Katy DWI with a Child Lawyer

DWI with a Child Attorney in Katy, TX

When you are driving with a child passenger in the vehicle, and you end up facing DWI charges, the consequences can be severe. You do not want to try handling these charges on your own. Instead, a Katy, TX, DWI with a child lawyer at Segura & Kiatta can help you navigate complex DWI laws and build a strong defense for your case.

Our Katy DWI lawyer has the skills and experience to help you through the stress of a DWI, from case review to investigation to negotiation and trial. Our knowledgeable legal team has the resources to provide sound legal counsel from start to finish. Trying to handle a DWI case on your own can end up hurting your legal situation more. It is better to seek professional guidance.

How Segura & Kiatta Can Help

At Segura & Kiatta, we have represented thousands of residents in both misdemeanor and felony cases, and we know how DWI cases work. When you hire a DWI with a child lawyer at our firm, you can expect top-rated service. With over 20 years of experience in criminal defense, our Katy DWI with a child attorney can help you handle all the complexities of your case.

We also understand the courts. DWI cases in Katy, Texas, are handled by the Fort Bend, Harris, or Waller County court systems, depending on the specific location of the arrest. Regardless of which court your case goes through, our legal team can help every step of the way, meeting all important deadlines and requirements.

What Is a DWI?

A DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in Texas is a criminal offense, typically a Class B misdemeanor, occurring when a person operates a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. State DWI law defines intoxication as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or lacking normal physical/mental faculties due to alcohol or drugs while driving in public.

According to Texas Penal Code Chapter 49, a DWI may be classified as a:

• Class B misdemeanor: If BAC is 0.08% or there is an open alcohol container in the vehicle
• Class A misdemeanor: If BAC is 0.15% or higher
• Felony: If the offense occurs in a school crossing zone or with a child passenger younger than 15 years old

Whether you were having too much fun or you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, you can expect prosecutors to take your DWI charges seriously. Texas consistently ranks among the top states for drunk driving fatalities, with over 37% of traffic deaths between 2014 and 2023 involving alcohol-impaired driving, totaling 14,389 fatalities.

DWI With a Child

DWI penalties can be severe, but driving with a child in the car and getting a DWI comes with even harsher consequences. The law is firm on this offense because of child safety. Approximately one in five child passenger deaths in the United States involves an alcohol-impaired driver, most commonly the child’s own driver.

In 2022, 283 children ages 0–14 years died in vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver in 2022, 25% of traffic-related deaths among children in this age group. In Texas, a DWI with a child passenger under 15 years of age is a felony with penalties including 180 days to two years in jail, up to $10,000 in fines, and a 180-day driver’s license suspension.

DWI Defenses

Defenses against DWI with a child include the common defenses in a normal DWI situation, with strategies focusing on challenging the stop, testing procedures, and the definition of intoxication. These cases can carry enhanced penalties and may involve Child Protective Services (CPS), so defenses need to be thorough.

Depending on your situation, our Katy DWI lawyer may be able to argue that the police lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull over the vehicle, or that the field sobriety tests did not comply with National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards. No two cases are the same, and our DWI lawyer can explain your options during your consultation.

Why Should I Hire a DWI With a Child Lawyer?

Hiring a Katy, TX, DWI with a child lawyer at Segura & Kiatta is critical to manage the dual threat of severe criminal penalties (such as child endangerment charges) and immediate CPS involvement. In addition to helping you navigate complicated DWI laws, we can also work to minimize DWI penalties, protect your driving privileges, and guide you through CPS investigations.

FAQs

When Should I Contact a DWI With a Child Lawyer?

You should contact a Katy DWI with a child attorney immediately, ideally during the initial traffic stop or as soon as you are under investigation for DWI with a child charges. Because this charge often triggers automatic CPS investigations in addition to criminal charges, swift legal intervention is necessary to prevent child endangerment charges.

How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost in Texas?

The cost of a Katy DWI lawyer varies, with most DWI lawyers charging a wide range of flat fees or hourly rates, with first offenses charging the least. Costs vary based on the lawyer’s experience, case complexity, and whether it goes to trial, with felonies costing the most. For complex cases involving a DWI with a child, you can expect higher rates.

Can a DWI With a Child Impact My Parental Rights?

Yes, a DWI with a child passenger in Texas can significantly impact your parental rights, as it is classified as a state jail felony and often triggers CPS investigations. Courts focus on the best interest of the child, so a DWI with a child conviction can lead to restricted visitation, supervised exchange, or a loss of custody.

Does a DWI With a Child Go on a Permanent Record?

Yes, a DWI with a child passenger in Texas results in a permanent criminal record, as it is classified as a state jail felony. A Conviction remains on your record for life, impacting employment, housing, and background checks. Unlike some offenses, Texas does not allow for expungement of a DWI conviction.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Katy DWI with a Child Lawyer Today

Facing DWI with a child charges can be intimidating, and you may be uncertain what to do next. When you need a reputable DWI lawyer in Katy, TX, with experience handling cases involving children, Segura & Kiatta has the knowledge and experience to help. With over two decades of experience, we can build a strong defense for you. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.