Felony DWI Defense Lawyers in Houston

Helping Clients Defeat Devastating Felony DWI Charges

One of the toughest charges to defeat in the criminal justice system is a DWI. With the stigma against drunk driving, it can be challenging to get your case dismissed or even get a fair sentencing. However, if your case involved serious bodily injury to another person or other aggravating factors, you may face an even tougher DWI defense. These cases are called felony DWIs and require the skill and knowledge of a highly experienced DWI attorney.

Our Houston DWI lawyers understand how frightening it can be to face felony DWI charges in the Houston area. We have spent decades defending clients in and around Harris County, particularly in cases involving DWI and other charges. Our criminal defense team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome, especially in serious cases such as felony DWI defense.

When you or a loved one is facing a criminal charge, you need criminal defense attorneys who understand Texas law and are willing to go to bat for you. You need the team at Enrique Ramirez Law, PC. We have spent over 34 years helping people like you protect their freedom and regain control of their lives. We also offer free consultations, allowing you to receive the advice you need at no initial cost. Call 713-987-7705 now to speak with our dedicated legal team.

What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony DWI?

Like in other criminal cases, a DWI can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The distinction depends on how severely you violated the law and what damages you did or didn’t cause. Because misdemeanors are less severe, they result in lighter penalties, such as less jail time and smaller fines.

On the other hand, a felony DWI often involves causing serious bodily injury or damage to property due to your intoxication. Repeat DWIs may also result in felony DWI charges, including individuals who have three or more prior DWI convictions. Having a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC), including a BAC of 0.15% or higher, can result in a felony DWI.

Texas DWI laws hold violators responsible for the damage they incur when driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If your felony DWI case involved extensive damages or even the potential for damages, you may face a hefty sentence that can impact you for the rest of your life. Don’t take any chances with so much at stake. Contact our Houston DWI law firm to learn how you can fight your DWI arrest and get minimal sentencing.

What Are the Potential Consequences of a Felony DWI Conviction?

According to Texas criminal law, the consequences for felony DWIs are quite severe. Aggravating factors, such as high BAC, causing severe injury or death, repeat DWIs, or the presence of a child in the car, can lead to a felony criminal conviction that costs you years in prison and thousands of dollars. Not only will you have legal penalties to consider, but you will also face the other consequences of having a criminal record.

Some of the legal penalties for felony DWI include:

• Up to ten years in prison
• Fines of up to $10,000
• Mandatory ignition interlock device use for up to a year
• Felony charges on your permanent record
• License suspension of up to two years

You may also face such challenges as:

• Increased insurance rates
• Loss of professional license
• Difficulty finding employment and housing
• Strains on family relationships
• Loss of child custody

Please act quickly to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you negotiate a fair deal or represent you in your criminal trial. At Enrique Ramirez Law, PC, we treat every client with honesty, compassion, and fairness. We’ll be strong allies in your corner as you seek to defeat your charges and walk away with the lowest sentencing possible.

How Can I Defend Myself Against Felony DWI Charges in Harris County?

Facing DWI charges can feel extremely frightening to the point that you feel immobilized. You may wonder whether there’s any hope of getting your sentencing lowered or your charges dismissed. The truth is that you may have made a mistake, but you still don’t deserve the maximum sentencing in your DWI case. However, prosecutors in Texas push for high sentencing so they appear tough on drunk driving.

One of the best things you can do to get a favorable outcome in your felony DWI case is to hire a DWI attorney with vast skill and experience in the criminal justice system. Your attorney can explain the charges you’re facing and help you understand your options. They’ll also investigate to uncover the truth about what happened before, during, and after your arrest. If law enforcement officials violated your rights in any way, your attorney can use this to get your charges lowered or even dismissed.

Some examples of defense strategies that can be effective in a DWI case include:

• Mistaken identity – If you weren’t the person driving, you may have charges against you dismissed, as long as you weren’t in a position to affect the operation of the vehicle.
• Faulty tests – Breathalyzer tests can be notoriously unreliable. Poor maintenance or calibration can significantly impact the results, providing false indicators or exceeding the legal limit.
• Illegal traffic stop – Police officers must have a valid reason for making a traffic stop. If law enforcement violated your rights and arrested you, this can be used to reduce sentencing.
• Violation of constitutional rights – Following the arrest, a person has certain rights that must be respected. If your rights were violated, your case may be lowered, or you may have your charges dismissed.
• Lack of evidence – The prosecution bears the burden of proving you are innocent beyond a reasonable doubt. Proving there are holes in the prosecutor’s argument is often an effective defense strategy.

Reach out to Attorney Enrique Ramirez and his team of defense attorneys for help determining the best strategy to use in your unique case.

Why Do I Need a Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer When Facing a Felony DWI?

When the stakes are the highest, that’s when you need help from a criminal defense attorney the most. Facing felony DWI charges may be one of the most crucial times to hire a lawyer, given the severe penalties associated with a conviction.

Your lawyer will serve many functions during your criminal investigation and trial. They can answer your questions, provide guidance during police investigations, and help you know what to expect during the legal process. A lawyer can also investigate to find evidence that backs up your case and develop a defense strategy that matches your unique circumstances and needs.

With the help of a DWI attorney, you can sometimes negotiate for a lower sentence by submitting to recovery programs and other methods. Your lawyer will also represent you in criminal court by presenting police reports, surveillance footage, proof of faulty tests, and other pieces of evidence that back up your version of what happened.

If you are facing a DWI offense in Houston, TX, please don’t hesitate to call our defense team. We can also represent you during your ALR hearing to protect your driver’s license.

What Other Criminal Defense Cases Does Your Law Firm Handle?

At Enrique Ramirez Law, PC, we handle a wide variety of cases, including many criminal defense matters. Much of our practice focuses on DWI in or near Houston, Texas, making us your ideal allies if you are facing felony DWI charges. However, we are skilled in several legal areas.

Some examples of cases we handle include:

• First DWI
• Repeat DWI
• Intoxication assault
• Juvenile DWI and DUI defense
• Drug crimes, including federal drug crimes
• Sex crimes
• Child pornography
• Domestic violence
• ALR hearings
• Theft and auto theft
• Murder and manslaughter

Unlike other law firms, our attorney will handle your case from day one all the way through the trial. We communicate with you throughout your case to keep you informed about what’s happening and what to expect. We also provide services in Spanish.

Should You Hire Our Felony DWI Defense Lawyers in Houston?

If you or someone you care about is facing felony DWI charges, you don’t have a moment to lose. The prosecution has probably already started building a case against you, so you should act immediately to contact a lawyer you trust to protect you. Attorney Enrique Ramirez is that lawyer.

At Enrique Ramirez Law, PC, we have over three decades of experience handling a wide range of criminal law matters, including DWI. We apply our skills, experience, and knowledge to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients in every case.

Whether this is your first DWI, third DWI, or subsequent criminal charge, we will defend you relentlessly. Call 713-987-7705 immediately to speak with our caring, capable team at no initial charge.