In Leaving Las Vegas, Nicolas Cage is seen portraying the role of alcoholic Ben Sanderson with precision. His drunken drive down the Las Vegas Strip, where he almost hits a woman, was one of the turning points in the movie. In real life, if you ever happen to drive in a drunken condition, you can also expect the occurrence of a turning point in your life, albeit one of a serious nature. By any chance, if you are arrested for drunk driving and if it happens to be your third DWI offense in Texas, you can be sure that the turning point in your life will be a real grim one. If you are not sure what we are talking about, you should read this article to know the implications of third DWI in Texas.

What does a Third DWI in Texas imply?

Under Texas laws, if you have faced two drunk driving convictions and if you are arrested for DWI for a third time, you can be charged for felony. It doesn’t matter when your first two DWI convictions happened, they will also exist in your driving record. In case you are charged with DWI felony repetition, you risk a punishment of 2 to 10 years in jail. Your third DWI conviction will be categorized as a third-degree felony.

What are the repercussions of a third DWI offense in Texas?

If you are arrested for a third DWI offense in Texas, you will be subjected to mandatory penalties, including:

  • An exorbitant fine of up to $10,000
  • A minimum jail term of 2 years, which can extend up to 10 years
  • Suspension of driver license and the privilege to drive for a minimum of six months and a maximum of up to two years
  • Annual fee of up to $2,000 for three years to retain your driver license
  • Required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) that prevents the operation of your vehicle when you are drunk

How to handle a third DWI charge in Texas?

A third DWI charge in Texas is a very serious offense. If you are arrested for a third DWI, the first thing to do is to contact an experienced DWI attorney. A good attorney will be able to go through your case thoroughly and suggest the most appropriate course of action. Your Texas DWI attorney will also know the laws and the procedures involved in such cases. With a veteran attorney by your side, you will be in a much better position to fight your case and expect a better outcome.