Felony DWI Charges
A felony DWI can absolutely wreck your life. Felony DWI charges in Dallas carry serious consequences. They can result in lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines and court costs. Moreover, as felony it can leave you with a permanent record and can deprive you of important rights like voting and owning a firearm. With so much on the line, you need an experienced Dallas felony DWI attorney on your side. You need someone you can trust.
Dallas Third DWI Attorney
We understand that good people who make mistakes can get railroaded when they don’t have someone fighting for them. The good news prosecutors must prove their allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest burden of proof in our justice system. The court must find you not guilty if the prosecutor cannot rule a single reasonable doubt. This can be a powerful defense when implemented in your defense by a skilled Dallas felony DWI attorney. Finally, a strong defense can lead to fantastic outcomes. For example, acquittal, rejection of charges, grand jury no-bill, and reduction of charges could be possibilities.
If you or someone you love is facing a felony DWI charge in Dallas, contact the Law Offices of Mike Howard. Dallas criminal defense lawyer Mike Howard will give you an honest assessment of your case and explain the law and your legal options. Furthermore, he will stand with you and do everything he can to prevent the serious consequences of a conviction.
Our Case Process
Listen & Understand
We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then we make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.
Open Communication
We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.
Fight for Justice
Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you.
DWI Third Charges in Dallas
A person commits driving while intoxicated (Texas Penal Code § 49.04) if they are intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. While a first and second DWI charges are misdemeanors, a third or more DWI charge is a felony DWI.
DWI with a Child Passenger is another example of a felony DWI charge in Dallas. A person who commits DWI can be charged with DWI Child (Texas Penal Code § 49.045) if the vehicle is occupied by a passenger who is younger than 15 years of age.
Having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or above is by law “intoxication.” Intoxication is also not having the normal use of your mental or physical faculties because of alcohol or any other substance.
For information about other DWI and Intoxication related offenses, see our other DWI/DUI page and other intoxication offense pages:
- First DWI Offense
- Second DWI Offense
- Intoxication Assault
- Intoxication Manslaughter
- DWI with Child Passenger
Penalties for a Third DWI
DWI Third is generally a third-degree felony. A conviction can result in 2 – 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Other penalties can include up to 10 years of probation, installation of an ignition interlock device, an alcohol evaluation, treatment programs. Furthermore, standard conditions of probation can include community service, DWI education programs, and court costs.
Choosing The Right DWI Third Attorney in Dallas
Finding the right felony DWI attorney in Dallas can be overwhelming. After all, you are choosing someone who will hold your life, your future, and your family’s future in their hands. You have to be comfortable with them and feel that you can trust the information and advice they give you. Attorneys are supposed to always work in their clients’ best interest. That shouldn’t just be meaningless talk.
Talk to several lawyers to get a feel for them and their staff. Do they take the time necessary to get to know you, to listen to what’s important to you, and answer your questions? Do they show you that you matter to them as a person and not just as a fee? Beware of lawyers who put the hard sell on you or who make big promises. No attorney should ever make a guarantee about a case. Absolutely avoid a lawyer who doesn’t communicate the scope of the work and their fee clearly in a written contract.
What Makes Mike Howard Different
Many lawyers take advantage of their clients’ ignorance of the criminal justice process. We take the opposite approach: a knowledgeable client is a happy client, so we provide a wealth of information in the way of articles about criminal offenses, blog posts, and videos for free on our website.
Intoxication Offenses Resource Center
Intoxication offenses are amongst the most complicated criminal charges in Texas. For DWI definitions and information about DWI testing, DWI-related driver’s license suspensions, and more, see our Resource Center.
Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.
Dallas Felony DWI Attorney Mike Howard
Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas felony DWI attorney fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.
Client-Centered
The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals. I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case, but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.
Willing to Fight
Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court. I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. In addition to fighting at trial, I will also explore every option for clearing your record, including expunction. When your Dallas DWI Third attorney has a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer who fights for their clients, it can make all the difference in the world.
L.G. – DWI 3rd
Our client was facing a felony DWI due to his long record. In spite of his record and pretty bad facts, we took his case to trial and got a not guilty.
M.B. – DWI with Child Passenger
Even though his children were in the car when he got his DWI, we were able to get our client’s case reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor and get him time-served.
A.M. – DWI 2nd
Our client was a combat veteran with a previous DWI and a history of trauma related to his service. He has completed a prior pretrial diversion program so he wasn’t technically eligible for diversion again. We convinced the prosecutor to make an exception and his case was dismissed.
T.V. – DWI First
We took over our client’s case from another lawyer. He had been set for court many times before and was set for trial even though that’s not what he wanted. After one court setting we got his case reduced and got him deferred probation.
V.B. – DWI 1st > 0.15 BAC
Our client’s first DWI was enhanced due to a high blood alcohol score. We were able to get the enhancement dropped and avoid jail time.
