Brazoria County DWI Attorney

Dedicated Defense for Texans

Getting charged with DUI or DWI can have an immediate impact on your life. Allow our skilled team of Brazoria County DWI attorneys at Crenshaw & Purvis to help you during this confusing and difficult time. Our team of criminal defense attorneys has over 60 years' experience in handling these types of cases, fully understanding how to best protect your rights.

DUI vs. DWI: Key Differences Explained

Under Texas law, both DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (drinking while intoxicated) refer to a driver who is impaired due to alcohol or drugs. Whether you are charged with DUI or DWI depends on your age and blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

For example, if you are over the age of 21 and have a BAC over 0.08 grams per hundred milliliters of blood, then you can be charged with a DWI. If you are under 21 years old, you can be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below the legal limit, or be charged with DWI if you are above that limit.

What Are the DUI Penalties in Texas?

The penalties for a DUI / DWI in Texas vary. The most significant factor that determines penalties is whether or not the offender has any prior convictions for driving under the influence. If you've been charged, our Brazoria County DWI attorneys can help you understand the potential charges you face and can fight to defend your rights and future.

Penalties for a First DUI Offense

• 72 hours-6 months in jail (12 month maximum if BAC was .15% or more)
• Up to $2,000 in fines (up to $4,000 if BAC was .15% or more)
• 90 days-12 months license suspension

Penalties for a Second DUI Offense

• 30 days-12 months in jail
• Up to $4,000 in fines
• 180 days-2 years license suspension
• Ignition interlock device for 1 year if prior conviction was within 5 years

Penalties for a Third DUI Offense

• 2-10 years in jail
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• 180 days-2 years license suspension
• Ignition interlock device for 1 year if prior conviction was within 5 years

Is a DUI a Felony in Texas?

A DUI becomes a felony when it is your third DUI conviction. A DUI can also become a felony when you cause a non-fatal injury in an accident, you kill someone as a result of the DUI, there was a child when you were driving.

What Can a DWI Be Reduced to in Texas?

A DWI in Texas can be reduced to reckless driving, an obstruction of a passageway charge, or a public intoxication charge. This is a common event when there are errors or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that make it difficult to obtain a conviction.

Public intoxication is a misdemeanor that results in a maximum fine of $500. However, a third charge after having two previous convictions for public intoxication carries the same jail term and fines as a DWI. We can negotiate with the prosecution or petition the court to lessen the charges and/or penalties—or even dismiss your case entirely—before a case goes to trial.

Long-Term Impact of a DWI on Your Record

A DWI stays on your record permanently in Texas unless you are able to get it expunged or sealed. With a DWI on your record, anyone who runs a criminal background check on you will be able to see it, including employers, landlords, homeowners’ associations, and potential business partners. If you apply for a job, you could be denied the job because of your DWI conviction. If your DWI conviction appears on your criminal record, we can help you explore options to have it removed.

Protect Your Rights with a Trusted Brazoria County DWI Lawyer

Being charged with a DWI can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. It's important to have a skilled Brazoria County DWI defense attorney on your side to protect your rights and advocate for the best possible outcome for your case.

At Crenshaw & Purvis, our team of experienced Brazoria County DWI attorneys has a proven track record of successfully defending clients facing DWI charges in Angleton and throughout Texas. We understand the complexities of DWI laws and will work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.

When you choose us to represent you, you can expect:

• Thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your arrest
• Aggressive defense in negotiations and in the courtroom
• Clear communication and guidance throughout the legal process
• Advocacy for minimizing penalties and protecting your future

Don't face DWI charges alone. Contact Crenshaw & Purvis today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help defend your rights and future.

Guiding You Through the DWI Legal Process

After you have been charged with drunk driving, it is vital that you act immediately in order to prevent your driver's license from being suspended. Our legal team of Brazoria County DWI attorneys at Crenshaw & Purvis can assist you in filing your paperwork following a DUI / DWI charge. Once you have filed, we can help you navigate through the complexities of the justice system and fight for the results you need.

Some of the potential outcomes of your DUI / DWI case include:

• Dismissal of your case
• Plea bargaining
• Guilty verdict
• Deferred prosecution