Habitual Felony DWI

 Posted on July 07, 2020 in Uncategorized

Police officers investigating a car crash in Bryan, Texas, found 72-year-old Robert Ray in a state of impairment. The surprise wasn't that Mr. Ray was drinking, but that this was his 17th DWI conviction. The judge considered Mr. Ray a risk to the community and sentenced him to 15 years in prison.

Although Mr. Ray did not harm himself or others, some incidents lead to fatalities. In February, a Texas man with multiple DWI charges made a wrong turn while driving drunk. His actions caused a collision that killed the 20-year-old man in the other car. The perpetrator is now facing a murder charge.

San Antonio tops the nation in DWI arrests. Between 2003 – 2012, over 13,100 Texans lost their lives due to a drunk driving incident. The reality is that many drivers are repeat DWI offenders, and their actions impact their lives and the lives of others.

Multiple DWI offenses are relatively common, but some can cause lengthy prison convictions or even life sentences. One example is the sentencing of Round Rock resident Bobby Stovall to life in prison after his 9th DWI conviction.

Texas Laws for Habitual DWI Offenders

Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense, according to section 49.04 of the Texas Penal Code. With each additional conviction, drivers face higher fines and prison time.

• First Offense: Face a fine up to $2,000 and 3 – 180 days of jail time. They could also lose their license for one year.
• Second Offense: Face a fine of up to $4,000 and may lose their license for two years. Jail sentencing ranges between one month to a year.
• Third Offense: Face up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and the loss of their license for two years.
• Additional Offenses: Since DUIs can be misdemeanors or felonies, the consequences may lead to lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.

Although uncommon, first-time DWI convictions may classify as felonies if a person sustains severe bodily injury, a fatality occurs in a DWI accident, or if a minor child under 15 years old was a passenger at the time of the DWI arrest. With multiple offenses, juries and judges are less likely to be lenient during sentencing. Convictions also vary depending on the circumstances and can include additional charges against you.

With additional convictions, you face extra prison time and risk ruining your reputation and job prospects. It is during times like these when a high-caliber DWI specialist attorney can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Doug Murphy has extensive experience in representing people with multiple DWI convictions. Doug Murphy helps people with their underlying personal drinking problems in addition to the legal problem.

Criminal Defense Attorney for Multiple Convictions

If you have multiple DWI convictions, your chances of receiving a favorable outcome increase when you work with Doug Murphy Law Firm, P.C.. Attorney Doug Murphy is a Board Certified DWI and criminal law specialist, one of only two lawyers in the State of Texas to have both legal certifications recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

With over twenty years of experience representing the most complex DWI cases, attorney Doug Murphy specializes in representing high-risk clients. Whether it's your first DWI conviction or you have multiple DWI convictions, DWI Specialist Attorney Doug Murphy understands that people experience ups-and-downs in life.

With his meticulous investigation process and unwavering commitment, your chances of a favorable case outcome increase when DWI specialist attorney Doug Murphy is on your side.

For expert legal representation, call Attorney Doug Murphy today at 713-229-8333.