Facing charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI, also referred to as “DUI”) can be an excruciating experience. It can be even more excruciating if you have been previously been convicted of driving while intoxicated and are fearful that this time the penalties will be even more severe than the last time.
Drunk driving laws in Texas aim to deter individuals from becoming repeat offenders by increasing the penalties with each subsequent conviction. In order to prevent yourself from being buried under the repercussions of a third or subsequent conviction, it is imperative that you consult with a qualified criminal defense lawyer.
Texas Third DWI Lawyer
If you have been arrested in West Lake Hills, Sunset Valley, Austin, Pflugerville, Lakeway, Lago Visto, or any of the surrounding cities or counties in Texas, the Law Office of Kevin Bennett will proudly represent you.
Kevin Bennett is a tactical defense lawyer and courtroom veteran who will work hard to ensure that your rights are upheld and your best interests are always at the forefront of your defense strategy. Contact Kevin Bennett today at 512-476-4626 to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal options.
Texas Penal Code on Third or Subsequent DWI Offenses
- Third or Subsequent Offense in Texas
- What is Actual Physical Control of a Vehicle?
- Penalties For a Third DUI Conviction in Travis County
- Intoxication Definition in Texas
- Additional Resources
Third or Subsequent Offense in Texas
In Texas, a person can be charged with DWI if he or she operates a vehicle in a public place, while intoxicated. According to Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 49.01, a driver is considered intoxicated if his or her blood alcohol content is .08 or higher, or if his or her normal mental or physical faculties are impaired due to the consumption of drugs or alcohol.
In order to be charged with a 3rd offense, an individual must have been previously convicted of any two DWI-related offenses. These offenses are listed under Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 49.09 as driving while intoxicated, intoxication manslaughter, DWI with a child passenger, boating while intoxicated, intoxication assault, or operating an amusement ride while intoxicated.
What is Actual Physical Control of a Vehicle?
In some cases, individuals can be arrested for drunk or drugged driving even if they weren’t actually driving at the time the arresting officer encountered them. Under Texas law, the prosecution must only prove that the defendant was in actual physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated. Actual physical control is characterized by being in, on, or near the vehicle, while having the realistic capabilities of operating it.
Common factors that officers use to determine actual physical control include whether or not the keys were in the ignition, where the individual was sitting, whether or not the vehicle was recently driven, and whether or not the keys to the vehicle were in the defendant’s immediate vicinity.
Intoxication Definition in Texas
In order to be charged with a third or subsequent DWI, an individual is required to be intoxicated. According to Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 49.01(a)(2), an individual is considered “intoxicated” when he or she is not able to use normal mental or physical faculties. Intoxicated also means having a BAC over .08.
If you have been arrested for a third or subsequent DWI, contact the Law Office of Kevin Bennett today. Kevin Bennett of The Law Office of Kevin Bennett has been representing clients of DWI and can do the same for you.
Penalties For a Third DWI Conviction in Travis County
If an individual is charged with a driving under the influence for the third time, he or she will be charged with a third degree felony. A felony of this classification carries a potential prison sentence of between two to 10 years, and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Additional penalties could include, but are not limited to:
- Community service
- Mandatory Jail time if probation is granted
- DWI school
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation
- Mandatory attendance in drug or alcohol education courses
- Counseling
Aside from the penalties mentioned above, if an individual is convicted of a third DUI within five years of a previous driving while intoxicated offense, he or she will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed into his or her vehicle, for a specified amount of time, and at their own expense.
Additional Resources
Texas Department of Transportation – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) aims to provide safe, effective and efficient driving and transportation of individuals throughout the state. Access the site to learn more about Texas travel, driving laws and highway safety.
DWI Laws in Texas – Visit the official website for the Texas Penal Code to read their DWI laws in the state. Access the site to view penalties and other relevant terms.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Drunk Driving – Access the official website for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to view information regarding drunk driving. You can also learn how alcohol affects driving ability.
Austin Third or Subsequent DWI Attorney | Travis County, TX
If you have been charged with a DUI, contact Kevin Bennett today. Kevin Bennett is an experienced Austin violent crime lawyer who fights for the rights of those accused of DWI. He will work hard to maintain your freedom. Allow him to discuss the circumstances of your case.
The Law Office of Kevin Bennett provides quality legal representation to individuals facing felony charges in Sunset Valley, Austin, Travis County, Rollingwood, Pflugerville, Lago Vista, Lakeway and the surrounding areas. Call (512) 476-4626 so that Kevin Bennett can begin developing your defense strategy as soon as possible.
