Felony DWI Lawyer in Friendswood

Serious DWI Charges Need Serious Defense—Contact Our Firm

If you are facing a felony-level DWI, you are not dealing with a routine traffic case. A felony accusation can threaten your freedom, your license, and your future. At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, we focus our practice on DWI and criminal defense, and we understand what is at stake for you.

Our attorneys bring more than 32 years of combined criminal and DWI defense experience in Texas, including cases that affect people in Friendswood and the surrounding counties. We listen carefully to what happened, explain the process in plain language, and work to protect you at every step. 

If you have been arrested, you should speak with a felony DWI attorney in Friendswood for informed guidance. You do not have to try to sort this out alone. Our team is ready to review your situation, discuss your options, and begin building a strategy that fits your specific circumstances.

Contact the Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez to speak with a Friendswood felony DWI attorney who is Certified in Breath Tests, Blood Tests, and SFSTs. Take advantage of our free consultation by calling (832) 900-9867 or reach out online now.

Understanding Felony DWI Laws in Texas

In Texas, most first and second DWI offenses are classified as misdemeanors. However, certain "aggravating factors" or a history of prior convictions will automatically elevate the charge to a felony. Under the Texas Penal Code, there are several ways you may find yourself in need of a Friendswood felony DWI attorney:

• DWI 3rd or More (T.C.A. § 49.09): If you have two prior DWI-related convictions on your record—no matter how long ago they occurred—any subsequent arrest is charged as a Third-Degree Felony.
• DWI with a Child Passenger (T.C.A. § 49.045): Operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger under the age of 15 is a State Jail Felony. This applies even if it is your very first arrest and no accident occurred.
• Intoxication Assault (T.C.A. § 49.07): If your intoxication causes a serious bodily injury to another person, you face a Third-Degree Felony.
• Intoxication Manslaughter (T.C.A. § 49.08): If a fatality occurs as a result of intoxication, the charge is a Second-Degree Felony.

Unlike many other states, Texas has no "look-back period" for priors. A conviction from twenty years ago can be used to enhance a new charge to a felony today. This is why having a felony DWI lawyer in Friendswood who understands the nuances of "enhancement" allegations is vital.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of DWI Convictions in Texas

The penalties for a felony DWI conviction in Texas are designed to be punitive and long-lasting. Depending on the level of the felony, you face:

• State Jail Felony (DWI Child Passenger): 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Third-Degree Felony (DWI 3rd+): 2 to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (prison) and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Mandatory Fines: In addition to court-ordered fines, Texas law imposes mandatory "super-fines" of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 upon conviction.

The collateral consequences of being a "convicted felon" in Texas are devastating. You will permanently lose your right to own or possess a firearm. You lose your right to vote until your sentence (including parole) is complete. Professionally, a felony record often leads to the immediate revocation of nursing, teaching, or medical licenses. 

For our clients, we also offer bilingual services to ensure that every individual, regardless of their native language, fully understands the gravity of these consequences.

The Texas Criminal Defense Process for Felony DWI

The path through the Texas criminal justice system for a felony is distinct from a misdemeanor. Your Friendswood felony DWI attorney will guide you through:

• Grand Jury Indictment: In Texas, all felony charges must be presented to a Grand Jury. This is a critical window where we can sometimes present a "defense packet" to convince the jury not to indict, effectively ending the case before it truly begins.
• ALR Hearing: You have only 15 days from your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing. We use this hearing not only to fight for your license but to cross-examine the arresting officer under oath before the criminal trial.
• Discovery and Lab Analysis: We obtain the "blood kit" data and the maintenance logs for the breathalyzer. Being Certified in Blood and Breath Tests, Steve O. Gonzalez can spot errors in gas chromatography or fermentation that other lawyers miss.
• Pre-Trial Motions: We file motions to suppress evidence if the initial stop lacked probable cause or if the blood draw warrant was flawed.
• Trial: Felony cases are heard by a 12-person jury. We utilize our over 32 years of experience to pick a fair jury and challenge the state’s forensic evidence.

Steps to Take After a Felony DWI Arrest

After a felony DWI arrest, everything can feel urgent and confusing. You may be trying to post bond, dealing with your vehicle, and answering questions from family or an employer. In this period, a few careful decisions can make a real difference in how your case unfolds.

Courts in Brazoria County, Galveston County, Harris County, and other nearby jurisdictions often set early court dates and bond conditions quickly. Missing a court appearance or violating bond terms can create new legal problems. Your driver license may also be at risk through Texas Department of Public Safety proceedings that are separate from the criminal case.

Right after a felony DWI arrest, it is helpful to:

• Stay within all bond conditions and keep track of court dates and paperwork.
• Avoid discussing the facts of the case with anyone except your attorneys.
• Gather documents and information, such as prior DWI records, insurance details, and contact information for potential witnesses.
• Write down your recollection of the stop and arrest while details are still fresh.
• Contact a felony DWI attorney in Friendswood to review both the criminal case and license issues.

When you reach out to our firm, we work to move quickly. We review your bond conditions, help you understand where your case is filed, and begin organizing the evidence we will need. Our goal is to give you clear direction from the start so you can focus on taking care of yourself and your family.

How Our Team Defends Felony DWI Cases

Felony DWI cases involve complex legal standards, scientific evidence, and factual narratives. The firm approaches these matters methodically, reviewing the case from the initial stop or crash scene through every stage of the investigation. This comprehensive review helps identify weaknesses in the State’s proof and clarifies how the case developed from start to finish.

Attorneys closely examine whether police had a lawful basis for contact, how field sobriety testing was conducted, and how breath or blood evidence was obtained and preserved. They also focus on what elevates the charge to a felony, such as allegations of intoxication assault or manslaughter, accident reconstruction, injury evidence, or the validity of prior DWI convictions.

With decades of experience in local courts, the firm understands how judges and prosecutors approach serious intoxication cases. That knowledge informs practical advice and strategic decisions. By learning each client’s priorities and maintaining clear communication, the team works to challenge the State’s case and reduce the long-term impact a felony DWI can have on a client’s life.

Our firm’s methodology is rooted in science and prosecutorial experience. We don't just look at the police report; we deconstruct the entire investigation:

• SFST Scrutiny: Most officers perform field sobriety tests incorrectly. Because we are Certified in SFSTs, we can pinpoint exactly where the officer deviated from NHTSA standards, rendering their "observations" unreliable.
• Blood/Breath Forensics: We analyze the "chain of custody" of your blood sample. If the lab technician failed to follow protocol, or if the breathalyzer was not properly calibrated, we fight to have those results excluded.
• Bilingual Advocacy: We offer bilingual services to ensure that Spanish-speaking clients are not disadvantaged by language barriers during police interrogations or court proceedings.
• Negotiating from Strength: As former prosecutors, we know how the other side thinks. We use our technical certifications to show the DA the weaknesses in their case, often leading to reduced charges or better plea offers.

Talk to Our Felony DWI Defense Team

We know this situation is stressful, and we approach every case with respect, privacy, and determination. When you contact us, we review what you are facing, explain the process ahead, and talk through how we can help. Speaking with a felony DWI lawyer in Friendswood is a strong first step toward protecting your future.

Call (832) 900-9867 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation with our team.