Dallas Felony DWI

In criminal law, there is a distinct difference between felony and misdemeanor charges and that difference is usually the legal penalties a person will face if he/she is convicted.  For example, a person that is convicted of committing misdemeanor DWI will most likely not have to spend more than a year in jail.  However, a person that has been convicted of felony DWI stands a great chance of having to spend over a year in prison.

When people have been charged with DWI for the first time, it is likely that they will only receive misdemeanor charges.  However, there are numerous things that can lead to a felony DWI charge, such as:

• Having prior DWI convictions within a set period of time.  People who have multiple DWI arrests and/or convictions on their criminal record are very likely to have their charges and legal penalties enhanced by prosecutors.
• Causing injury to a third party.  When a drunk driver causes another person physical injury, whether that person is a passenger or another driver, he/she may be charged with felony DWI.
• Causing a DWI accident or extensive property damage.  Anytime a DWI offender causes an accident that threatens the lives or damages the property of other people, he/she will most likely be charged with a felony.
• Driving while intoxicated with a passenger in the car who is below the legal age.  This is a very serious offense as the person is endangering the life of a young individual.
• Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .20% or more.  If a person has a BAC of .20% or higher, he/she is not only endangering himself/herself, but also endangering the lives of innocent people.

Dallas Felony DWI Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with felony driving while intoxicated, contact D'Amore Law Firm today to learn more about how our established legal team can assist you.