When you are charged with a DWI in Texas, the penalties can be serious. This is because driving under the influence puts the lives of others on the road at risk. However, when you are discovered driving while intoxicated with a child in your vehicle, the consequences can increase. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to continue reading. The following blog explores what you must know if charged with a DWI with a minor in the vehicle and why you should immediately connect with Houston DWI lawyers to explore your legal options.
What Are the Penalties for a DWI With a Minor in the Car?
When you are charged with a DWI for the first time, in Texas, you will be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. Though this may not seem like a heavy charge, it will appear on your criminal record. Additionally, you will face a minimum of three days behind bars with the potential for up to six months, a fine of up to $2,000, and a license suspension of up to one year.
However, when there is a child in your vehicle and you are deemed under the influence, the penalties drastically increase. Under this context, a child or minor is anyone under the age of 15. Additionally, the child does not have to be your own to face charges.
If you receive a DWI and there is a child in the vehicle, you will face a state jail felony. This carries penalties like the potential for 180 days to two years in jail, an automatic 180-day license suspension, and up to $10,000 in fines. Additionally, a DWI with a child in the vehicle can often trigger a child endangerment charge, which can add additional penalties.
You should also note that if the child is injured or you have prior DWI convictions on your record, the charges against you will likely increase.
What Should I Do if I’m Facing Charges?
If you were arrested and charged for a DWI with a minor in the vehicle, understanding how to proceed is critical. Though you should comply with the officer’s orders when under arrest to avoid facing an additional charge of resisting, you should not speak to the police without an attorney present. As such, you should invoke your right to remain silent until you have consulted a lawyer.
Though it may seem hard to challenge, working with an experienced attorney can help you fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances if you’ve been charged with a DWI while a child was in the car. They may be able to prove the evidence collected against you is unconstitutional or unreliable or they may negotiate a plea deal on your behalf. Regardless, working with an attorney from the Sparks Law Firm for your case is critical as we will explore all potential avenues to help fight for the best possible outcome. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you.