Bryan DWI with Child Passenger & Vehicular Endangerment Lawyers

Getting a driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction in Texas is already associated with harsh penalties, such as jail time and fines. However, if you get arrested for DWI with a child passenger in your vehicle, you may face increased punishment. This crime is prosecuted as a state jail felony. Facing this charge, you need a qualified Bryan DWI child endangerment lawyer to protect your future.

At Shane Phelps Law, we provide the experienced and skilled legal representation necessary to challenge these serious charges. Our Bryan DWI defense attorney has a comprehensive understanding of Texas driving laws and court proceedings, with a specific focus on cases involving vehicular endangerment and minors. We can help you fight for a reduction in penalties or even a full case dismissal.

Bryan DWI Child Endangerment Guide

• Why Choose the Shane Phelps Law for a DWI Child Endangerment Charge?
• Our Law Office in Bryan, Texas
• Texas DWI Laws
• Texas DWI Child Endangerment
• CPS Involvement in DWI Cases with Child Passengers
• DWI Child Endangerment Impact on Your Life and Livelihood
• How Can a Lawyer Help if You’re Facing a DWI Arrest Involving a Child Passenger?
• Contact Bryan, Texas, Lawyers at the Law Offices of Shane Phelps

Why You Need a Dedicated DWI Child Passenger Lawyer

We understand the stress and uncertainty that come with facing criminal charges, especially when they involve allegations of endangering a child. Our team provides compassionate and supportive legal representation, guiding you through every step of the legal process.

With decades of experience, Shane Phelps Law boasts a deep understanding of Texas DWI and criminal law, particularly when the charge is enhanced due to a child passenger. This experience enables us to craft effective defense strategies tailored to your specific situation, scrutinizing every detail of your arrest and the state’s case against you.

When facing a DWI with child passenger charge, you can trust Shane Phelps Law to provide you with the strong legal representation you need.

Call us today at 979-596-6843.

Our Law Office in Bryan, Texas

Shane Phelps Law, P.C., is located at 400 N. Washington Avenue, Bryan, TX 77803. We are in the heart of Bryan, at the corner of E. 23rd Street. Contact us for a free consultation.

Texas DWI Laws

In Texas, DWI (or DUI) refers to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. It also applies to driving while under the influence of drugs. It is illegal for people younger than age 21 to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. Texas DWI laws are spelled out in the Penal Code, Title 10, Offenses Against Public Health, Safety, and Morals, chapter 49, Intoxication and Alcoholic Beverage offenses.

Understanding and Defending Against DWI with Child Passenger Charges

Being charged with DWI with a child passenger can be a life-altering event. This offense is a state jail felony, which can lead to:

• A maximum state jail sentence of two years

• A fine of up to $10,000

• Loss of your driver’s license for 180 days

The Role of a Vehicular Endangerment Lawyer

When you are arrested for DWI with a child passenger, the prosecution views this as a form of vehicular endangerment. This is a serious accusation that requires a highly skilled defense. As your vehicular endangerment lawyer, we will challenge the state’s assertion that your actions meet the criteria for a felony.

Our defense strategies focus on exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, including:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: Was there a valid reason for the initial stop?
• Questioning Field Sobriety Tests: Were the tests administered properly? Were there other factors that affected your performance?
• Disputing Chemical Test Results: Our lawyers are experienced in challenging the accuracy and validity of breath and blood tests, which are central to any DWI case.
• CPS Involvement in DWI Cases with Child Passengers: The threat of Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement adds another layer of complexity. We understand the serious ramifications for parental rights and custody arrangements and will advocate for your family’s best interests.
• DWI Child Endangerment Impact on Your Life and Livelihood: We recognize the profound implications a felony conviction can have on your employment, professional licenses, and reputation. Our defense is aimed at protecting your future from these devastating consequences.

We will meticulously review the evidence and build a robust defense to protect your rights and your freedom.

DWI Child Endangerment Impact on Your Life and Livelihood

A DWI conviction, especially when a child is present in the vehicle, can have profound implications for employment opportunities and professional licenses, particularly in fields that involve driving or working with children.

Many jobs require employees to operate vehicles as part of their duties, such as commercial drivers, delivery drivers, transportation workers, and others. A DWI conviction can result in the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. Even if driving is not the primary responsibility, employers may conduct background checks and consider DWI convictions as grounds for disqualification.

Certain professions require individuals to maintain professional licenses, such as lawyers, healthcare professionals, teachers, childcare providers, and others. A DWI conviction, especially with a child in the vehicle, can raise concerns about your judgment, reliability, and ability to uphold professional standards. Licensing boards may impose disciplinary actions, including suspension or revocation of licenses, based on ethical or moral fitness criteria.

Many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process to assess an applicant’s criminal history. A DWI conviction, particularly with aggravating factors like endangering a child, can negatively impact your chances of securing employment, especially in competitive fields or positions of trust.

Individuals working in childcare centers, schools, or other educational settings are often already subject to stringent background checks and must meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure the safety and well-being of children. A DWI conviction, especially involving child endangerment, may disqualify you from working in these roles or require you to undergo additional scrutiny or monitoring.

A DWI conviction can tarnish your professional reputation and credibility, potentially leading to the loss of clients, business opportunities, or professional relationships. Employers, colleagues, and clients may view the conviction as a reflection of poor judgment or character, impacting your standing in the professional community.

How Can a Lawyer Help if You’re Facing a DWI Arrest Involving a Child Passenger?

A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance to individuals facing DWI child endangerment charges by offering strategic guidance and advocacy throughout the legal process. Here’s how a lawyer can help:

• Legal Defense Strategies: A skilled DWI child endangerment attorney will thoroughly review the details of the case to identify any potential defenses. This may include challenging the validity of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of chemical test results, or disputing the evidence presented by the prosecution.
• Negotiating Plea Bargains: In some cases, it may be beneficial to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. A lawyer can leverage their negotiation skills and knowledge of the legal system to pursue reduced charges or penalties. This may involve pleading guilty to a lesser offense or agreeing to alternative sentencing options in exchange for a more favorable outcome.

Exploring Alternative Sentencing Options

For individuals charged with DWI child endangerment, alternative sentencing options may be available as an alternative to traditional incarceration. These options may include:

• Probation: Instead of serving jail time, you may be placed on probation, during which you must comply with certain conditions set by the court. This may include regular check-ins with a probation officer, attending counseling or treatment programs, and refraining from alcohol consumption.
• Community Service: The court may order you to perform a specified number of hours of community service as a form of restitution for your actions. Community service allows you to contribute positively to the community while serving your sentence.
• Participation in Alcohol Treatment Programs: If alcohol dependency or abuse is a factor in the DWI offense, the court may require you to participate in alcohol treatment programs. These programs aim to address underlying issues related to alcohol use and help you make positive changes in your behavior.

If the case goes to trial, a lawyer will advocate for the client’s rights and present a compelling defense in court. This may involve cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence on behalf of the client, and making persuasive arguments to the judge or jury.

Throughout the legal process, a DWI defense lawyer provides guidance, support, and reassurance to the client. They explain the legal proceedings, advise on the best course of action, and offer emotional support during a challenging time.

How a Driving While Intoxicated Lawyer Can Help

A dedicated driving while intoxicated lawyer can provide invaluable assistance to individuals facing DWI child endangerment charges by offering strategic guidance and advocacy throughout the legal process. Here’s how we help:

• Strategic Defense: We thoroughly review every detail to identify potential defenses. This may include challenging the validity of the traffic stop or questioning the accuracy of chemical test results.
• Plea Bargains & Alternative Sentencing: We have extensive experience negotiating with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or penalties. When appropriate, we can explore alternative sentencing options like probation or alcohol treatment programs.
• Trial Representation: If your case goes to trial, our attorneys will advocate for your rights, cross-examining witnesses and presenting a compelling defense to the judge or jury.

Don’t let a DWI with child passenger charge derail your future. You deserve a strong defense from a knowledgeable driving while intoxicated lawyer who understands the nuances of Texas law.

Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.