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Houston Second Offense DWI Defense Attorneys

Aggressively Defending Against Second DWI Charges in Texas

Facing DWI charges can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, especially for subsequent offenders. If you were arrested for a second DWI in Houston, securing a robust defense is paramount to protecting your future and freedom. Fortunately, our second offense DWI defense lawyers are committed to providing the aggressive and tenacious representation you deserve.

Since 1980, our attorneys at Law Offices of Gary Trichter have forged a proven track record of results in DWI defense. Our goal is to restore your liberty while mitigating potential impacts on your career, family, and future. We understand that good people make mistakes and are dedicated to developing a personalized defense for every case we take on. With decades of experience and recognition from Super Lawyers® and The Best Lawyers in America®, you can trust us to provide relentless advocacy and unwavering support at every step.

What Constitutes a Second DWI in Texas?

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a crime defined in Texas Penal Code (PC) § 49.04. Under state law, a person is considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or if their mental and physical faculties are impaired due to alcohol or drugs.

A second DWI occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated with a prior DWI conviction on their record. The prior conviction does not need to be recent to qualify as a second offense, but can be from any time in the past. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of DWI laws to build a strong and strategic defense while defending your rights at every step.

If you were arrested for a second DWI in Houston, our firm can relentlessly defend your rights and reputation. Contact us online to discuss your case.

Mr. Trichter ensured that I was informed at every step, which greatly reduced my anxiety and allowed me to make informed decisions.
“Not only did Mr. Trichter guide me through the complex legal proceedings but he also took the time to explain the process to me in a clear and understandable way. His direct answers and understanding ear helped me vastly through my legal process. Thanks to you Gary!”

- Seth L.
Gary exceeded my expectations, and was able to get my charges completely DISMISSED!
“I absolutely recommend, respect, and appreciate Gary and his team.They made the legal process easy, and were extremely helpful throughout the entire DWI ordeal. Gary specializes in Texas DWI cases and has a history of success. More importantly, in my opinion, is his fortitude, persistence, and unapologetic approach to these complacent DAs and Judges that seemed so eager to destroy my livelihood. Call Gary Trichter!! He will shoot you straight, and you will not regret hiring him and his team.”

- Kyle O.
Gary Trichter's professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to my case were exceptional.
“I highly recommend this Gary Trichter for anyone in need of expert legal representation. Him and his team guided me through every step of the process and fought tirelessly for the best possible outcome. Truly great work.”

- Kevin W.
I highly recommend Gary Trichter to represent you or your loved one.
“With all the charges against me, which were felonies I was in serious need of a wise exceptional attorney and Gary is just that. He got resisting arrest, illegal carry of a gun and an outstanding warrant for a car accident. All charges were dismissed.”

- Erica S.
I can not express the amount of gratitude I have for Mr. Trichter.
“I was referred to Mr. Trichter by a close family friend. Two of his family member had used him to represent them in their DWI case and were both very pleased with his work. After having Mr. Trichter represent me I can fully understand why. He is an amazing attorney and the best at his job by far. But more then that he is an amazing person that truly care about his client. I will forever be great full for what he has done for me in helping me have my case dismissed. Thank you again Gary!!!”

- Luke F.
Ultimately, all charges were dropped and I was able to get on with my life.
“Gary Trichter is hands down the best attorney you will find. If you ever need representation this is the man to hire. He worked hard on the details of my case and was always available to talk.”

- James F.
Gary is one of only 4 DWI specialist in the state and his reputation is unsurpassed.
“Gary and his staff are absolutely the best attorneys you can get. They deeply care for their clients well being and will fight for the best outcome possible. Gary's knowledge of the law and his calm demeanor has put my mind at ease when I had a medical situation that was very scary and misunderstood by an officer. He told me" I will walk you through this" and he did just that! scince then he has became a trusted friend.”

- Kevin J.
Mr. Trichter seems to feel comfortable thinking outside the box and it pays off!
“Gary Trichter came recommended by a friend. I was told he was good but he's honestly fantastic! His staff, Cassie and Tracey are equally as awesome and so sweet! Gary is a very knowledgeable, caring, and creative lawyer. Call his office many times to talk about my case and I always feel like I get 100% attention. I highly recommend!”

- Jenny S.

What Are the Penalties for a Second DWI?

A second DWI offense carries severe penalties that can profoundly impact your life and liberty. Partnering with a knowledgeable defense lawyer is critical to protecting your driving privileges and avoiding the life-altering consequences of a conviction.

Under PC § 49.09, this crime is typically charged as a class A misdemeanor punishable by a minimum of 30 days to one year in jail and up to $4,000 in fines, as well as driver’s license suspension for 180 days two years. In addition to fines, a conviction can lead to various financial penalties, such as attorney fees, insurance premiums, and ignition interlock device (IID) costs.

As you can see, a second DWI conviction can significantly impact your future, including your ability to secure affordable housing and employment opportunities. Working with an experienced defense lawyer is critical to navigating the complexities of your specific case and avoiding the lasting consequences of a conviction.

Can a Second DWI Result in the Installation of a Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?

In addition to fines, jail time, and license suspension, a second DWI conviction can also result in the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. This prevents you from operating a motor vehicle without first passing a breathalyzer test, which measures your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Can a Second DWI Result in Felony Charges?

A second DWI is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but may be escalated to a felony if there are aggravating factors present, such as if the offense involves serious bodily harm (intoxication assault), a fatality (intoxication manslaughter), or a child passenger under 15 years old in the vehicle (DWI with child).

How Long Will My License Be Suspended After a Second DWI?

A second DWI typically results in driver’s license suspension for up to two years. You may qualify for an occupational license during the suspension. However, the exact duration of the suspension depends on the specific details of your case, including your BAC level and whether any aggravating factors are present.

Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our DWI defense attorneys can review your case with a practiced legal eye and guide you through the legal intricacies of applying for an occupational license if possible to maintain your driving privileges for essential needs.

Should I Plead Guilty to a Second DWI?

It’s always best to consult a skilled defense lawyer before entering a plea in a DWI case. Pleading guilty without exploring your legal options can lead to preventable penalties and long-term consequences. Our attorneys prioritize dismissals and have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for clients across Texas. Our goal is to pursue a favorable outcome in your case by employing a tailored and strategic defense on your behalf.

Can I Get Probation for a Second DWI?

Probation or community supervision is a possible outcome in second DWI cases. However, this depends on the specifics of your case, prior convictions, and the discretion of the court.

While probation can reduce jail time, it is also subject to strict terms, such as regular reporting, mandatory alcohol education classes, and the mandatory installation of an IID.

At Law Offices of Gary Trichter, we leverage our extensive experience in DWI defense to advocate for possible alternatives and reduce jail time for Texans facing second DWI charges. Our attorneys can carefully examine your case and build a personalized defense to pursue the best possible outcome.

How Can I Defend Against a Second DWI?

If you were arrested for a second DWI, our firm can fight tirelessly to dismiss or reduce the charges against you. We can evaluate the specifics of your case to determine an effective legal strategy to employ in your defense. Common defenses against DWI include:

Challenging blood or breath test results. Breathalyzers and blood test readings are not 100% reliable and require careful calibration and maintenance to produce accurate readings. Various factors may result in accurate test results, such as certain medical conditions. We can question the reliability of these outcomes to weaken the prosecution’s case.
Challenging field sobriety tests. FSTs are commonly used in DWI traffic stops to establish probable cause for arrest. However, they are not a foolproof method for proving guilt. Inadequate lighting, uneven surfaces, inclement weather, and the individual’s physical condition can impact the accuracy of these tests. Our firm can contest the reliability or administration of FSTs if necessary.
Constitutional violations. Police misconduct during a DWI can be grounds for case dismissal, such as coercion, improper procedural steps, failure to read Miranda rights, or unconstitutional searches and seizures. Our attorneys can determine if your Fourth or Fifth Amendment rights were violated and fight to get inadmissible evidence dismissed from your case.

Original Board-Certified DWI Specialist Gary Trichter Earned the Distinction of Being The 1st Board-Certified DWI Specialist in Texas

At the forefront of the industry stands our visionary founder, Gary Trichter. He earned the distinction of being the very first Board-Certified DWI Specialist in Texas. This certification is only given by the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD) which is recognized by the American Bar Association.

Gary has spoken at hundreds of seminars on DWI and has taught lawyers, judges, and prosecutors about DWI law. Gary co-authored the textbook Texas Drunk Driving Law and is leading the way with unparalleled expertise in the field.

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR CASE

Importance of Securing a Strong Defense for Second DWI

If you’re facing second DWI charges, securing a strong defense is paramount to defending your rights and reputation. Some important reasons to work with our skilled attorneys at Law Offices of Gary Trichter include:

Navigating the Legal Process

Our lawyers have a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and DWI laws to help you navigate your case with care and precision.

Building a Personalized Defense

We can evaluate the specific charges against you to establish a strategic and tailored defense for your unique legal circumstances.

Challenging the Evidence

The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to convict you. With former prosecution experience, our attorneys are well-equipped to uncover weaknesses and challenge the evidence against you.

Minimizing Potential Penalties

Our firm can work tirelessly to reduce or dismiss the penalties against you and mitigate the potential consequences of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights

From lack of probable cause to unconstitutional searches or seizures, we can fight to hold law enforcement accountable for procedural errors while protecting your rights at every step.

Don’t leave your future to chance after a second DWI—contact Law Offices of Gary Trichter for the fierce advocacy you deserve. Call (979) 472-3858 to schedule a free consultation.

1st Board-Certified DWI Specialist in Texas
Our Founder Gary Trichter was the 1st Board-Certified DWI Specialist In The State of Texas to earn the designation of “DWI Specialist”.
On The Forefront Of Change
We don't just push the envelope—we redefine its boundaries. We stand on the other side, shaping trends and crafting bold, effective defense strategies.
DWI Defense Powerhouse
We combine professional, aggressive criminal defense with caring, understanding legal counsel.

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