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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Reduced Under 12.44 Motion to Adjudicate - Possession of Methamphetamine Under 1 Gram and Criminal Trespass
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Case Dismissed Indecent Exposure
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Unlawful Stop - Charge Dismissed Possession of Marijuana <2oz
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Motion to Revoke Dismissed Probation Revocation - DWI 3rd, Possession of a Controlled Substance 4 to 400 grams, and Possession of Marijuana <2oz
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Cases Dismissed Possession of a Controlled Substance Under One Gram and Unlawful Carry of a Weapon
Testimonials From Real People
See What Clients Have Said About Us
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"If he can’t help you he knows someone that can."Great guy! Always helping out when it matters most. I recommend him to all my friends and family when in need and if he can’t help you he knows someone that can.- Judunn
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"I consider this money well spent. He did a great job."I hired David Sloane to defend me against marijuana charge. He gave me the option of charging a flat fee. It was explained to me my cost would be fixed regardless of whether it took him one appearance in court or ten. I agreed to this as a means of limiting my legal cost. He was able to get the charges against me dismissed. I consider this money well spent. He did a great job for the price quoted.- Slade
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"He is knowledgeable, fun, outgoing, and a pleasure to work with. Thank you so much David for your positive attitude, charisma, and wealth of experience."David Sloane is the only name you need to know if you find yourself in trouble. I was charged with possession of marijuana along with the other two people that were in the car with me. They were charged and given 12 months of probation, 80 hours of community service, a DOEP class, and a slew of other hoops to jump through. I had my case completely dismissed thanks to Mr. Sloane's hard work and dedication to his clients. Not to mention he drove 6 hours and made an overnight trip to represent me in Hale County. He is knowledgeable, fun, outgoing, and a pleasure to work with. Thank you so much David, your positive attitude, charisma, and wealth of experience have made this whole process so much more bearable.- Erich
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"David Sloane is the most professional, friendly, informed lawyer I have ever had the privilege of hiring as my legal council!"David Sloane is the most professional, friendly, informed lawyer I have ever had the privilege of hiring as my legal council! He knows the law inside and out, and will bend over backwards to help his clients. I cannot recommend him enough! He has worked miracles for me, and made it seem effortless! I will always come to David with my legal concerns, recommending him STRONGLY to all my friends and family!- Erich
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"Thank you so much for what you did for me, I could never thank you enough!"I was arrested for possession of Marijuana, Called Sloane the moment I knew I needed help. I needed someone who would take action and get me out of a sticky situation. He filed papers and I just waited 3 years for any sign of a court date. Fortunately, the charges/case was dropped due to the statute of limitations. A few months after everything was dropped, I wanted to see if I could get some of the money I paid for him because he did not have to come to my town or do very much at all in those three years. I got in touch with his assistant and she said sorry it's a one time fee. David was nice enough to call me back an offer me some of what I paid. He was honest and did his job to the fullest extent I needed. He has blessed me with my life and an even better holiday gift! He will always be my go-to guy if I'm ever in a bad situation. Although I really hope I never have to call him again. Thank you so much for what you did for me, I could never thank you enough! God bless!- Auriel
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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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"David is a great lawyer that knows what he is doing and cares."I just finished up with an assault charge and David’s office made it as easy as they could. David is a great lawyer that knows what he is doing and cares. I would recommend him to anyone.- Josh
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"David Sloane is an absolute genius in the courtroom. He is BY FAR, the ONLY lawyer I would want by on side."David Sloane is an absolute genius in the courtroom. My case was incredibly complicated, to say the least. Lasting nearly a year and spanning over 5 states; Mr. Sloane refused to settle. He fought diligently for my rights. Proving he genuinely cares for his clients and the impact these cases can have on their lives. He goes above and beyond to educate himself and stay current on a rapidly changing medicinal industry. He is BY FAR, the ONLY lawyer I would want by on side. **Thank You again Mr. Sloane, you truly saved me!**- Mary
