Life sentence from a DWI in Texas: DWI consequences

A DWI in Texas is a serious criminal offense. DWI consequences are severe, costly and may result in a life sentence.

After hearing about some of the recent life sentences received by drunk drivers in the state of Texas, you may be wondering how that’s possible. If it is your first DWI the answer is no. In the State of Texas, the range of punishment for a first time DWI conviction puts you in Class B Misdemeanor punishment range.

That means you could be sentenced to not less than 72 hours or no more than 180 days in the county jail, be fined up to $2,000.00, or a combination of both. Most people who are out of jail while their case is pending are offered probation.

That doesn’t mean a DWI is no big deal. Whether it is your first DWI in Texas or third, it is very expensive. It means higher insurance, court costs, fines, and a criminal conviction that stays on your record for the rest of your life.

At what point does a DWI result in a life sentence? I was recently reading about the case of James Steven Corley who received a life sentence this year for his 16th DWI. According to the assistant district attorney on the case, Corley had been drinking almost every time he got behind the wheel. He had DWI convictions from two states and multiple Texas counties.

A Rockwall, Texas man also recently received a life sentence after his 9th DWI. One common thread that I noticed in these more extreme sentences is a prior lengthy, ongoing criminal history in other areas such as theft and assault in addition to habitual drunk driving. There are some judges and juries who simply decide that enough is enough.

The costs and repercussions of a drunk driving conviction are severe and costly. If you are facing DWI charges, it’s extremely important that you hire the right attorney to handle your case. For the most strategic and aggressive defense of your DWI charge, call an experienced Houston DWI lawyer at Paul Darrow Law today.