San Antonio Felony DWI Lawyers
Defending Clients Against Felony DWI Charges
The majority of people arrested for impaired driving in Texas will be charged with misdemeanors. In cases of more serious circumstances, however, a driver may face felony charges. Examples of felony DWI cases include those involving drivers with previous DWI convictions or where a driver has been involved in an accident causing injury. Felony charges are a serious matter that can lead to life-changing consequences such as imprisonment, heavy fines, probation, and court-ordered community service. If you have been charged with a felony DWI, it is essential that you involve a reliable attorney immediately to defend your rights and protect your freedom and future.
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our San Antonio felony DWI attorneys have the experience and skills you need at this critical time. We fully understand all of the complexities of the law in this field and we have a precise knowledge of the legal strategies that work when building an effective defense. Our team can help you at every phase of your felony DWI case, from an initial discussion of your arrest to handling your administrative hearing to each and every court appearance. From day one, we are in your corner providing the legal support you need.
Contact Smith & Vinson Law Firm at (210) 960-9557 today.
What Leads to a Texas Felony DWI Case?
Felony DWI charges may result from:
- Being convicted of a third or subsequent DWI
- Causing serious bodily injury to another as a result of impaired driving
- Causing the death of another as a result of impaired driving
- Driving while impaired with a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle
Penalties for a third DWI charged as a third-degree felony may include two to 10 years imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, and a two-year license suspension. A fourth DWI may be charged as a second-degree felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison along with a similar fine and suspension as the third-degree felony conviction.
Similar penalties accrue for those convicted of second- or third-degree felonies in the cases of injury, fatality, or a minor in the vehicle with the exception of potentially decreased license suspension times and decreased jail time for driving impaired with a minor.
What Should You Do if You're Charged with a Felony DWI in San Antonio?
Facing a felony DWI charge in San Antonio can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. The consequences of a felony DWI conviction are severe and can significantly impact your life. It's essential to take immediate and strategic steps to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
First and foremost, seek legal representation from an experienced San Antonio felony DWI attorney. An attorney who specializes in DWI cases will understand the complexities of Texas DWI laws and can provide you with the best possible defense. Your attorney will review the details of your case, including the circumstances of your arrest, the evidence against you, and any procedural errors that may have occurred. This thorough review is crucial for identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and developing an effective defense strategy.
Next, exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it's important to avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney. This includes avoiding posting details about your case on social media, as these posts can be used as evidence.
Attend all scheduled court appearances. Missing a court date can result in additional charges and penalties. Your attorney will guide you through the court process and help you understand what to expect at each stage.
Finally, comply with any conditions of your release. This may include abstaining from alcohol, attending counseling or treatment programs, or installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Complying with these conditions can demonstrate to the court that you are taking the charges seriously and are committed to making positive changes.
Facing a felony DWI charge in San Antonio is a serious matter, but with the right legal representation and a proactive approach, you can work towards the best possible outcome for your case.
Get Outstanding Legal Help From a Trusted Law Firm
DWI charges can impact your life in more ways than just jail time. A DWI conviction can hurt your professional life, ruin your finances, and damage personal relationships. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we know what is at stake, and we strive for a case dismissal, minimized charges, or reduced sentences. Our attorneys have an exhaustive understanding of DWI laws in Texas and extensive experience fighting DWI charges. Let us help you fight your felony charges.
Contact our firm by calling (210) 960-9557 to schedule a free consultation with our San Antonio criminal defense lawyers concerning felony DWI today.
Our Clients Are Our Biggest Endorsers
Hear What They Have to Say
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Throughout the whole process, I had the utmost confidence in Mr. Smith and his work. the goal when we first met was to "get the DWI dismissed" and that is exactly what happened.- Ronald D.
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
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Cases Dismissed Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Misdemeanor Assault with Bodily Injury
Our client was accused of attacking another man on two separate occasions, once with his hands and once with a knife in our client’s home. Our client had told the man to stay away from his family because the man had made romantic advances toward his wife, but the man persisted.
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Dismissed Assault Family Violence Domestic Violence
Our client received an arrest warrant for an alleged assault on his brother’s girlfriend. He needed the warrant cleared so that he could be considered for a job he was applying for.
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Charges Dismissed Sexual Assault
Our client met a woman on a dating app who claimed that she was sexually assaulted. We assisted our client in interviewing with the police. He was facing up to 20 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. After Smith and Vinson's thorough review of the case and careful negotiations, the case against him was dismissed by the District Attorney's Office.
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Motion to Suppress Granted; Case Dismissed DWI 2nd .209
Our client was charged with Driving While Intoxicated – 2nd Offense with a BAC of .209. The police pulled our client over for allegedly crossing over lane lines and causing another car to swerve out of the way. We challenged the legality of the police’s warrantless stop of our client with a Motion to Suppress Evidence and had a contested hearing wherein the Officer testified.
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Charges Dismissed Assault Bodily Injury Family Violence
Our client was unfortunately in a bad relationship that was ending but before the end her boyfriend decided he was going to secure some property that didn’t belong to him. This led to an argument and for Police to ultimately be called. Our client didn’t want anyone to end up in jail so she downplayed the pushing that had been going on only to realize that the boyfriend had saved his own skin.