Houston’s DWI Task Force takes drunk driving very seriously. Under Texas law, a third driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense will likely be charged as a third-degree felony. Penalties for a conviction could include significant fines, time behind bars, and more. This is a serious accusation, and you want an attorney from our firm to manage your case.
Our Houston DWI lawyer at Blass Law has the experience, knowledge, training, and resources to build a robust case and fight for your future. He may be able to get the charges dropped and clear your name. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with our team.
Let Our Houston DWI Lawyer Handle Your Third-Offense Drunk Driving Case
At Blass Law, our Houston criminal defense lawyer is committed to providing our clients with the absolute best care possible while seeking out full and fair compensation after these challenging cases.
DWI defense is one of the cornerstones of Attorney Jay Blass Cohen’s practice at Blass Law. He is committed to fighting for his clients, using his experience, knowledge, and resources to build the strongest defenses possible. His reputation is built on Keeping Innocent People Innocent®, and our firm’s case results show it.
Jay is certified as an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist. He pairs his knowledge of the law with his education and experience in forensic chromatography for both alcohol and drugs. He is well-equipped to analyze the evidence in your case and develop a compelling defense.
If you were arrested for a DWI in Houston and have a history of convictions for drunk or drugged driving, you want experience and resources on your side. Call us for a confidential consultation to learn more.
What Penalties Could a Houston Third-Offense DWI Attorney Help Me Avoid?
When convicted of felony DWI, individuals in Texas generally face jail time, a fine, a driver’s license suspension, and other penalties that come with a felony conviction, such as losing your right to vote or carry a firearm. In addition, it could make it more difficult to find a job or a place to live because you will need to explain your convictions on any background check.
Texas generally treats most DWI charges as misdemeanors. If convicted, the individual might go to a county jail for a short time or pay fines and go to drug or alcohol counseling. For the third offense, though, the DWI charge is usually a third-degree felony.
Texas uses lifetime lookback periods. While some states may only look back five or 10 years when counting your previous offenses, Texas considers your entire previous record. This means you could get a third-offense DWI decades after the first two.
When it comes to a conviction in one of these cases, the penalties can be life-altering. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), a typical sentence could include:
Time Behind Bars
Generally, a third DWI conviction will result in two to 10 years in prison. It may be possible to get probation for most of this sentence, but most people spend a few days behind bars.
Probation
If you receive probation, you will have additional tasks to complete during this time. This could include:
- Community service
- A drug and alcohol abuse evaluation
- DWI education repeat offender course
Fines and Fees
Fines in these cases do not exceed $10,000, and some are much lower. However, there are also numerous other fees you will need to cover as a part of this process. This could include court costs and the costs to install and maintain an interlock device in your vehicle.
Driver’s License Suspension
TxDOT lists a two-year driver’s license suspension as one of the consequences of a third DWI conviction. Once this suspension ends, the court could require an interlock device in your vehicle for an additional period. You will pay to lease, install, and monitor this device.
What Are the Most Common Defense Strategies for a Houston Third-Offense DWI Attorney?
There are a number of defense strategies that could prove effective in clearing your name, getting charges dropped, or reducing the penalties if convicted. The strategy we use in your case will depend entirely on the circumstances and case facts.
First, the prosecutors will need to provide proof of your previous DWI arrests and convictions. This is not always as simple as it seems, and it may be possible to challenge a previous case because it occurred in another state with different laws or for another reason.
Our attorney knows exactly how to review the scientific details of DWI arrests thanks to his training as a certified lawyer-scientist and experience with field sobriety testing. He knows how to challenge field sobriety, blood, and breath tests when necessary.
He can also identify issues or inconsistencies in police reports and testimony and has fought and won cases based on stops that lacked a clear probable cause, as well.
When Should I Contact a Houston Third-Offense DWI Lawyer to Handle My Case?
We encourage you to connect with our team as soon as possible following your arrest. The sooner we can begin managing your case, the stronger our approach. It may be possible to prevent the charges from happening or to get them dropped. You want us on your side quickly so our Houston attorney can develop and implement a defense strategy to protect your best interests and limit the effects your arrest has on your daily life.
If the case against you proceeds, our Houston third-offense DWI lawyer has the knowledge and resources you need behind you. We will represent you to the court, including the judge and jury, if the case goes to trial. We will take the necessary steps to fight for your future and prevent you from experiencing the most significant penalties associated with a third-offense DWI conviction.
Talk to Our Team About Your Houston Third-Offense DWI During a Confidential Consultation
Blass Law provides confidential consultations for those facing Houston DWI charges, regardless of your history. Our
Houston third-offense DWI lawyer will fight for your best interests, including your freedom and your future. Contact us now to get started. We are here to help you when you need us most.