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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Cases Dismissed Assault Bodily Injury - Family Member and Emergency Protective Order
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Reduced Under 12.44 Motion to Adjudicate - Violation of Bond 2+ Times within 12 months, Publication of Intimate Visual Material, and Driving While Intoxicated
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Cases Dismissed Burglary of Habitation and Interfering with Emergency Call
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Reduced to Obstruction of a Highway Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
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Case Dismissed Criminal Trespass - Critical Infrastructure
Testimonials From Real People
See What Clients Have Said About Us
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"David Sloane is hands down the best in the area. I couldn't have asked for a more knowledgeable, confident, friendly and charming person even if I tried."David Sloane is hands down the best in the area. I couldn't have asked for a more knowledgeable, confident, friendly and charming person even if I tried. He is a 100% genuine person who truly cares about the outcome and well-being of his clients and I would recommend him for any kind of criminal law case.- Jackie
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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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"A lifesaver!"A lifesaver! He knows his stuff- Sam
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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 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
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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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"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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"Mind blown."I couldn’t believe what he did for me when it was happening. I was not expecting that he would get my entire case DROPPED. I was expecting a felony on my name, but I left court a free man. He is well worth the cost. Thank you! Nobody else could have done what you have.- Ngeune P.