Arlington, TX Felony DWI Defense Attorney

Aggressive Defense Lawyer for Clients Accused of Felony DWI in Arlington

You might not think of drunk driving as a major offense, but you should know that in some cases, it can easily escalate to the level of a felony. In these cases, putting up a strong defense is critical. To protect your freedom, your license, and your record, consider working with a Arlington, Texas felony DWI defense attorney.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we understand what is at stake in a felony DWI charge. We will provide you with aggressive advocacy in the courtroom, working hard to get the charges reduced or dismissed. With over 400 5-star reviews, Attorney Edwardo Meza has earned a reputation for his diligence and willingness to fight for his clients.

Repeat DWIs Can Lead to Felony Charges

In Texas, a first-time DWI is often charged as a misdemeanor, but the stakes rise quickly when the state alleges prior convictions. A second DWI is generally treated as a Class A misdemeanor, and it carries a mandatory minimum jail term of 30 days.

A third DWI (or certain qualifying prior convictions) can be charged as a third-degree felony. That shift matters because it can mean prison time ranging from two to 10 years, along with long-term consequences that follow you into employment, housing, professional licensing, and even basic background checks.

Penalties for DWI With a Child Passenger

A DWI charge can become a felony even without prior DWI convictions if the state alleges that a child passenger was in the vehicle. In Texas, driving while intoxicated with a passenger under 15 is a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail facility, and it can include a fine up to $10,000.

In addition to these baseline penalties, cases involving a child often bring more aggressive prosecution, closer bond conditions, and intense scrutiny of parenting decisions. Even before a case is resolved, a person can feel the consequences in custody disputes, employment, and reputation in the community.

Intoxication Assault and Manslaughter Charges in Texas

When a DWI allegation involves a crash with serious injuries or a death, the charges become much more serious. Intoxication assault generally applies when the state alleges that, while operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, a person caused serious bodily injury to another "by reason of" the intoxication, and the harm occurred by accident or mistake. Intoxication manslaughter is reserved for cases that involve death, and it is also framed as an accident or mistake with causation tied to the alleged intoxication.

The penalties for these offenses are severe. Intoxication assault is typically treated as a third-degree felony, while intoxication manslaughter is typically a second-degree felony, which carries anywhere from two to 20 years in prison, and a possible fine up to $10,000. In some cases, enhancements can push punishment higher. Texas law contains enhancement provisions for intoxication offenses, including circumstances where intoxication manslaughter may be punished as a first-degree felony.

These cases are evidence-heavy and fast-moving. The state may rely on blood testing, crash reconstruction, timelines from surveillance or phone data, witness accounts, and statements made under stress. A defense strategy often focuses on whether the state can actually prove intoxication at the relevant time, whether causation is being assumed rather than proven, and whether key evidence is being interpreted in a way that unfairly favors the prosecution.

Meet With a Arlington, Texas Felony DWI Defense Lawyer

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we provide clear, strategic guidance for people facing felony DWI allegations, focusing on the facts, the evidence, and the consequences you are trying to avoid. Call 817-732-6392 or contact our Arlington felony DWI defense attorney to discuss your options and set up a free consultation.