A felony DWI arrest in Arlington can be the beginning of a long nightmare. The penalties for a conviction can be severe, and prosecutors take these cases very seriously. Felony DWI convictions in Texas carry mandatory jail sentences, expensive fines, and a host of negative long-term consequences. They can also destroy your professional reputation. At the very least, you should consider retaining an Arlington DWI lawyer who handles felony DWI cases.
At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, our Arlington criminal defense lawyers will fight for you when the outcome matters the most. An arrest and an actual conviction are not the same thing, and our DWI lawyers have a track record of securing “not guilty” verdicts for clients. We fight for your legal rights from the moment you put us on the case. Call now to connect with our team.
How an Arlington Felony DWI Lawyer Can Help You
In felony drunk driving cases, Arlington prosecutors represent the state’s interests. Our felony DWI attorneys, on the other hand, represent only you. It is our job to present your case in the best possible light and refute your criminal charges. We offer legal representation from a firm founded by a former Dallas County Prosecutor and State District Court Judge––none other than Randall B. Isenberg.
When we represent you on a felony DWI charge, we use the experience and knowledge we acquired working on both sides of the aisle to give you the best possible chance at a positive outcome.
We Build and Implement a Comprehensive Defense Strategy
While it may seem like a failed breathalyzer or blood test is irrefutable evidence in the prosecution’s favor, there are strong potential defenses against felony DWI charges. Examples of potential defenses we can mount in your case include:
- The police didn’t have probable cause to pull you over: Arlington police cannot simply pull you over without probable cause. If we can find witnesses or video evidence to challenge the initial traffic stop, we can move to have your case dismissed.
- The forensic evidence isn’t reliable: The results of the breathalyzer or blood test are the heart of most DWI cases in Arlington. However, these machines must be operated in an extremely specific manner to yield reliable results. Factors such as when you had your last meal can impact the results of a breathalyzer test. If we can cast doubt on the forensic evidence in your case, it may lead to an acquittal.
- You weren’t read your rights. The police must read your rights upon making an arrest, sharing that anything you say could be used against you. If you admitted something at the arrest scene but weren’t read your rights, we can move to have statements you made dismissed.
These are just some of the defenses we may employ on your behalf. We consider your criminal record, the details of your arrest, and other factors when advocating for your future. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg now to learn more about our criminal defense attorneys and what they can do for you.
We Fight to Maintain Your Driving Privileges
Your criminal charges are just part of a felony DWI case. After your arrest and processing, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) will start a process called Administrative License Revocation (ALR). It will notify you by mail that this process has begun, and if you do not request a hearing, your license will be automatically suspended. This suspension will occur no matter what the outcome of your trial is.
One of the services our DWI lawyers can provide is filing your request for an ALR hearing and then representing you at the hearing. We will fight as hard for you to keep your license at the ALR hearing as we fight your Arlington DWI charge.
When Does the State Consider a DWI to Be a Felony?
Many first-time DWIs are misdemeanor charges. However, per Texas’s Penal Code, these factors can elevate a DWI from a misdemeanor to a felony:
- Being arrested for DWI with a child under 15 in the vehicle (state jail felony)
- Being arrested for DWI in connection with an injury accident (intoxication assault, a third-degree felony)
- Being arrested for DWI in connection with a fatal accident (intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony)
- Being arrested for DWI for the third (and any additional DWI arrests) (third-degree felony)
Felony DWI Convictions Carry Severe Penalties
Felony convictions of any kind can carry severe penalties, and DWI is no exception. If you’re convicted of a felony DWI in Arlington, you may face the following penalties:
- Third-degree felony: Between two and 10 years in state prison
- Second-degree felony: Between two years and 20 years in state prison
- First-degree felony: Between five and 99 years in state prison
The judge in your case may fine you up to $10,000. In addition to these legal penalties, the TxDPS will suspend your license for at least 180 days. More importantly, a felony DWI conviction in Texas cannot be expunged from your record.
Convictions can disqualify you from possessing professional licenses and complicate your efforts to secure employment and housing for the rest of your life.
That is how high the stakes are in a felony DWI trial, and it’s also why our team will fight so hard to maintain your freedom. We do not want to let one bad night or an unfortunate experience with the police ruin your future, and your DWI lawyer will do everything in their power to keep a criminal record from affecting your future.
Talk to an Arlington Felony DWI Lawyer Today
If Arlington police have arrested you for felony DWI, the clock has already begun ticking on both your physical freedom and your driving privileges. A felony DWI conviction will have negative consequences that last a lifetime. A good way to avoid these consequences is to have an Arlington DWI lawyer fight the charges on your behalf.
If you are facing a felony DWI charge, the sooner you secure legal representation, the better. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg prides itself on helping people win the fight of their lives. We are here for you when it matters the most. Contact our office for a free case evaluation, and find out how an Arlington felony DWI lawyer from our firm can fight for you.
