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Motorists all understand that a DWI conviction is a dark stain on their driving record that can lead to serious financial and social consequences (and even to jail time). The reality is, however, the situation becomes far more serious if the charge is not your first. If you are facing a second (or higher) DWI charge, it is time to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Grave Consequences
In the State of Texas, the consequences of being convicted of a repeat DWI offense can be exceptionally high, and a few repeat offenders have even been sentenced to life behind bars. The grave consequences associated with multiple DWI convictions break down as follows:
If you are convicted of a third DWI, it is a third-degree felony charge that can lead to a jail sentence of from 2 to 10 years, to fines of up to $10,000, and to a license revocation of up to 2 years.
If you have already served time in prison for a DWI conviction, another conviction amounts to a second-degree felony that can lead to from 2 to 20 years in prison, to fines of up to $10,000, and to a license revocation of up to 2 years.
If you have already served time in prison twice for DWI convictions, another conviction can leave you looking at from 25 years to life behind bars.
Suffice to say that Texas takes its DWI laws exceptionally seriously.
Over the Limit Is Over the Limit
If you are stopped while driving and your blood alcohol concentration is above 0.08 percent, you can be charged with DWI. While many factors can affect your BAC, the police officer who charges you will not be interested in why you happen to be over the limit. If the offense is your first or second, you will likely face either a Class A or Class B misdemeanor. With the heightened awareness drivers have regarding the dangers of driving while under the influence, the judge who presides over your case will not be likely to give you the benefit of the doubt after a second conviction, so you expect to face stiff consequences.
A Charge Is Not the Same as a Conviction
If you are facing a repeat DWI charge, it is not the same as a conviction, and you have legal rights. One of these is the right to ardently defend yourself against the charge in the first place. The most important point to remember going forward is that you are not alone and that an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help.
You Need an Experienced Killeen Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side
If you are facing a repeat DWI charge, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard – proudly serving Killeen, Texas – is a savvy criminal defense lawyer who is committed to employing the full force of his impressive experience in the aggressive pursuit of your case's best possible resolution. To learn more about how we can help, please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.