Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
Facing felony DWI charges in Texas puts your freedom and future at risk. A conviction can mean years in state prison, devastating fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for life. Unlike misdemeanor DWI cases, felony charges carry long-term consequences that can destroy careers, housing opportunities, and personal relationships. When the stakes are this high, working with an experienced Dallas DWI Defense Lawyer is critical.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve defended thousands of felony DWI cases across Dallas County and surrounding areas. We know how these cases are built, how evidence is challenged, and how to fight aggressively when prison time is on the line.
Don’t let a felony DWI charge derail your future. Call (972) 528-0116 now for immediate legal help.
Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49, a DWI becomes a felony under these specific circumstances:
A third or subsequent DWI conviction is automatically classified as a third-degree felony, regardless of when the previous offenses occurred. Texas prosecutors will use any prior DWI convictions from other states to enhance charges.
If you’re arrested for DWI while a child under 15 years old is in your vehicle, the charge becomes a state jail felony. This enhancement applies even for first-time offenders.
When a DWI results in serious bodily injury to another person, it’s charged as intoxication assault—a third-degree felony. Serious bodily injury includes injuries that create substantial risk of death, severe permanent disfigurement, or loss of organ function.
If someone dies as a result of your intoxicated driving, you face intoxication manslaughter charges—a second-degree felony with potential prison sentences of 2 to 20 years.
Having one previous felony DWI conviction will enhance any subsequent DWI to a felony level, even if it would normally be charged as a misdemeanor.
The penalties for felony DWI in Texas are severe and can permanently alter your life:
Yes, prison time is mandatory for most felony DWI convictions in Texas. Unlike county jail sentences for misdemeanor DWI, felony convictions result in state prison time:
However, probation may be available in some cases. Our skilled defense attorneys work tirelessly to secure probation agreements, case dismissals, or charge reductions that can help you avoid prison time entirely.
Case: DWI 3rd, Reduced to DWI 1st
County: Collin County
Case Number: 001-87157-2016
Our client faced a third-degree felony with potential prison time. Through aggressive negotiation and strategic defense, we successfully reduced the charge to a first-offense DWI, avoiding felony conviction and prison time.
Even with prior convictions or aggravating circumstances, strong defenses exist for felony DWI charges:
If you’ve been arrested for felony DWI, time is critical. Take these essential steps:
The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process is separate from your criminal case. You may request a hearing within 15 days of being served notice. The Department will process your request and respond to you at the address you provide with your hearing request. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, all ALR hearings are held by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will listen to all parties’ evidence and make a final determination of the driver license suspension/disqualification.
ALR Suspension Periods:
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy provides comprehensive felony DWI defense services:
With over 35+ years of combined experience serving Dallas County since 2002, and building on a legacy established in 1976, our team has the knowledge and skills to handle even the most complex felony DWI cases.
Actual DWI Case Results from Our Files:
When your freedom and future are at stake, you need attorneys who understand both the law and the local court system:
We regularly practice in courts throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including:
| County | Court Experience | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas County | 20+ years | Established relationships, local procedures |
| Tarrant County | 15+ years | Understanding of prosecutor priorities |
| Collin County | 10+ years | Knowledge of judge tendencies |
| Denton County | 12+ years | Experience with local ALR procedures |
Third-degree felony carrying 2-10 years in prison. We challenge prior convictions and work to secure probation or charge reduction.
State jail felony when a child under 15 is present. We address both the DWI charge and potential child endangerment issues.
Third-degree felony involving serious bodily injury. Requires immediate, aggressive defense to protect against harsh penalties.
Second-degree felony with 2-20 year prison sentences. Demands experienced counsel familiar with complex vehicular homicide defense.
Driving while intoxicated by controlled substances or prescription medications. Often involves challenging blood test results and medical expert testimony.
| Felony Level | Prison Sentence | Maximum Fine | Common DWI Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Jail | 180 days – 2 years | $10,000 | DWI with child passenger |
| Third Degree | 2 – 10 years | $10,000 | Third DWI, Intoxication assault |
| Second Degree | 2 – 20 years | $10,000 | Intoxication manslaughter |
| First Degree | 5 – 99 years | $10,000 | Enhanced intoxication manslaughter |
Our track record speaks for itself through the results we’ve achieved for clients facing serious felony DWI charges across North Texas.
Beyond prison time and fines, a felony DWI conviction creates lasting challenges:
Time is critical in felony DWI cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and critical deadlines pass. The sooner you contact our experienced defense team, the better we can protect your rights and build your defense.
Don’t let a felony DWI charge destroy your future. Our experienced Texas felony DWI defense attorneys are ready to fight for you.
Call tel:+19725280116 now for your free consultation.
Yes, a third DWI offense in Texas is automatically classified as a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000. This enhancement applies regardless of how much time has passed since your previous convictions.
Jail time varies by felony classification:
Yes, felony DWI charges can sometimes be reduced through skilled legal representation. Our attorneys have experience with various defense strategies including:
Refused to provide a specimen or specimens of breath or blood following an arrest for an offense prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle or watercraft while intoxicated, while under the influence of alcohol, or while under the influence of a controlled substance results in automatic license suspension. First refusal carries a 180-day suspension, while second refusal results in a 2-year suspension.
An Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing is your opportunity to contest the automatic license suspension following a DWI arrest. You may request a hearing within 15 days of being served notice and the hearing is conducted by an Administrative Law Judge who determines whether the suspension should be upheld.
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
