El Paso Multiple DWI Lawyer

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious criminal offense in Texas. A first-time conviction can result in a license suspension, fines, and a criminal record. If you are arrested and charged with a second, third, or subsequent DWI offense, the penalties become even more severe.

At Joseph Veith Law, our El Paso multiple DWI attorney understands the stakes involved in these cases. We provide aggressive, personalized legal representation to individuals who are facing multiple DWI charges in El Paso and the surrounding areas. Our firm is available to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Call us at (915) 600-6045 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.

Multiple DWI Convictions

Generally speaking, a second or subsequent DWI conviction will result in more severe penalties than a first-time conviction. However, the specific penalties you face for a second, third, or subsequent DWI in Texas will depend on the number of prior convictions you have, the length of time that has passed since the prior conviction, and other factors.

Under Texas law, the penalties for a second, third, or subsequent DWI conviction are as follows:

• Second DWI Conviction – A second DWI conviction in Texas is a Class A misdemeanor. This is punishable by up to 1 year in jail, fines of up to $4,000, a driver’s license suspension of up to 2 years, and the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.
• Third DWI Conviction – A third DWI conviction is also a third-degree felony. This is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, a driver’s license suspension of up to 2 years, and the installation of an IID on your vehicle.
• Subsequent DWI Convictions – If you have two or more prior DWI convictions, you can be charged with a state jail felony. This is punishable by between 180 days and 2 years in state jail, fines of up to $10,000, a driver’s license suspension of up to 2 years, and the installation of an IID on your vehicle.

It is important to note that the penalties for a DWI conviction can be even more severe if you have a prior conviction for intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter. These are both felony offenses that involve driving while intoxicated and causing serious injury or death to another person, respectively. If you have a prior conviction for either of these offenses, a second DWI conviction can be charged as a felony.

How Many DWIs Are Felonies in Texas?

In Texas, a driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense is typically a misdemeanor crime. This is true even if you have prior DWI convictions on your record. However, a second, third, or subsequent DWI conviction can be charged as a felony if certain circumstances apply.

Under Texas law, a second or subsequent DWI conviction can be charged as a felony if:

• You have two or more prior DWI convictions on your record
• You have a prior conviction for intoxication assault
• You have a prior conviction for intoxication manslaughter

Intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter are both felony offenses that involve DWI and causing serious injury or death to another person, respectively. Therefore, if you have a prior conviction for either of these offenses, a second DWI can be charged as a felony.

The penalties for a felony DWI conviction in Texas are as follows:

• Third-Degree Felony – A third DWI conviction is a third-degree felony. This is punishable by between 2 and 10 years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, a driver’s license suspension of up to 2 years, and the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.
• State Jail Felony – If you have two or more prior DWI convictions, you can be charged with a state jail felony. This is punishable by between 180 days and 2 years in state jail, fines of up to $10,000, a driver’s license suspension of up to 2 years, and the installation of an IID on your vehicle.

If you have been charged with a DWI in Texas, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the potential penalties you face and work to develop a strong defense strategy to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom.

How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Record in Texas?

DWI is a serious criminal offense in Texas. A conviction can result in a criminal record, fines, a driver’s license suspension, and other serious consequences. Additionally, a DWI conviction will stay on your criminal record forever unless you are eligible for an expunction or order of nondisclosure.

Expunction is available if:

• You were arrested for DWI but you were not convicted
• You were convicted of DWI but your conviction was overturned on appeal

If you are eligible for an expunction, you can have all records and information related to your DWI arrest and/or conviction destroyed. This means that, once an expunction is granted, it is as if the arrest or conviction never happened. This can be especially beneficial when it comes to employment, as you will not have to disclose your DWI arrest or conviction to potential employers.

An order of nondisclosure is available if:

• You were convicted of a first-time DWI
• You successfully completed probation

An order of nondisclosure seals your DWI conviction from public view. This means that, while law enforcement agencies and certain other entities will still be able to see the conviction, it will not be visible to the general public. As a result, you will not have to disclose your DWI conviction to most potential employers. However, it is important to note that an order of nondisclosure is not the same as an expunction; certain entities, such as state licensing agencies, will still be able to see the conviction, and you will need to disclose the conviction in certain circumstances.

An expunction or order of nondisclosure can provide you with a fresh start after a DWI arrest or conviction. If you have been arrested for DWI in Texas, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and work to protect your record.

Defending Against Multiple DWI Charges

If you have been charged with a second, third, or subsequent DWI offense, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you understand the potential consequences you face and work to develop a strong defense strategy.

At Joseph Veith Law, our El Paso multiple DWI lawyer can help you fight back against the charges by:

• Reviewing the arrest – We can carefully review the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence against you to determine if any of your rights were violated. If the police made errors or mistakes or violated your constitutional rights, we can file a motion to suppress the evidence and work to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
• Challenging the evidence – We can work to challenge the admissibility and accuracy of the evidence against you. For example, if the Breathalyzer or blood test results were inaccurate, we can work with experts to challenge the results. In some cases, this can result in the charges being dismissed or reduced.
• Negotiating with the prosecution – We understand that every case is unique, and we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. However, in many cases, it is possible to negotiate a favorable plea agreement with the prosecution. We can represent you in all plea negotiations and work to get the charges reduced and/or the penalties minimized.
• Protecting your rights and your future – Our firm will fight aggressively for you at every stage of the legal process. We are committed to protecting your rights, your future, and your freedom, and we will do everything we can to get the best possible outcome in your case.

Joseph Veith Law has a proven track record of success in DWI cases. We know the law, the legal process, and the defenses that work. Our firm is available to provide you with the sound legal counsel, compassionate support, and aggressive representation you need during this difficult time.

Call us at (915) 600-6045 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.