DWI Second Offense

Prosecutors and courts take second DWI offenses very seriously. This is especially the case in Dallas where Mothers Against Drunk Driving or M.A.D.D. has its headquarters. A second DWI charge can result in severe penalties. For example, mandatory minimum jail sentences, higher fines, and oftentimes an ignition interlock are very common.

Being arrested DWI can be a frightening and embarrassing ordeal. A second offense can be even worse. The most important thing you can do is to secure an experienced and skilled Dallas DWI second offense lawyer on your team. Mike Howard will help you understand the process, your rights, your options, and possible outcomes and their consequences. Moreover, he will stand up for you in court.

Dallas DWI Second Offense Lawyer

We that innocent people get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have someone standing with and fighting for them. As an experienced trial lawyer, Dallas Second DWI lawyer Mike Howard has a reputation for fighting back and delivering fantastic results at trial. Not every client and case needs to go to trial, but when your lawyer has a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer who fights for their clients, it can make all the difference in the world.

The good news is the prosecutor is required to prove their allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest burden of proof in our justice system. The court must find you not guilty if the prosecutor cannot rule a single reasonable doubt.  This can be a powerful defense when implemented by a skilled Dallas DWI second offense lawyer. Finally, a strong defense can lead to fantastic outcomes. For example, acquittal, rejection of charges, reduction of charges, or probation. If you or someone you love is facing a second DWI offense, contact the Law Offices of Mike Howard.

A Different Kind of Lawyer

We approach our clients differently than a lot of lawyers. Above all, our philosophy is that being a great lawyer is more than getting you a great result. First, our office is centered around you. This means we start by truly listening to you to understand your case and your goals. Further, our team works to provide you a client experience that is as easy and stress-free as possible. Answering your questions and keeping you informed is very important to us. Most importantly, we treat you as a person, not a number. Finally, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. If you’re looking for a different kind of lawyer you’ve come to the right place.

Our Case Process

Listen & Understand

We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then wec make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.

Open Communication

We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.

Fight for Justice

Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you.

DWI 2nd Offense in Dallas

A person commits driving while intoxicated ( Texas Penal Code § 49.04 ) if they are intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place.

Having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or above is by law “intoxication.” Intoxication is also not having the normal use of your mental or physical faculties because of alcohol or any other substance.

For information about other DWI and Intoxication related offenses, see our other DWI/DUI page and other intoxication offense pages:

Penalties for DWI Second Offense in Dallas

While a first DWI offense is a Class B misdemeanor, a second DWI is a Class A misdemeanor. As a result, you could be facing a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 30 days up to 1 year in the county jail or probation as well as fines of up a $4,000.

Other Penalties

Other penalties can include probation, installation of an ignition interlock device, an alcohol evaluation, treatment programs, community service, DWI education programs, court costs, and, of course, a permanent record.

Choosing The Right DWI Second Offense Lawyer

Finding the right Dallas Second DWI lawyer can be overwhelming. After all, you are choosing someone who will hold your life, your future, and your family’s future in their hands. You have to be comfortable with them and feel that you can trust the information and advice they give you. Lawyers are supposed to always work in their clients’ best interest. That shouldn’t just be meaningless talk.

Talk to several lawyers to get a feel for them and their staff. Do they take the time necessary to get to know you, to listen to what’s important to you, and answer your questions? Do they show you that you matter to them as a person and not just as a fee? Beware of lawyers who put the hard sell on you or who make big promises. No attorney should ever make a guarantee about a case. Absolutely avoid a lawyer who doesn’t communicate the scope of the work and their fee clearly in a written contract.

What Makes Mike Howard Different

Many lawyers take advantage of their clients’ ignorance of the criminal justice process. We take the opposite approach: a knowledgeable client is a happy client, so we provide a wealth of information in the way of articles about criminal offenses, blog posts, and videos for free on our website.

Intoxication Offenses Resource Center

Intoxication offenses are amongst the most complicated criminal charges in Texas. For DWI definitions and information about DWI testing, DWI-related driver’s license suspensions, and more, see our DWI Resource Center.

Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.

Dallas Family Violence Attorney Mike Howard

Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas family violence attorney fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.

Client-Centered

The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals.  I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case, but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.

Willing to Fight

Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court.  I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. When your Dallas family violence attorney has a reputation as a skillful trial lawyer who fights for their clients, however, it makes all the difference in the world.

A Proven Track Record

Dallas DWI Second Offense Lawyer

A.M. – DWI 2nd

Our client was a combat veteran with a previous DWI and a history of trauma-related to his service. He has completed a prior pretrial diversion program so he wasn’t technically eligible for diversion again. We convinced the prosecutor to make an exception and his case was dismissed.

L.G. – DWI 3rd

Our client was facing a felony DWI due to his long record. In spite of his record and pretty bad facts, we took his case to trial and got a not guilty.

T.V. – DWI First

We took over our client’s case from another lawyer. He had been set for court many times before and was set for trial even though that’s not what he wanted. After one court setting, we got his case reduced and got him deferred probation.

V.B. – DWI 1st > 0.15 BAC

Our client’s first DWI was enhanced due to a high blood alcohol score. We were able to get the enhancement dropped and avoid jail time.

M.B. – DWI with Child Passenger

Even though his children were in the car when he got his DWI, we were able to get our client’s case reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor and get him time-served