The law views anyone who has been charged with more than three DWI as a habitual offender. After you have committed your first DWI, the consequences get more severe should you commit any further DWIs. In this blog, our Fort Worth criminal defense attorney discusses the consequences for multiple DWIs and habitual DWI offenders.
Second DWI
If you are convicted of a second DWI you could face anywhere between 30 days to one year in jail. A judge may also require you to pay fines of up to $4,000. You could also face community service time of anywhere between 80 to 200 hours. A second DWI could be viewed as the beginning of a problem forming so a judge may require an ignition interlock device be installed in your vehicle. An individual who has been convicted of a DWI could also have their license suspended for up to two years.
Third DWI
A third conviction for a DWI indicates a serious problem to a judge. You could be fined up to $10,000 and face a jail sentence of anywhere between 2 to 10 years. Additionally, Texas law mandates that a judge orders you to serve no less than 160 hours of community service. Your license may be suspended for up to 2 years and once you are able to drive again you will be required to use an ignition interlock device. In addition to these penalties, a judge may require some type of rehabilitation program or confinement in a substance abuse facility.
After Your Third DWI
The law does not provide specific information on the penalties after you have accumulated three previous DWI convictions. Typically if you are considered a habitual offender the penalties will be harsher. There have been cases in Texas where people convicted of multiple felony DWI charges were sentenced to life in prison or had their licenses revoked for life.
How Can a Forth Worth Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
If you were recently arrested for a DWI and you have multiple DWIs on your record, you should contact a skilled Fort Worth criminal defense attorney to represent you during your case. As mentioned previously, habitual offenders tend to be dealt harsher punishments by the courts but if we can prove you were taking steps to turn your life around we may be able to win a less severe punishment. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.