Denton DWI with a Child Passenger Lawyer

Denton DWI with a Child Passenger Attorney

In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious crime that carries heavy penalties and legal consequences. If a minor child is in the vehicle at the time, harsher penalties and larger fines may be imposed. If you are facing charges, it’s crucial that you hire a Denton DWI with a child passenger lawyer. They can assist with your defense and help protect you.

Facing DWI charges can be detrimental, affecting your career, reputation, and family. Serious crimes like this need strong representation. At Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC, we have extensive experience defending criminal cases in Denton County, TX.

Impaired Driving Penalties in Texas

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can put your life and the lives of others on the road at risk. Driving while intoxicated has been identified as causing 37% of all traffic fatalities in Texas. In 2024, Texas had 1,053 fatal accidents due to intoxicated driving. In Texas, you are legally intoxicated if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.08 percent.

DWI cases in Denton, TX, are handled by local law enforcement and the Denton County District Attorney’s Office. Penalties for a DWI charge in Texas are as follows:

• A first offense carries up to a $2,000 fine and up to six months in jail upon conviction, with three mandatory days. Drivers may also lose their license for up to a year. Beyond the immediate penalties, a DWI conviction can have a lasting impact on your criminal record.
• A second offense includes a fine of up to $4,000 and up to a year in jail upon conviction. You may also lose your driver’s license for up to two years.
• A third offense includes a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison. Your driver’s license may also be suspended for two years.

Texas DWI with a Child Passenger Crimes

DWI with a child passenger crimes are extremely serious and have more severe criminal penalties than other DWI crimes. Texas charges these cases as felonies and adds a child endangerment charge. You could face an additional two years in jail and be fined up to $10,000 for this offense. There is also a chance that Child Protective Services (CPS) may become involved if the act is reported as abuse or neglect.

If the prosecutor files a report with CPS, and they open a case, you should hire a DWI with a child passenger lawyer to assist in building your criminal defense and maintaining custody of your child.

If CPS investigates and concludes that you were endangering your child, the child may be removed from your custody.

Possible Defenses for a DWI With a Child Passenger Charge

Hiring a reputable Denton DWI with a child passenger attorney can help build effective criminal defense strategies that can lessen the consequences or reduce the charges. A lawyer can help you understand your criminal charges and penalties. They can also work to make sure your rights are not infringed upon before or during your criminal proceedings. Here are some of the possible defenses:

• Questioning whether the officer had the right to stop you. When an officer makes an arrest for a DWI, they must follow strict protocol and have evidence that supports the stop in the first place.
• Challenging the sobriety test and the chemical test results.
• Questioning the child’s presence in the vehicle. This includes taking witness statements in case the child was not present in the vehicle when the traffic stop occurred.
• Seeking the option of rehabilitation. Judges may be more swayed to offer more lenient sentencing if the defendant is making proactive steps to address their alcohol or drug use.
• Character references and evidence of responsibility to attest to the person’s reputation and character. This defense may be most helpful in cases where CPS gets involved.

Being charged with a DWI with a child passenger is very serious and requires the guidance of a seasoned criminal defense attorney in Denton, TX. If your case goes to trial at a Denton County District Court, we can represent you effectively.

FAQs

What Is the Penalty for a DWI With a Child Passenger in Texas?

The penalties for a DWI with a child passenger in Texas can include jail time up to two years and up to $10,000 in fines for the first offense. Collateral consequences can include Child Protective Services removing your child from your custody if they find evidence of neglect or abuse.

What Are the Odds of Getting a DWI Case Dismissed in Texas?

The odds of getting a DWI case dismissed in Texas depend on the circumstances, but it may be possible with the aid of a skilled Denton DWI attorney. Strong defense strategies include challenging the handling or legality of the traffic stop. A skilled defense attorney may also be able to argue that the results from the chemical tests were not accurate.

Do I Need a DWI Attorney in Texas?

There is no requirement to have a DWI attorney represent your case in Texas; however, it is strongly recommended. Penalties for a DWI are extremely serious and can have detrimental outcomes on your career, family, and life. It is important to have a skilled attorney on your side to help protect you in criminal and civil legal proceedings.

How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost in Denton, Texas?

The cost of hiring a DWI lawyer in Denton, Texas, can vary depending on their level of knowledge, your criminal history, and other details of your case. It is important to talk with an attorney and be transparent about your case during your initial consultation so that you can get an accurate estimate for their services.

Hire a DWI With a Child Passenger Lawyer

You have too much at stake when facing a DWI charge, especially one involving a child passenger. It is important to work with a compassionate and aggressive attorney to craft your criminal defense. Located in Denton County, TX, Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC, has the skills required to help you achieve a favorable outcome regardless of your situation. Contact our firm today.