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Third-Time DWI in Waco

A third-time DWI in Waco is a third-degree felony, which comes with a mandatory prison term. If you were charged with this crime, you need a comprehensive approach to defense. Otherwise, you could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An experienced DWI attorney could help protect your rights and achieve the desired outcome. Understanding this offense can allow you to make educated decisions about your next steps. Call The Greening Law Group today to get started.

What Is a Third-Time DWI?

A third-time DWI is your third offense of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you were convicted of drunk driving in the past, it stays on your record forever. Even if the third offense occurs 30 years after the first one, you can still face a felony charge.

The consequences of a third-time DWI conviction usually include a prison term and a fine. After serving time in prison, your license may be suspended for two years. Aside from the immediate punishment for a third-time DWI in Waco, you may also experience the following:

  • Losing your existing job
  • Problems finding a new job
  • Issues with renting housing
  • Problems with obtaining loan or mortgage
  • Barring from getting government assistance or benefits
  • Losing the right to carry firearms

A conviction will remain on your record and cause issues down the road, so it is vital to try to reduce the charges. Contacting a highly skilled criminal defense attorney early on in your case could help ensure you have a solid defense.

When to Call a Lawyer After DWI Charges

When you already have two DWI convictions on your record, you need to call an attorney as soon as you get arrested for the third offense. Each action you take during and after an arrest can impact the outcome of your case.

A third-time DWI in Waco requires a comprehensive approach to building a strong defense. While the conviction comes with a mandatory prison term, it may be changed to probation. To make that happen, your legal team must present relevant evidence, find loopholes in the prosecution’s argument, and much more.

Defenses in a DWI Case

To protect you from getting an unfair punishment for a third-time DWI in Waco, your lawyer could leverage several defenses, such as:

Challenging the Traffic Stop

Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to pull over a driver. If your stop was unlawful, evidence they gathered in the process could become inadmissible in court.

Questioning Breathalyzer Accuracy

Breathalyzer devices can produce inaccurate results due to improper calibration, maintenance issues, or operator error. If your attorney could demonstrate such flaws, it could significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux and diabetes or legally prescribed medications, can mimic intoxication. If this happens, the test results can be skewed. A skilled lawyer could turn this into a strong defense.

Talk to an Attorney about a Third-Time DWI in Waco Today

The faster you can consult a lawyer after an arrest, the easier it will be to build a solid defense. To prevent mistakes and maximize your chances of achieving a fair outcome, you must work with an experienced attorney.

At the Greening Law Group, we have decades of experience helping people in Waco avoid unfair penalties in third-time DWI cases. To discuss your case, please schedule a consultation with us today. Our team wins in the courtroom and in life, and we help you do the same.