San Antonio Felony DWI Attorney

While a DWI is often charged as a misdemeanor in Texas, there are several circumstances that can lead to felony charges. A felony DWI conviction carries harsher penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence, fines worth tens of thousands of dollars, and a permanent criminal record.

At The Law Offices of George A. Scharmen, our San Antonio felony DWI lawyer can help you defend against felony DWI charges. We will work to reduce the charges against you, if possible, and help you protect your rights throughout the legal process. We understand that a felony conviction can have lasting effects on your life, so we will do everything we can to help you avoid the consequences of a conviction.

Learn more about your rights and the consequences of a felony DWI conviction in Texas by contacting our San Antonio felony DWI lawyer today. Contact us online or at (210) 405-9730 for a free consultation.

Understanding Felony DWI Charges in San Antonio, TX

In Texas, a DWI charge can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the accused's criminal history. A DWI can be charged as a felony if the accused has two or more prior convictions for DWI or if the accused has been convicted of an offense that involves the use of a vehicle while in possession of a controlled substance.

A third DWI conviction is a third-degree felony, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for 2 to 10 years, or both. For each subsequent DWI conviction, the penalties increase further.

Other types of felony DWI in Texas include:

• Intoxication Assault Charges: If a person causes serious bodily injury to another while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be charged with intoxication assault. This offense is a third-degree felony, carrying penalties of a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for 2 to 10 years, or both.
• Intoxication Manslaughter Penalties: If a person operates a vehicle while intoxicated and, as a result, causes the death of another person, they can be charged with intoxication manslaughter. Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Texas. The penalties for this offense include a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for 2 to 20 years, or both.
• San Antonio DWI with Child Passenger: If a person is arrested for DWI and there is a child younger than 15 years of age in the vehicle, they can be charged with DWI with a child passenger. This offense is a state jail felony in Texas, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for 180 days to 2 years in a state jail, or both.

Long-Term Impact of a Felony DWI in Texas

A felony conviction can have serious consequences for the accused. Beyond the potential jail time, fines, and license suspension, a felony conviction can have lasting effects on the accused's job prospects, housing opportunities, and future education endeavors. Felony convictions can also make it more difficult to obtain a loan or a mortgage, and they can impact an individual's ability to obtain a professional license.