What Are the Penalties for a DWI Conviction in Fulshear, TX, and How Do I Fight Them?

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious criminal offense. The penalties for a DWI conviction in Fulshear, TX, can be substantial, resulting in potential jail time, fines, and numerous collateral consequences. It is important to understand the penalties you may face for a DWI and your options for fighting them.

Understanding the Severity of DWI Penalties

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol puts everyone on the road in danger. There were a total of 286 DWI car accidents in Fort Bend County in 2024, with nine fatalities. The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office will fight to impose harsh penalties on those accused of these offenses.

You are considered guilty of a DWI if either of the following is true:

1. Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or greater.
2. You did not have full control of your mental or physical abilities because of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, or a combination of those.

The most basic form of DWI is charged as a Class B misdemeanor. This can result in the following penalties:

• A minimum of 72 hours in jail
• Up to 180 days in jail
• Up to $2,000 in fines
• Loss of a driver’s license for up to a year

For a second offense, a DWI can result in:

• A minimum of one month in jail
• Up to one year in jail
• Up to $4,000 in fines
• Loss of a driver’s license for up to two years

For a third offense, DWI penalties can include:

• A minimum of two years in prison
• Up to 10 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Loss of a driver’s license for up to two years

The penalties for a DWI can be even more severe if there are aggravating factors present. Some of these include:

• Having an open alcohol container in the vehicle
• Having a BAC of 0.15% or higher
• Driving with a passenger under the age of 15
• Causing serious bodily injury (intoxication assault)
• Causing death (intoxication manslaughter)

These factors can increase the severity of your criminal penalties. They also make judges less likely to be lenient with their sentencing.

How to Fight DWI Charges in Fulshear

The most effective way to fight DWI charges in Fulshear is to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can protect your rights from the very beginning of the case. They can also build a defense to prevent or mitigate the consequences. There are several potential defenses for a DWI. An attorney may challenge the grounds of the traffic stop, get evidence deemed inadmissible because of constitutional violations, or prove that BAC tests were invalid.

The most effective way to avoid the serious penalties of a DWI is to avoid a conviction. A skilled DWI attorney can navigate your case most effectively, managing both your criminal and administrative cases. Your attorney can fight to reduce the charges you face, either through a dismissal, plea deal, or other avenue.

Consult a Dedicated and Fierce DWI Attorney in Fulshear

In addition to criminal penalties, a DWI conviction can impact the rest of your future. Criminal records limit many opportunities in your life. At Segura & Kiatta, we can fight against the charges you face and protect your future. Contact our team today.