A DWI Conviction with a Child Carries Harsher Consequences in Texas
Being convicted of driving while intoxicated carries harsh penalties in Texas – penalties that can follow you for years. However, if you are convicted of DWI while you have a child younger than 15 in the car with you carries distinct penalties that are even harsher than those granted for a typical DWI with otherwise similar circumstances. A law was passed in 2003 that made DWI with a child a special case, which could result in a felony charge even if the person did not have a previous DWI arrest or conviction.
If you have been charged with a DWI with a child in Texas, you need to work with a dedicated and experienced Denton DWI lawyer like Brent D. Bowen Attorney at Law. We explore all options for minimizing the charges and penalties when dismissal isn’t possible. Our goal is to protect your legal rights and your future, helping you get the second chance you deserve.
What are the penalties for a DWI conviction with a child?
In most cases, you will be charged with a felony if you are charged with driving while intoxicated with a minor in the car. That will automatically increase the penalties you face. The potential penalties for this charge include:
- A jail term of 180 days to two years
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Community service of up to 1,000 hours
- Required attendance at a drug or alcohol education program
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- Payment of court costs and fees
- Payment of driver’s license surcharges
In addition to the penalties issued by the court, you might also face long-term consequences. If you are a convicted felon, you won’t have the right to vote or receive certain government assistance, you won’t be able to own or keep a firearm, and you may lose your job. Other consequences can include losing child custody or visitation and more.
Working with an experienced Denton DWI lawyer like Brent D. Bowen can help you to avoid such consequences. Brent Bowen fights to get your charges dismissed or reduced so that you don’t end up a convicted felon. Our goal is to help you move forward as quickly as possible after your arrest. We don’t believe you should have to pay for your mistakes for the rest of your life.
Possible involvement of child services with a DWI with child conviction
You can get in serious trouble if you are convicted of a DWI with a child in the car. However, the consequences can be even more serious when the child in the car is your own. Driving under the influence with your child in the car can be considered child abuse or endangerment, and Child Protective Services can get involved. You may lose custody of your child temporarily or permanently, depending on the circumstances in the case. You may also be required to take certain steps to keep custody of your child, such as attending a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program or completing a parenting class.
Losing your child for even a day can be devastating. By working with Brent D. Bowen, you minimize the risk of being separated from your child. Bowen and our team fight to protect your parental rights and to either keep your child with you or to get your child back home as quickly as possible after your arrest.
A DWI conviction can follow you for a years. A DWI with child conviction can follow you for the rest of your life and devastate your family. You may not be able to change the mistakes you’ve already made, but you can take steps to protect your future by contacting Denton DWI lawyer Brent D. Bowen at (940) 222-2488 or use the secure online form to schedule a free consultation. We explore every legal option to fight your charges or minimize your penalties and are committed to protecting your future.