that you will be required to take part in a DWI education or intervention program as well.

Any DWI charge after your second is prosecuted as a third-degree felony, though more serious charges are possible depending on the circumstances. A third or subsequent conviction on Texas DWI charges will result in penalties that might include incarceration in state prison for up to 10 years, a maximum fine of $10,000, and a two-year driver's license suspension. The requirements for an IID and participation in an alcohol intervention or education program may also apply.

Protecting Your Future in Williamson County and Ector County

At Morales Law Office, Attorneys at Law, PLLC., we understand that prosecutors and judges in Texas can be extremely tough on defendants who are charged with DWI for the second or third time. A first DWI offense often results from carelessness, but when subsequent charges are filed, it suggests an undesirable pattern of reckless behavior. Our attorneys, however, believe that you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of what is in your past.

When you contact us to help with your repeat DWI charges, we will make you and your case a priority. We will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances of your arrest, including any evidence that the prosecuting attorney may have. Our team will work closely with you in building a defense customized to meet the specifics of your situation. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to DWI defense, and we will put together a strategy to get you the best outcome possible. From negotiations with prosecutors to litigation inside the courtroom, our attorneys will ensure that your best interests are protected throughout the proceedings.

Schedule a Free Consultation

To learn more about building a defense against second or third DWI charges in Texas, contact our office. Call 512-474-2222 or 432-570-1499 for your free initial consultation today. As part of our commitment to you, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our firm represents clients in Travis County, Midland County, Ector County, Williamson County, Hays County, and the surrounding communities. Hablamos Español.