Thanksgiving is a time to reconnect with friends and family, enjoy a few days off work, and share positive experiences of the previous year. If you plan on drinking during the festivities, then it is critical that you avoid driving – because Texas law enforcement is stepping up its efforts over the holiday weekend.
Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense, and a conviction can come with harsh penalties. In addition to fines, a loss of driving privileges and potential jail time, a DWI can show up on your criminal record and limit employment opportunities.
Some DUI charges are more serious than others. People who cause injuries to others or significant property destruction tend to face more severe penalties.
If Texas police arrest you for driving while intoxicated, then a Dallas DWI lawyer from the Law Offices of Robert Gregg may be able to help. Call us today at (214) 891-7536 to schedule a consultation.
Until then, here are three of the worst DUI charges that you can face in Texas:
- Intoxication Assault
If you seriously injure another person while intoxicated behind the wheel, then you are likely to face intoxication assault charges. Texas law considers serious bodily injury as disfigurement, permanent loss of body parts, irreversible damage to body parts or organs, or a significant increase in the risk of death.
This is a third-degree felony. The minimum jail sentence is two years, but you could spend up to a decade behind bars. You will also have to pay a fine, which will not exceed $10,000.
- Intoxication Manslaughter
If you unintentionally kill a person while driving under the influence, then you may face charges of intoxication manslaughter. To convict you, however, the prosecuting authority must demonstrate how you were negligent in your actions. Even though it was an accident and your intention was never to kill someone, the law may hold you accountable for the death, making this a very serious charge.
Intoxication manslaughter is the most serious DUI charge. It is a second-degree felony and carries a sentence of no more than $10,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison. It is crucial that you prepare a comprehensive defense with the help of an experienced DWI defense attorney.
- DUI Involving Child Passengers
Technically, driving while intoxicated with children in the car is not really an extreme charge. However, it still carries a much harsher sentence than other DUI charges. If police catch you driving under the influence with a passenger who is younger than 15 years old, then you may face a license suspension for 180 days, a $10,000 fine and a two-year prison sentence.
Few experiences can match the stress that comes with facing extreme DUI charges. However, there may be a defense strategy that will work in your favor.
Local DWI defense attorney Robert Gregg will aggressively fight your charges. Call our office today at (214) 891-7536 to discuss your options.