Waco Aggravated DWI Lawyer

In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense. When you are arrested while drunk behind the wheel, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.

An experienced Waco aggravated DWI lawyer could defend your rights and achieve the desired case outcome. Call The Greening Law Group today to speak with a highly skilled and knowledgeable DWI attorney.

The Differences Between DWI and Aggravated DWI

The distinction between a DWI and an aggravated DWI in Waco is the circumstances. If the person was stopped by the law enforcement officer while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they could be charged with a class B misdemeanor.

However, aggravating circumstances can turn it into a class A misdemeanor or a felony, such as:

Having a Child Passenger

Having a child passenger in the vehicle while drunk driving is an aggravated circumstance. In these cases, a minor is a person who is 15 years old or younger. This increases a standard DWI charge and turns the misdemeanor into a felony.

Causing Serious Bodily Injury

If the intoxicated driver causes an accident that leads to serious bodily injury or death of other people, they can also be charged with a felony.

If convicted, the penalty can vary depending on the extent of the damage caused. The harshest penalties come with intoxication manslaughter. This can include up to 20 years in prison.

BAC over 0.15%

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Texas is 0.08%. If the intoxicated driver’s BAC is over 0.15%, the charge turns from a class B into a class A misdemeanor. A class A misdemeanor comes with more serious penalties, including up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Multiple Offenses

If a Waco driver has been convicted of DWI before, each subsequent offense is an aggravating factor. A second DWI could lead to a class A misdemeanor charge and a third DWI could lead to a third degree felony and harsher penalties. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a dedicated criminal defense attorney could help reduce the charges.

Understanding the Penalties for Aggravated DWI

Penalties for aggravated DWI in Waco depend on several factors, including the circumstances and the skills of a defense lawyer. Some of them can include the following:

• A prison term of up to 20 years;
• A fine of up to $10,000;
• License suspension;
• Community service; and
• Installation of the ignition interlock device.

A record of a DWI conviction could interfere with the person’s ability to obtain housing, get a job, or secure a loan. Meeting with a well-versed lawyer could be the most effective way to build a solid defense and protect your rights.

Consult a Waco Aggravated DWI Attorney Today

You could face significant prison time, hefty fines, and many other penalties when you are charged with an aggravated DWI. To have an opportunity to avoid severe punishment, you need to work with a Waco aggravated DWI lawyer. A competent attorney could build a strong defense and minimize the negative consequences of your charges.

At The Greening Law Group, we have decades of experience defending aggravated DWI charges in Texas. We know the nuances of the local court system and work hard to achieve a fair outcome. Please contact us at any time to schedule a consultation.