Fort Worth Felony DWI Attorneys
Felony DWI Charges in Texas
The state of Texas takes driving while intoxicated (DWI) very seriously. While many DWIs are charged as misdemeanors, it is not at all uncommon for law enforcement to seek felony DWI charges. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing felony charges after being arrested for driving while intoxicated—and the penalties for such a conviction are extremely harsh.
At the Sloane Law Firm, we understand the serious nature of your situation. Our Fort Worth felony DWI attorneys work efficiently, taking immediate action to protect your rights and safeguard your future. We offer aggressive, personalized legal representation and are ready to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call our firm today at (817) 349-7118 or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
When Is a DWI Charged as a Felony?
Generally speaking, a first or second DWI will be charged as a misdemeanor in the state of Texas. However, certain circumstances may elevate the charges to a felony.
In Texas, a DWI may be charged as a felony if:
- The alleged offender has two or more previous DWI convictions
- There was a child passenger in the vehicle at the time of the DWI arrest
- The alleged offender caused an accident that resulted in bodily injury or the death of another person (intoxication assault/intoxication manslaughter)
When it comes to third and subsequent DWIs, it’s important to note that Texas does not have a “look back” period. In other words, there is no limit to the number of years ago the DWI conviction occurred; if you were ever convicted of two or more DWIs, no matter how long ago, another DWI would count as a third offense and be charged as a felony.
Penalties for a Felony DWI in Texas
If you are convicted of DWI in Texas, you could face up to a year in jail and fines up to $3,000, among other penalties, such as a driver’s license suspension of 90 days to 1 year. However, if you are charged with a felony DWI, the penalties are much more severe. These penalties depend on the circumstances of the arrest and the reason for which the offense was charged as a felony.
The penalties for a third or subsequent DWI in Texas include:
- A prison sentence of 2 to 10 years
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Automatic driver’s license suspension for up to 2 years
- Additional fees (up to $2,000/year) to keep your driver’s license
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- Compulsory attendance in and completion of an approved alcohol education program
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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Case Dismissed Theft of Property $750 - $2,500
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Case Dismissed Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
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Reduced to Misdemeanor Assault on a Security Officer
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Unlawful Stop - Charge Dismissed Possession of Marijuana <2oz
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Case Dismissed Discharging a Firearm in a Municipality
Testimonials From Real People
See What Clients Have Said About Us
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"He will fight for what he believes is right. Really, he is all you could ask for as a legal representative and a general person."Mr. Sloane has lengthy experience in law enforcement. This only adds to his already plethora of knowledge about the law. He understands procedures field officers must adhere to. Very easy person to communicate with and makes you feel he is definitely on your side. He will work with you in every aspect of your case. Explains your options and tells you what he believes is best and always works with you on your decision. His office is easily reachable and they respond in a swift manner. What stuck with me most was his world view. He is a humble man who stands by his beliefs. He will fight for what he believes is right. Really, he is all you could ask for as a legal representative and a general person. Highly suggest for the DFW metroplex!- Pasquale
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"David Sloane is hands down the most professional, trustworthy, and hard working attorney I've ever known."David Sloane is hands down the most professional, trustworthy, and hard working attorney I've ever known. He has helped my family time and time again. We only trust him with our legal issues and you should too. You will not be disappointed with the results. He will fight tooth and nail for you and will not stop. Choosing any other attorney is a mistake.- Matt
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"David Sloane is the only person you want by your side in a courtroom!"David Sloan is the only person you want by your side in a courtroom! His knowledge, expertise, and efficiency are top of the line. He also communicates well with those surrounding the defendant. Highly recommend!- Laurie
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"David Sloane and Associates are hands down the best attorneys in the DFW area I can’t recommend them enough."David Sloane and Associates are hands down the best attorneys in the DFW area I can’t recommend them enough. I Was charged with a DWI and they got me the best deal you could ask for. Again, I can’t stress this enough if you’re in need of an attorney for pot or DWi charges, CALL THESE GUYS!!!!- Jason
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"If you’re looking for someone that’s gonna have your back and someone that’s going to get the best deal for you, this man right here is your guy."If you’re looking for someone that’s gonna have your back and someone that’s going to get the best deal for you, this man right here is your guy. I can be in jail right now but if it wasn’t for him and what he the amount of work he puts in the city I am not I am very thankful he will work you and your budget time isn’t a factor but the sooner the better 1000 stars- Quaran
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"David was very diligent about my case, and the prosecution did NOT want to argue with him."If you get arrested in Texas for anything David is probably going to be your best bet, especially if it is marijuana or DUI related. I am from Florida, and I got popped in Texas with a little over 20 pounds of cannabis, 400 grams of Hash, and an AR-15 type assault rifle. My bail was set at 50,000 dollars, and if convicted, I could have done 20+. I am affiliated with NORML, and heard through a network of people that David would be the right guy for the job, and he was. David was very diligent about my case, and the prosecution did NOT want to argue with him. He subpoena'd all the records from every single arrest made by the arresting officer in the last year, and worked a whole bunch of other magic, I have no idea what he did, but it worked. David is also affiliated with NORML, and on top of being a badass lawyer, he is a pretty cool guy to chill with. As soon as I met David, I did not speak with any other lawyers, I knew I was in good hands. After being charged with one first degree felony, one-second degree felony, and 2 third-degree misdemeanors, with David handling my case, he ended up getting all charges dropped except the hash charge, which got reduced AND deferred. The end result was a 1500 dollar fine, some court and lab fees, and 120 hours of community service, and since it was deferred, I am on probation until I finish the hours, but after I finish, I can get off early. Basically, I was facing 20+ years, and David pretty much got me off with what could be loosely regarded as a slap on the wrist. David handles all kind of cases from money laundering to marijuana cases, to dui's...with this guy by your side you know you are in good hands. Thanks David- Parker
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"He moves mountains and he is straight forward with everything"He is a great attorney I would recommend him to anyone. He moves mountains and he is straight forward with everything and he gives you all the options and lets you choose and he will advise you for what he thinks and more than likely right or you can go with what you want and both of you will roll the dice together and go with that option if you want to he does not strong arm you into anything. And after meeting and seeing people talk about him what he does in work and outside of work he is an all around great man. and would highly recommend retaining him.- Garret
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"Highly recommended! Worth every penny."Highly recommended! Worth every penny. I had possession of marijuana under 2 ounces and he got it reduced to drug paraphernalia and a fine. He definitely knows what he is doing and is very creative with it!- Michael