Any DWI conviction in Texas comes with serious penalties, but a third or subsequent conviction is a felony offense that can result in serious penalties as well as an inability to possess a firearm, vote, or go into certain professional or education opportunities. If you have been arrested for a third or subsequent DWI in the Houston area, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. By choosing The Gonzalez Law Group, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with trust and diligence. We defend clients in the greater Harris County area including Pearland, Baytown, Seabrook, La Porte, Pasadena. Galena Park, Friendswood, and numerous others. Call us today at (832) 530-4070 or submit your information in our online form and one of our attorneys will review your case for free.
Houston Third or Subsequent DWI Information Center
Texas DWI Laws
About every 20 minutes someone in Texas is hurt or killed in an auto accident involving drugs or alcohol. Because of that, Texas has enacted laws to tackle the issue of driving while intoxicated. Under Texas Penal Code 49.04, a driver commits the crime of DWI if she or he is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle.
Under Texas Penal Code 49.01(2), intoxicated is defined as an individual having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or not having the normal use of mental and physical faculties due to drugs or alcohol.
If you are a repeat DWI offender the Texas courts will not offer you a look back period that limits the length of time a prior DWI conviction can be used against the alleged offender. Because of that, the courts can use any of the following prior convictions against the alleged offender in third or subsequent DWI cases:
- DWI
- DWI with a child passenger
- Boating while intoxicated
- Flying while intoxicated
- Assembling or operating an amusement ride while intoxicated
- Intoxicated manslaughter
- Intoxicated assault
Penalties for Third or Subsequent DWI in Houston, TX
If this is your third or subsequent DWI arrest in the greater Houston area, then you know how unforgiving the police and the courts can be. You also know the courts will place harsh penalties on you if convicted.
A third DWI conviction is usually classified as a third-degree felony. You may also be punished with fines up to $10,000 and possibly up to 10 years in prison. Additional penalties for a third DWI in Texas can include any of the following:
- Up to 1,000 hours of community service
- Two years of a suspended license
- Loss of right to own or possess a firearm
- Annual Texas Department of Public Safety Drivers Responsibility Surcharge of $1,500 for three years
- Mandatory ignition interlock device or deep lung device
- Drug or alcohol evaluation and possible counseling
- Mandatory DWI repeat offenders class and alcohol or drug education program
- Other court and administrative costs
A subsequent DWI conviction is usually punishable as a second-degree felony. You may also be punished with fines up to $10,000 and possibly up to 20 years in prison. Additional penalties for a subsequent DWI in Texas can also include the additional penalties of a third DWI conviction.
Additional Third or Subsequent DWI Resources in Houston, TX
Texas Constitution and Statutes– Follow this link to view the Texas Penal Code that governs intoxication and alcohol-related offense in Texas. The code establishes what is considered intoxicated, driving while intoxicated and penalties.
Houston Alcoholics Anonymous– View the webpage for the Houston area Alcoholics Anonymous. The website allows users to find local meetings and events. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences with alcoholism in hope of recovering.
Contact a DWI Defense Attorney in Houston, TX
You do not have to plead guilty to a third or subsequent DWI. The Gonzalez Law Group is experienced with DWI defense and will fight to defend you and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. Call us today at (832) 530-4070 or submit your information in our online form and one of our attorneys will review your case for free. We defend clients in the greater Harris County area including Pearland, Baytown, Seabrook, La Porte, Pasadena, Galena Park, Friendswood, and many others.
