Felony DWI Attorney in Galveston
A Felony DWI Charge Can Change Your Future
A felony DWI charge carries consequences that extend far beyond a typical misdemeanor offense. A conviction can result in significant prison time, substantial fines, the loss of certain civil rights, and a permanent criminal record that may affect your career, professional licenses, and future opportunities. If you have been arrested for a felony DWI in Galveston County or Harris County, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible.
At Mark Diaz & Associates, criminal defense is the primary focus of our practice. For nearly 30 years, we have represented individuals facing serious criminal charges throughout Galveston County and surrounding Texas communities. Every felony DWI case deserves careful preparation, a thorough review of the evidence, and a defense strategy built around the specific facts of the case. No two cases are alike, and neither are the defenses that produce favorable outcomes.
A felony arrest does not mean a conviction is inevitable. Every aspect of the investigation should be carefully examined, including the reason for the traffic stop, the officer’s observations, field sobriety testing, breath or blood testing procedures, witness statements, and whether your constitutional rights were respected throughout the investigation. The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the sooner important evidence can be preserved and a defense strategy can begin.
If you have been arrested for a felony DWI, do not assume the prosecution’s version of events is the only version that matters. Before making any decisions about your case, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how Texas prosecutors build felony DWI cases and how those cases can be challenged.
What Makes a DWI a Felony in Texas?
Many people are surprised to learn that not every DWI is charged as a misdemeanor. Under Texas law, several circumstances can elevate a driving while intoxicated offense to a felony, exposing a defendant to substantially harsher penalties than a standard first offense.
The most common reason is a history of prior DWI convictions. A third DWI offense in Texas is generally prosecuted as a third-degree felony, regardless of how long ago the previous convictions occurred. Prior convictions significantly increase the potential penalties and make it even more important to have an attorney who understands how to evaluate the State’s evidence and identify potential defenses.
A DWI may also become a felony if a child younger than 15 years old was riding in the vehicle at the time of the arrest. Although no accident or injury is required, Texas law treats these allegations much more seriously because of the presence of a young passenger. Learn more about DWI with a child passenger charges and how these cases are prosecuted.
In other situations, prosecutors may pursue felony charges when an accident results in serious bodily injury or death. These cases often involve additional charges such as intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter and require an extensive review of accident reconstruction evidence, medical records, witness testimony, and chemical testing.
Potential Penalties for a Felony DWI Conviction
The penalties for a felony DWI conviction depend on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. A conviction may result in years of imprisonment, thousands of dollars in fines, lengthy driver’s license suspensions, probation, mandatory alcohol education programs, ignition interlock requirements, and other court-ordered conditions.
Beyond the criminal penalties imposed by the court, a felony conviction can continue affecting your life long after your sentence has been completed. Employers, licensing boards, educational institutions, landlords, and insurance companies may all consider a felony conviction when making important decisions. Understanding the potential consequences is one reason it is important to speak with an attorney before accepting any plea agreement or making decisions that could permanently affect your future.
For additional information about sentencing ranges and possible consequences, visit our page discussing DWI penalties in Texas.
Building a Strong Defense to a Felony DWI Charge
Every successful criminal defense begins with a careful review of the facts rather than assumptions. At Mark Diaz & Associates, we begin by evaluating how the investigation was conducted, whether law enforcement followed proper procedures, and whether the evidence supports the allegations being made by the prosecution.
Depending on the circumstances, that review may include examining whether the officer had legal justification for the traffic stop, whether field sobriety tests were properly administered, whether breath or blood testing equipment was functioning correctly, whether laboratory procedures were followed, and whether any constitutional violations occurred during the investigation. Even when the evidence appears strong, there may be opportunities to challenge portions of the prosecution’s case or negotiate a more favorable resolution.
Because every felony DWI case presents unique legal issues, there is no universal defense strategy. The most effective approach depends on the facts, the available evidence, and the specific allegations involved.
Why Choose Mark Diaz & Associates for Your Felony DWI Defense?
A felony DWI charge is not a case you want to entrust to an attorney who only occasionally handles criminal matters. At Mark Diaz & Associates, criminal defense is the primary focus of our practice. For nearly 30 years, Mark Diaz has represented individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Galveston County, Harris County, and surrounding Texas communities.
Our approach begins with preparation. Every felony DWI case is carefully evaluated to determine whether law enforcement acted lawfully, whether chemical testing procedures were reliable, and whether the prosecution can prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. We look beyond the arrest itself, examining the evidence from every angle before recommending the best course of action. Our firm also represents clients facing a wide range of DWI charges, allowing us to recognize legal issues that frequently arise in both misdemeanor and felony cases.
Clients also appreciate the personal attention they receive throughout the legal process. Criminal charges create uncertainty, but your legal representation should not. We remain accessible, answer questions honestly, and make sure our clients understand the strategy behind every important decision. Whether your case can be resolved through negotiation or requires litigation, our goal remains the same: providing the strongest defense possible under the facts of your case.
Speak With a Galveston Felony DWI Attorney Today
If you have been arrested for a felony DWI, time is not on your side. The prosecution begins building its case immediately, and important evidence can disappear if action is not taken quickly. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible allows your defense to begin while the facts are still fresh and before critical opportunities are lost.
Mark Diaz & Associates proudly represents individuals facing felony DWI charges throughout Galveston County, Harris County, and the surrounding area. We offer free consultations, complimentary parking at our Galveston office, and bilingual assistance for Spanish-speaking clients. Se habla español.
Call Mark Diaz & Associates today at 409-515-6170 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you begin building your defense.
