If someone has died in an accident in which you were involved, of course, it is a nightmare for all parties. If you have been charged with DWI as a result, it will probably be charged as a felony, and the consequences if you are convicted, are dire. Contact a Houston felony DWI lawyer.
A first DWI is very different from subsequent ones. The state feels that you had a chance to correct bad behavior and chose not to. Likewise, a higher level of culpability is seen in DWI while a child is in your car.
If someone died, you may be charged under Texas Penal Code sec. 49.08 with "intoxication manslaughter." The list of potential penalties is long, and includes heavy fines, community service, license revocation and yes, even a long prison sentence.
You may have pled guilty to a first offense and received a minor penalty. Do not plead guilty now. Hiring a lawyer with a long record of not-guilty verdicts is the only thing to do now.
Aside from the potential penalties upon conviction, an important reason to hire a good lawyer is that he or she may be able to negotiate a lesser charge, and can handle a trial effectively.
Regardless of the facts of your case, the way a felony DWI trial is handled can make a huge difference in the outcome. There are many stages at which your lawyer must be proactive—prior to and during the trial. Even the instructions the judge gives to the jury as they begin deliberating are a matter upon which your lawyer will have influence. The defenses we will be allowed to present, and the evidence the prosecution will be allowed to offer are other matters your lawyer will have to handle effectively.
To discuss your rights and your legal options for fighting charges or for avoiding incarceration or minimizing jail time, please call the Houston law office of Terry W. Yates & Associates toll free at 713-861-3100 or 877-520-7612. There is no charge for the initial confidential consultation with one of our accomplished federal criminal defense trial attorneys.
Terry W. Yates & Associates 6750 West Loop South, Suite 845 Bellaire, TX 77401 Tel: 877-520-7612 / 713-861-3100 Fax: 713-621-0000 Bellaire Law Office