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How a DWI Charge in Texas Becomes a Felony


In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) will constitute a misdemeanor crime for most first-time and second-time arrests. For this reason, most DWI charges in the state are just misdemeanors, as many people do not reoffend more than once. However, with this said, there are certain ways that a DWI charge can be escalated up to a felony crime, which will bring about severe consequences upon conviction and usually more tenacity on part of the prosecution.

A DWI in Texas can trigger felony charges if the drive is charged with:

  • The third DWI offense on his or her criminal record.
  • A DWI after being in an accident that caused someone serious bodily injury (intoxication assault).
  • A DWI after being in a car accident that resulted in the death of another person (intoxication manslaughter).
  • A DWI while there is a passenger under the age of 15 within his or her vehicle.

All of the felony DWI crimes in Texas can include a maximum fine of up to $10,000. Most prison sentencing for DWI felonies will also include at least two years of incarceration but some charges can include a sentence up to 20 years. License suspension is also all but guaranteed in a felony DWI case in Texas, triggering suspensions that can last from six months to two years.

Felony charges are also notoriously more difficult to expunge or hide on a criminal record. Pursuing certain careers, educational opportunities, and even applying to some living quarters will be a challenge so long as a person has a felony of any kind viewable in his or her history.

Fight Back to Save Your Good Name & Reputation

If you are being charged with a felony DWI in Texas, you need to be willing to challenge it as you would a misdemeanor charge. The state may try to act as if there is no fighting a felony charge or claim it has unwavering evidence to use against you but with the help of Tyler Flood & Associates, you will know better.

Our law firm is led by Houston’s top DWI lawyer: Mr. Tyler Flood. With a Board Certification in Criminal Defense law in Texas and an intentional focus on DWI cases, he has become the go-to name for people all throughout Houston and the surrounding greater metropolitan area. Do not risk your future, finances, and driving privileges by counting on anyone else. Contact our firm as soon as possible to discuss your options during a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Client Testimonials

  • 5 Stars
    "Tyler and his team are top notch—with years of experience under their belts they know what strategy will work to advocate for the best possible outcome. They are knowledgeable, professional, and courteous. Like a doctor, you never know you hire a bad attorney until it’s too late, and don’t take a gamble and retain someone else, especially when the clock starts running quickly, once you are arrested for a DWI. Run, don’t walk, to retain Flood and Associates!"
    - Alyssa S
  • 5 Stars
    "So. I can't say enough about Tyler Flood and Associates! BRAVO!! I had a 3rd DWI and my daughter Googled Tyler & Co. Who are DWI SPECIALISTS! I set up an appointment, and was impressed with their knowledge on the Laws and Science of DWI cases! Hank👍💥💥💥💥💥👌"
    - Hank Baerga
  • 5 Stars
    "Tyler Flood did an excellent job in taking care of my situation when no other attorney could do so. He kept communication open by way of text messages and phone calls, I was inform in every step along the way and he represented me well in court. His assistant Andrea was very quick in responding to my emails, I felt comforted by their genuine concerns of my case. Highly recommended"
    - Tamra Elwell
  • 5 Stars
    "Tyler Flood and associates are an astronomical team. Tyler was aggressive when needed to be and very professional during my trail. He left no stone unturned. I highly reccomend Mr. Flood if you ever find yourself in a situation such as myself. The not guilty verdict for a dwi was the best! "
    - Magaly
  • 5 Stars
    "Great experience under terrible circumstances...when your future is at risk, the attorney you chose could decide your fate..Flood & associates took my case personal...I felt I was represented by family...highly recommend Tyler to everyone!"
    - Brent
  • 5 Stars
    "I personally want everyone to know, this is the best law firm for dui issues! They are professional and responds all the time, communications between the office and myself was on par at all times and bottom line. MY CASE WAS DISMISSED!!!"
    - TW David C.
  • 5 Stars
    "Tyler did a great job for me. I never felt like he wanted me to settle. In fact he would encourage me to hang in there and go to trial. In the end my DWI was dismissed the day of trial. I would definitely recommend them."
    - Robin
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  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Texas Criminal Lawyers Association
  • Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • The American Chemical Society
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • Best DUI Lawyer
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Texas Criminal Lawyers Association
  • Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • The American Chemical Society
  • National College for DUI Defense
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