Waco Aggravated DWI Lawyer

Being arrested for an aggravated DWI in Waco, TX is a serious matter that can have long-lasting effects on your life. If you’ve found your way to this page, you likely have a lot of questions about the legal process and what comes next. At The Greening Law Group, we understand that facing such charges can leave you feeling worried and uncertain about the future. Our team is here to offer you compassionate support and professional legal guidance, making sure you understand every step of your case.

Understanding Aggravated DWI Charges in Waco, TX

An aggravated DWI, also known as a felony DWI, is a more serious offense than a regular DWI. In Waco, TX, a person can face an aggravated DWI charge if they are caught driving while intoxicated with certain aggravating factors. These factors may include having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, having a child passenger in the vehicle, or causing serious bodily injury or death to another person while driving intoxicated. A conviction for aggravated DWI can result in severe penalties, including fines, lengthy jail sentences, and a permanent criminal record. It is critical to take these charges seriously and hire an experienced Waco aggravated DWI lawyer who can help you fight the charges and pursue the best possible outcome.

The Serious Consequences of an Aggravated DWI Conviction

An aggravated DWI conviction in Waco carries serious consequences that can impact your life in many ways. For example, you may face a significant fine that could add up to thousands of dollars. In addition to the financial penalties, a conviction can lead to jail time, with sentences lasting from several months to years depending on the severity of the offense. You will also likely face a suspended driver’s license, which can make it difficult for you to get to work, run errands, or carry out everyday tasks. An aggravated DWI conviction can also result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect future job opportunities, housing options, and many other aspects of your life.

Why You Need a Waco Aggravated DWI Lawyer

After an arrest for an aggravated DWI, the most important thing you can do is seek legal help. Navigating the complex court system, along with the administrative proceedings required for a DWI case, can be overwhelming, especially when the consequences are so severe. Our team at The Greening Law Group is here to guide you through the entire process. Hiring a Waco Aggravated DWI Lawyer is essential because we can provide you with the support and knowledge needed to defend your case effectively. Our experienced lawyers understand local laws and the best legal strategies to pursue when it comes to aggravated DWI charges. We will work diligently to protect your rights and help you secure the best possible outcome.

How We Can Help

At The Greening Law Group, we offer legal consultations to anyone facing an aggravated DWI charge. This means you can talk to one of our skilled lawyers at no cost to discuss your case and understand your legal options. During your consultation, we will listen to your side of the story, review the details of your arrest, and give you honest, clear advice on the next steps. Whether your goal is to get the charges reduced or to fight for a dismissal, we will explain your options and guide you toward a decision that makes the most sense for you. With the consequences of an aggravated DWI conviction so high, having a knowledgeable and dedicated lawyer on your side is essential.

Aggravated DWIs/DUIs Based on BAC and Repeat Offenses

Our lawyers could help you understand how an aggravated DWI/DUI offense in Waco differs from a standard DWI. Aggravated DWI/DUI charges involve extenuating circumstances that can increase the severity of the crime. Texas Penal Code Annotated § 49.04 provides that a driver is guilty of a standard DWI offense if they operate a vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. A standard DWI is considered a class B misdemeanor that can impose penalties, including the following:

• Minimum mandatory jail time of 72 hours up to 180 days;
• Penalties up to $2,000; and
• A driver’s license suspension for up to a year.

Aggravating circumstances will lead to harsher charges. For example, state law upgrades the crime to a class A misdemeanor if the driver has a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher. The maximum penalties increase to:

• Up to one year in jail; and
• Fines up to $4,000.

Repeat offenses can also result in more severe penalties. A second-time DWI is upgraded to a class A misdemeanor, and a third-time DWI offense is a third-degree felony, with maximum penalties of:

• Two to 10 years imprisonment; and
• A $10,000 penalty.

Additionally, a second or third DWI offense can lead to a two-year suspension of your driving privileges.

Causing Bodily Injury or Death

A court can charge you with an aggravated DWI/DUI if you cause an accident that leads to bodily injury. These crimes are felonies that can lead to severe penalties without representation from an aggravated DWI/DUI attorney in Waco. According to Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 49.07, a court can convict you of intoxication assault if your DWI leads to a collision that causes serious bodily injury. Intoxication assault crimes are considered third-degree felony offenses. The law clarifies that a severe bodily injury:

• Has a significant risk of death;
• Results in lasting disfigurement; or
• Leads to the loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ.

If the DWI/DUI results in an accident or mistake that causes death, the crime is upgraded to intoxication manslaughter under Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 49.08. This second-degree felony offense can carry maximum penalties, including jail time from two to 20 years and up to a $10,000 fine.

DWIs/DUIs With a Child or Open Container in the Vehicle

You can be charged with aggravated DWI/DUI if you are driving while intoxicated with a child in the car. Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 49.045 provides that the offense is a state jail felony if a person is:

• Driving while intoxicated; and
• Has a passenger in the car under 15 years old.

State jail felonies can impose penalties, including:

• 180 days up to two years in prison; and
• A fine of at least $10,000.

Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 49.04 provides that DWI charges are upgraded to a class B misdemeanor with a minimum of six days in jail if an open container is found during the arrest.