DWI with a Child in the Car

man drinking alcohol while driving

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Brett Pritchard Law
DWI charges are exceptionally serious charges that should be taken with care. If you are stopped and charged with DWI, and you have a child in your car, the charge is far more serious still. The law must protect those who cannot protect themselves, and this naturally includes children. If you are facing a DWI charge of any kind, seek the professional legal counsel of an experienced Waco criminal defense attorney today.

The Charge of DWI with Child Passenger

When a motorist has a child passenger, he or she takes on the additional responsibility of keeping the child safe – on top of the duty of care he or she owes everyone else on the road. When a motorist gets behind the wheel while over the legal limit for alcohol (a blood alcohol concentration or BAC of 0.08 percent), the driver puts the child in danger and can face some serious legal consequences as a result. The charge is driving while intoxicated (DWI) with a child passenger, and it is a felony charge that applies whenever a drunk driver has a child under the age of 15 onboard.

If Your Charge Leads to Conviction

If you are facing a DWI with child passenger charge, a conviction can lead to an array of serious consequences (both criminal and civil), including:

  • Up to two years behind bars in a state prison

  • Fines of up to $10,000

  • A driver’s license suspension of up to six months

  • The installation of an ignition interlock device on your car

  • Treatment for alcohol and drug addiction or a rehabilitation program

While the penalties are serious even if no one is harmed by your alleged intoxication, the charges and attendant penalties can rise dramatically if someone is hurt and/or if you have a prior conviction. The civil implications of the charge relate to child endangerment, which can lead to investigations by Child Protective Services and could jeopardize the custody of your children.

A Plea Deal May (or May Not) Be Your Best Option

The charges you face and your situation are unique to the circumstances involved, and while there is not a one-size-fits-all defense approach, a plea bargain that reduces the charges you face or that lowers your sentence in exchange for a guilty plea may be the best option (in light of everything you could stand to lose). This, however, is a major decision that you should not make without the careful legal guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner.

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Waco Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you are charged with DWI with a child passenger, you need a formidable criminal defense attorney on your side, and Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Waco, Texas, is here for you. Our compassionate legal team understands the enormity of your situation and is well prepared to zealously advocate for your case’s optimal outcome. For more information about how we can help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 254-501-4040 today.
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