Houston Felony DUI Lawyer

Houston Felony DUI Attorney

A felony-level DUI charge can change the course of your life in a matter of hours. When the stakes include prison time, a permanent criminal record, and long-term damage to your reputation, securing experienced and steady legal guidance matters. A Houston felony DUI lawyer from the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, can represent you and your rights as you navigate complex felony DUI charges in Texas.

​Why Clients Trust the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC

​When facing a felony DUI charge in Houston, the quality of your legal representation matters. The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, is founded on extensive courtroom experience, powerful negotiation skills, and comprehensive knowledge of state and federal criminal laws.​

Our firm has handled countless criminal cases in Harris County courts and understands how prosecutors approach felony-level impaired driving offenses. That local familiarity allows us to create an informed legal strategy that protects your rights throughout every stage of your case.

​When Is a DUI in Texas Considered a Felony?​

Not every DUI charge in Texas is classified as a felony. Certain aggravating factors can elevate the categorization of a DUI, increasing potential penalties if the defendant is convicted. Under Texas Penal Code § 49.09, a DUI may be considered a felony if:

• The defendant has two or more prior DUI convictions on their record.
• The defendant caused an accident that caused serious injury or death. This can also lead to intoxication assault charges, or, if a death occurs, intoxication manslaughter charges.
• The defendant was driving while impaired, with a child in their vehicle.

These charges carry significantly higher penalties than misdemeanor offenses. Prison exposure, substantial fines, and long-term supervision are all possible consequences, emphasizing the importance of hiring an experienced lawyer.

​Felony DUI Laws and Potential Penalties in Texas

​Texas Department of Transportation data shows that hundreds of thousands of impaired driving incidents occur each year statewide, underscoring the importance of the state’s strict DUI laws. A felony DUI conviction in Texas can come with harsh penalties that impact your future for years to come.​

A third-degree felony can result in two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. More serious felony classifications carry even greater potential penalties. Beyond incarceration, a felony conviction can lead to:​

• Loss of certain civil rights
• Difficulty securing employment or professional licensing
• Long-term driver’s license suspension
• Mandatory ignition interlock requirements
• Extended probation with strict conditions

Felony DUI cases in Houston are typically heard in Harris County district courts. The process often begins with formal charges, arraignment, and bond conditions that may include alcohol monitoring or travel restrictions. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt why you are guilty of the offense in question by establishing prior convictions, demonstrating intoxication through blood or breath testing, and linking impairment to any alleged injury.

The dedicated team at the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, can help you build a strategic defense that protects your rights and your future livelihood during a felony DUI case in Houston.​

When to Hire a Felony DUI Lawyer

​The sooner you hire a felony DUI lawyer in Houston, the sooner they can begin analyzing the evidence being used against you and building a strategic defense. Early representation allows your attorney to preserve important evidence, request discovery of key information, and challenge the prosecution’s evidence before it’s too late.

​Felony DUI cases often involve scientific evidence, prior record analysis, and complex sentencing structures. Having a knowledgeable Houston felony DUI attorney who is prepared to scrutinize each detail can make a meaningful difference in your case’s outcome. If you or someone you love is facing a felony-level impaired driving charge here in Houston, don’t wait to see how the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, can defend you today.

​FAQs About Felony DUI Law

​Are All DUI Charges Considered Felonies in Texas?

​No, not every DUI charge in Texas is considered a felony. Most DUIs are classified as misdemeanors unless certain factors are present that elevate the charge. These factors include whether the defendant has two or more prior DUI convictions, if they caused bodily harm or death, or if a child was in their car at the time of their arrest. You should consult a qualified felony DUI lawyer in Texas to better understand your charge.

​How Many Prior DUI Convictions Result in a Felony DUI Charge in Texas?

If you are convicted of a third or subsequent DUI in Texas, your charge will be elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony. Texas law imposes harsh penalties for repeat offenders to deter the behavior from occurring again in the future. If you are convicted of a felony DUI in Texas, you can face penalties such as hefty fines, potential prison time, and loss of your driving privileges.

​How Long Does a Felony DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record in Texas?

​A felony DUI conviction in Texas can remain on your criminal record indefinitely. Unlike some misdemeanor offenses, felony convictions are rarely eligible for expunction. Certain individuals may qualify for limited relief under specific circumstances, but eligibility depends on the case outcome and procedural history. You should talk to a skilled DUI lawyer to learn more about moving forward after a felony DUI conviction.

​Can a Felony DUI Result in Prison Time in Texas?​

Yes, a felony DUI conviction can come with prison time in Texas. Third-degree felony DUI charges can carry a potential prison sentence ranging from two to ten years. More serious felony classifications, such as intoxication assault or manslaughter, carry higher sentencing ranges. Courts consider prior history, the facts of the case, and other factors when determining punishment.

​Take Action to Protect Your Future

​Facing a felony-level DUI charge in Houston is overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, provides skilled and knowledgeable representation for individuals confronting serious criminal allegations in Harris County courts. To discuss your situation and explore your legal options, contact us now. A thoughtful and protective response today can shape what tomorrow looks like.