Plano Felony DWI Lawyer 

Defending Clients Charged With Felony DWI in Dallas & Collin County

The consequences of a felony DWI can range from years in jail to thousands of dollars in fines, among other long-term penalties like license suspension. Felony DWIs are more challenging to combat than standard DWIs, as the circumstances surrounding felony DWIs are much more severe. As a result, it is in your best interests to hire a trial lawyer with a deep knowledge of Texas DWI law who knows how to fight in court. Attorney Johnny Lanzillo has been working exclusively as a defender throughout his professional legal career and is personally committed to the defendant's side. He will passionately fight for you in court against your felony DWI charges and do his best to protect your driving rights.

Are you facing a Felony DWI charge? Call Lanzillo Law, PLLC today at (972) 645-4753 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our felony DWI attorney in Plano!

Is DWI a Felony in Texas? 

In Texas, a DWI (driving while intoxicated) is a criminal offense when an individual operates a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This can include driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level above the legal limit of 0.08% or while impaired by drugs.

A DWI charge in Texas can be classified as a felony depending on the circumstances of the offense. Factors that may increase a DWI charge to a felony include:

• Having multiple prior DWI convictions
• Causing an accident that resulted in severe injury or death
• Carrying minor passengers
• Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level that is significantly above the legal limit

It is important to note that the classification of a DWI as a misdemeanor or a felony will depend on the specific facts of the case and the laws in place at the time of the offense. A DWI is generally classified as a misdemeanor if it is a first or second offense and there were no aggravating factors such as an accident or high BAC level. However, if a DWI is the individual's third offense or there were aggravating circumstances present, it may be charged as a felony. It is advisable to consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney to understand a DWI charge's potential consequences and develop a strong defense strategy.

What are the Penalties for a Felony DWI? 

The sentence for a felony DWI will depend on the specific offense. When an offender has two or more prior DWI convictions within the past ten years, their third offense can be charged as a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. You may be able to build a case for misdemeanor charges if more than five years have elapsed since the most recent conviction.

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated and carrying a minor passenger (younger than 15 years old) is penalized as a state jail felony. If convicted, you could be facing 180 days to two years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.

Any DWI causing serious bodily harm to someone or killing another person will be charged as a felony. The former is referred to as "intoxication assault" and is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines; the latter is "intoxication manslaughter" and is punishable as a second-degree felony with penalties of two to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Contact Our Plano Felony DWI Attorney Today 

Do not hesitate to consult an experienced defense lawyer immediately to discuss your legal options in the face of a felony DWI accusation. Felonies are punished much more severely than misdemeanors, so you must take quick legal action with a professional. Lanzillo Law, PLLC is highly skilled in DWI cases and has tried more than average. You can count on the firm to put up a passionate and assertive fight in your defense and the protection of your rights as a driver.

Contact Lanzillo Law, PLLC today to schedule a FREE consultation with our felony DWI lawyer in Plano!