Second or Third Offense DWI

Houston Second or Third Offense DWI Attorney

Compiling a criminal record can cause a host of problems in the state of Texas. A criminal record can severely limit career
opportunities, approval for housing and admittance to education programs. This is especially true when someone is
convicted of a second or third driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge. Being arrested on a DWI charge in Texas
is a difficult position to be in, but a Houston-area DWI lawyer understands the legal landscape and how
to minimize the devastating effects of a second or third DWI conviction.

Any of the following symptoms could lead to a DWI arrest:

Slurred speech
Red eyes
Inability to pass a field sobriety test
The smell of alcohol
An open container of alcohol in the vehicle
The driver admits to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol

DWI in Texas

Texas drivers are pulled over every day for speeding or violating traffic rules. Police officers are trained to notice erratic driving patterns that suggest the possibility that the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Second DWI offense

Class A misdemeanor
30 days to one year in jail
A fine of no more than $4,000

Third DWI offense

Third-degree felony
Two to 10 years in state prison
A fine of no more than $10,000

The judge or jury in a second or third DWI case can also impose any of the following penalties:

Treatment for alcohol or drug use
Repeat DWI offender program
Ignition interlock device
Civil penalties or fees

Second or Third Offense DWI Penalties

There are two basic standards for finding someone guilty of a DWI charge in Texas. It must be shown that either the driver’s blood alcohol content exceeded .08 percent, or that the driver was mentally or physically impaired by drugs or alcohol while driving a motor vehicle.

A second or third DWI arrest could lead to the revocation of a driver’s license. A defendant should schedule an ALR hearing to avoid an unnecessary revocation of driving privileges.

CONTACT A HOUSTON DEFENSE ATTORNEY

It may be possible for an experienced DWI lawyer to negotiate a reduction of the charge or have the DWI charge dismissed. Every aspect of the police investigation must be carefully scrutinized. The police aren’t allowed to pull drivers over without probable cause. There may have been other reasons for the symptoms that prompted the DWI arrest. The defendant’s eyes may have been red due to allergies or the use of legal medications. It isn’t at all unusual for police officers to make traffic stops or arrests for invalid reasons. A DWI defendant should do everything possible to avoid another conviction. Call Houston defense attorney Rand Mintzer at 713-862-8880 for a free initial consultation. Call Houston defense attorney Rand Mintzer at 713-862-8880 for a free initial consultation.