DWI 2nd Offense in Texas
The penalties for a second DWI offense (DWI-Repeat Offender) are severe. In Texas, a DWI second offense is a Class A Misdemeanor. The maximum fine is $6,000.00, and the maximum jail sentence is 12 months. A conviction for this offense is permanent, requires a 3-day jail sentence (even if probation is granted), and results in a driver’s license suspension.
An ignition interlock device is a requirement of bond for all DWI 2nd charges. This means that as a condition of release from jail, a person must agree to install a deep lung device in all accessible vehicles.
DWI charges can be enhanced by certain factors. These enhancements result in harsher penalties, including longer terms of incarceration, thousands of dollars in fines, and the loss of basic constitutional rights. Learn more.
- Can an old DWI conviction be used for enhancement? Yes. There is no limit to how old a prior conviction may be to be used for enhancement purposes. Out of state convictions may be used as the basis for enhancement as well.
- How can a dismissed DWI be used for enhancement? A person can be charged with DWI 2nd, even if the first DWI charge was dismissed. With the passage of Texas House Bill 3582, first-time DWI offenders are now eligible to apply for Deferred Adjudication. While Deferred Adjudication can be a good opportunity for certain people, a DWI Deferred Adjudication will serve as a conviction for enhancement purposes in Texas. Learn more.
Can a DWI Second Offense be Dismissed in Texas?
Yes. DWI 2nd cases are dismissed every day in courtrooms across Texas. If you are facing a DWI second offense in San Antonio, the stakes are high. The State is not going to “take it easy” just because a DWI 2nd is a misdemeanor. That’s why it is critical to fight, assert constitutional defenses, and do everything possible to avoid a final conviction and a mandatory jail sentence.
- Can a DWI 2nd be dismissed for a bad traffic stop? Yes. Police officers are often wrong about the law. If a judge determines the underlying reason for a traffic stop was erroneous, then everything following the stop will be excluded. Without additional aggravating factors, a bad traffic stop results in a DWI dismissal.
- Can a DWI 2nd be dismissed for lack of probable cause? Yes. All DWI cases will be dismissed if a judge finds the arresting officer lacked probable cause. Officers are trained to look for signs of impairment during traffic stops. Absent signs of impairment or intoxication, an arrest will be invalidated, and the DWI dismissed.
What Happens with DWI 2nd in Texas?
After being arrested for DWI, the defendants see a magistrate judge. The magistrate judge sets a bond amount and decides whether there will be additional conditions of release. For DWI Second cases, defendants are required to install a monitoring device in all vehicles they own.
- What should I do after a DWI 2nd arrest? After an arrest for a second DWI, it’s critical to immediately request an administrative hearing to avoid a driver’s license suspension. You only have 15 days. Learn more.
- Can a DWI 2nd charge be reduced? Yes. A DWI charge that is enhanced because of a previous conviction may be reduced. Reducing a DWI 2nd to a DWI is a difficult task, however, and can only be done through plea bargaining.
What are the Consequences of a DWI 2nd in Texas?
DWI Second offense is a Class A Misdemeanor in Texas. The maximum fine is $6,000.00, but the actual cost is much higher when court costs and probation fees and expenses are factored in.
- Is jail mandatory for DWI 2nd? In Texas, jail is only mandatory if convicted for DWI 2nd. There is no mandatory period of time when arrested. A person arrested for DWI in San Antonio or anywhere else in Texas is eligible to be released on bond. Learn more.
- How long can you go to jail for DWI Second Offense? The maximum jail sentence is 12 months. Texas law requires a 3-day jail sentence even if probation is granted.
- Is a 2nd DWI a felony in Texas? No. A second offense DWI is a Misdemeanor in Texas. However, if you have a DWI conviction from another State, your second DWI charge in Texas will be classified as a Third Degree Felony. Learn more.
Probation for Second DWI in Texas
Everyone charged with DWI 2nd in Texas is eligible to make an application for probation. Probation, or community supervision, as it’s commonly called, is a far superior alternative to incarceration in county jail.
- How long is probation for a DWI 2nd? The maximum period of probation for a DWI 2nd is 24 months. Defendants sentenced to probation for a DWI offense in Texas are not eligible to petition for early termination. Learn more.
- How long does a DWI 2nd stay on your record? Forever. A conviction for DWI 2nd in Texas is permanent. Defendants facing a DWI 2nd charge are not eligible to apply for Deferred Adjudication. There are only three outcomes for a second offense DWI in Texas: acquittal (winning at trial), dismissal, or conviction.
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He was prompt, professional and poised. I was charged with DWI, and Mr Porter got the charge dismissed. I could not be more pleased or thankful. If you get a DWI, hire the best — hire Trey Porter.
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15
Driving facts involved failing to maintain a single lane and speeding. Client refused breath test and forced law enforcement to obtain search warrant for blood. Blood test result was not used after challenge from Defense, and State waived and abandoned charge.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client was a college student, worried about the collateral consequences of an alcohol offense. After negotiation and review of the traffic stop, the case was dismissed. Client received no criminal conviction. The charge was later expunged and deleted from client’s record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15+
Client was involved in minor accident. Client was at fault in accident. A young executive, client was concerned that a criminal conviction for DWI would result in termination. After review of the traffic stop, it was clear the officer lacked probable cause for arrest. State eventually dismissed DWI charge. Client received no criminal conviction.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DWI 2nd
Client, a military veteran, was facing up to one year in jail. State could not prove intoxication by alcohol, and was prepared to proceed on loss of use by marijuana. After challenging the State to prove that marijuana was ingested at or near time of driving, and that marijuana impaired client’s driving, the State dismissed the case on the day of trial.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Driving facts involved a false claim by police that taillight was out. After challenging the reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop, the State was forced to dismiss the case when video did not match police report. Client has since expunged arrest, and has no criminal record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client is a public school teacher and faced immediate termination upon conviction. The facts of the case were bad. State was unwilling to budge in negotiation, and matter was set for trial – the last shot at avoiding a conviction and preserving client’s livelihood. State was forced to dismiss on day of trial. Client has no criminal record, and has since expunged the DWI arrest.
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