Texas has some of the strictest DWI laws in the United States. Even if you are caught drunk driving for the first time, you can face serious penalties, which can have a lasting impact on your life.
Additionally, there are certain aggravating factors that can get your charges increased and, therefore, increase the severity of the potential penalties you could face. When charged with a DWI, especially an aggravated one, hiring a Fort Bend DWI with a child lawyer is crucial.
If you are facing criminal charges for having a child passenger in your vehicle at the time of your Fort Bend DWI arrest, then you may be unsure about how to proceed. Legal processes, as well as administrative processes associated with a felony DWI, can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate.
At Segura & Kiatta, LLP, our DWI defense lawyers are known for fighting passionately on behalf of our clients who are facing DWI charges. Whether the case pertains to an underage DWI or aggravated charges of having a child passenger, we can analyze the details of your arrest and your case to mount the optimal DWI defense strategy.
We can ultimately work toward getting your charges reduced or dropped so that you can focus on getting back to your regular life.
A first or second DWI is typically classified as a misdemeanor, while a third or subsequent DWI is classified as a felony. However, there are certain aggravating factors that can be introduced that upgrade charges to a felony despite whether previous DWI crimes have been committed.
If you are caught driving with a passenger who is under the age of 15 at the time of your DWI arrest, then this crime is automatically characterized as a felony. If you are convicted on such charges, then you can face up to $10,000 in fines and 180 days to two years in jail.
There are also serious collateral damages associated with having a felony on your record. For example, you may lose child custody and visitation privileges and see a sharp increase in your car insurance rates. Additionally, you can lose access to educational, housing, and job opportunities, as well as your ability to obtain certain professional licenses.
As a convicted felon, you can also lose your right to vote and your right to bear arms. Because the penalties and consequences are so serious for a child passenger DWI charge, it’s important to have the support of an experienced Fort Bend lawyer who will fight on your behalf.
If you are facing DWI charges in Texas, you are legally allowed to represent yourself in court. However, this is typically not recommended because the administrative and legal paperwork and processes that must be implemented and carried out can be overwhelming.
Even missing a deadline or falling short of properly presenting your case in the courtroom can cost you years of your life as a free Texan. It’s, therefore, reassuring to have a lawyer who is on top of your case. A DWI lawyer can help with the following:
DUI charges can be drastically increased based on certain details of a case, such as having a passenger who is under the age of 15 in the car. If this is your first time facing DWI charges, you may not have even been exposed to the criminal justice system before, and you are likely experiencing shock and uncertainty about what will happen if you are convicted.
Our DWI lawyers at Segura & Kiatta, LLP, can provide stability and constant support during these uncertain times.
At Segura & Kiatta, LLP, we work closely with each client on their individual case details and concerns to come up with a plan that can address the charges being held against them. We are experienced in finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and ensuring that your rights were and are being respected as you navigate the criminal justice system.
Contact one of our Fort Bend DWI lawyers today to get started working on your case.
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Segura & Kiatta, Criminal Defense
345 Commerce Green Blvd
Suite 200
Sugar Land, Texas 77478