Is a DWI a Felony in Texas?
One of the most common crimes committed in the US is DUI, or driving under the influence. Many times people who are charged or convicted of this crime don’t even realize at the time of their offense that they were over the legal limit of alcohol in their blood content or above the legal limit of mind-altering prescription medications. Of course, you can also be charged with a DUI for driving while abusing any illegal drugs – there is no tolerance for how much you can have in your system since they are illegal to start with.
The purpose of this site is to share the information that you need to know if you are dealing with a DUI – whether you have been charged with a DUI or know somebody who has, we help you figure out what you need to do to protect yourself.
Don’t let one bad decision ruin your life – find out now what you need to do to move on with your life and take away from this experience an important life lesson.
Texas Felony DWI
You might be asking a typical question, if you are experiencing a charge of driving-under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance? Is a Texas DWI a felony?
Because DWI laws change from one authority to a different, this response isn’t so straightforward. Generally speaking though, a first time Texas DWI is really a misdemeanor.
When trying to get employment, property, as well as credit sometimes the distinction between a felony and misdemeanor can come into play. Some landlords, companies, and creditors could be ready to conduct business with somebody with what’s considered a “minimal” misdemeanor conviction, but could remove anyone with a felony conviction on history.
If you’re facing DWI charges, the most effective technique is always to keep in touch with a qualified lawyer who focuses primarily on DWI cases. An attorney qualified to take care of DUI cases in the jurisdiction where in actuality the event happened provides you with clear details about whether the specific situations of the DUI will end up in felony charges.
This varies by state, but a DWI is usually elevated to a prison sentence up to the 4th DWI sentence. Nevertheless, in a few states a good 2nd or 3rd DWI charge might be incurred as a felony.
In some instances, blood-alcohol level could also influence whether DWI is billed as a misdemeanor or even a felony. The prosecutor usually takes this under consideration as proof neglect, if blood-alcohol level is noticeably above the appropriate limit. Possibly a person who is seriously impaired as a result of the high alcohol consumption ought to know that operating in such an impaired condition will probably result in severe injury to themselves and maybe others too.
With all the details about when DWI becomes a felony, it might be beneficial to establish just what the phrases “felony” and “misdemeanor” imply. Generally in terms, a misdemeanor is just a crime punishable by around 12 months in county jail. A felony, on another hand, is punishable by 12 months or even more instate prison.
First, a first time DWI will most likely be lifted to a felony if someone was hurt because of this of the drunk driver, or if you can find reasons for assuming the driver was negligent or careless along with being damaged by alcohol.
In case of severe harm, or somebody is murdered due to DWI, the driver will probably be charged with felony vehicular manslaughter, or sometimes vehicular homicide, which has a greater sentence if the offender is convicted.
A DWI may possibly be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, so you must understand what will affect your situation. DWI attorneys could make clear all elements which are placed on your dui scenario.
Under 21 and Charged with Texas DUI?
If you are the parent of a minor-age child who has been charged with underage DUI, you know how important it is to protect a promising future. A conviction for drunk driving will be just as serious as any other misdemeanor conviction on the criminal record. A DUI can affect opportunities for jobs, school and government programs like student loans.
Half-way measures aren’t enough when it comes to protecting a young person’s future. Contact our offices to discuss the circumstances of your child’s arrest and charges. We offer a free consultation and will give you a full, honest evaluation of the case. DUI defense is all we do. Is your child’s future worth anything less?
Drug-Related Texas DWI
Driving under the influence does not only refer to alcohol. DUI charges can be the result of drug-related impairment involving legal and illegal narcotics, as well. Drivers charged with drug related driving offenses are subject to many of the same legal standards as alcohol-related charges.