San Antonio, TX Second DWI Defense Attorney

Leon Valley, TX Second DWI Defense Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Leon Valley and have a previous DWI conviction on your record, you may be facing a DWI Second Offense — a serious misdemeanor under Texas law. There is no statute of limitations between your first and second DWI convictions, meaning even a years-old DWI can lead to a DWI 2nd charge if you’re arrested again.

A second DWI conviction comes with enhanced penalties, including longer jail time, steeper fines, and extended license suspension. Prosecutors are often aggressive in these cases, especially when there is a prior DWI conviction. That’s why it’s critical to speak with an experienced Leon Valley DWI lawyer as soon as possible.

At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, our criminal defense attorneys know how to challenge DWI second offense charges. From investigating police procedures to analyzing field sobriety test results and breath/blood evidence, we work to protect your rights and build the strongest defense possible.

Don’t face a second DWI alone. Call our Leon Valley DWI attorneys today for a free consultation and personalized legal advice.

Second DWI Offense in Leon Valley, TX: What You’re Facing

Getting arrested for DWI a second time in Texas is a serious legal issue — especially in Leon Valley, where law enforcement and prosecutors take repeat offenses seriously. Even if your first DWI conviction occurred years ago, Texas law imposes enhanced penalties for a second DWI charge without a time limit between offenses.

If you’ve been charged with DWI 2nd, you need to understand the consequences, and more importantly, how an experienced Leon Valley DWI defense attorney can help fight back.

Why Second DWIs Are Tough to Defend

A second DWI charge becomes harder to defend because the jury will already know you have a prior DWI conviction. This can lead to a built-in bias, with many jurors believing that a person with a previous offense is more likely to have committed the current one — even if the facts don’t support it.

That bias becomes even more dangerous if you’re facing a DWI 3rd, where multiple convictions can create an impression of a pattern or habit. That’s why it’s crucial to fight a second DWI charge aggressively from the very beginning.

DWI Second Offense Penalties in Texas

A DWI 2nd is classified as a Class A misdemeanor under Texas law. Penalties can include:

• Jail time: Minimum of 30 days up to 1 year in county jail
• Fines: Up to $4,000
• License suspension: Between 180 days and 2 years
• Annual surcharges: $1,500 to $2,000/year for 3 years to keep your license

If your jail sentence is probated, you’re still required to serve mandatory jail time:

• 3 days in jail if your last conviction was over 5 years ago
• 5 days in jail if your last conviction was within 5 years

Additional Consequences of a Second DWI Conviction

If you’re convicted, you may face harsh driving restrictions and monitoring:

• Ignition interlock device (IID): Required for your vehicle — you cannot legally drive any vehicle without one.
• Abstinence conditions: Courts often order you to avoid all alcohol or controlled substances.
• Random drug and alcohol testing: To enforce court orders
• Future enhancements: A DWI 2nd sets the stage for felony charges if you’re ever arrested again — including Intoxication Assault or Manslaughter.

Get a Free Consultation with a Leon Valley DWI Attorney

The best defense against a second DWI conviction is early, aggressive legal representation. At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we understand how to challenge field sobriety tests, protect your rights, and present your case clearly to a judge or jury.

How to Fight a Second DWI Charge in Leon Valley, TX

Just because you’ve been arrested for DWI 2nd doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. In fact, many second-time DWI cases in Leon Valley are dismissed or reduced when challenged properly by a skilled criminal defense attorney.

At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we build aggressive defenses using multiple strategies:

Challenge the Traffic Stop

We review whether the police had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over. If not, any evidence obtained may be thrown out.

Attack Field Sobriety & Chemical Tests

Field sobriety tests are subjective and prone to error. Breath or blood tests must be administered correctly, and equipment must be calibrated. If protocols were violated, the test results may be inadmissible.

Review Police Dashcam or Bodycam Footage

We look for inconsistencies between your behavior and what officers claim. Dashcam footage can contradict police reports and support your defense.

Suppress Damaging Evidence

Statements made without a Miranda warning, or any illegal search or seizure, could be grounds for a motion to suppress — meaning that evidence may not be allowed in court.

Why Hire a Local Leon Valley DWI Attorney?

Leon Valley is part of Bexar County, and your case may be handled in San Antonio courts. Hiring a DWI attorney near Leon Valley who knows the local prosecutors, judges, and procedures is an advantage.

Our criminal defense lawyers offer:

• Deep knowledge of Texas DWI laws
• A proven track record of second DWI defense victories
• Personalized strategies to protect your record and future

Second DWI With an Accident in Leon Valley, TX

If you’ve been arrested for a second DWI in Leon Valley that also involves a car accident, you could be facing far more than just a Class A misdemeanor. The presence of an accident significantly escalates the potential penalties, and in many cases, your charges could rise to the felony level.

When a second DWI arrest involves property damage, bodily injury, or fatality, it places you at risk of serious consequences — including prison time, permanent license suspension, and a felony record. This makes it critical to retain a seasoned criminal defense attorney near Leon Valley as soon as possible.

DWI with Property Damage

If your second-offense DWI caused a crash that resulted in property damage, you may be charged with:

• Reckless Damage – A Class C misdemeanor in Texas, which applies when damage occurs due to careless behavior while under the influence.
• Criminal Mischief – This charge becomes a felony if the damaged property is of high value or if public infrastructure is affected.

Regardless if you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony depends on the type of property damaged and its value. Regardless, you need a Leon Valley DWI attorney to help you minimize exposure and potentially keep the charge off your record.

DWI with Bodily Injury (Intoxication Assault)

A second DWI charge involving serious bodily injury is often upgraded to intoxication assault, a third-degree felony under Texas law. According to Texas Penal Code §49.07, serious bodily injury includes any injury that:

• Puts the victim at substantial risk of death
• Results in permanent disfigurement
• Causes loss or impairment of any bodily function or organ

Penalties for intoxication assault include:

• 2 to 10 years in a Texas prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Mandatory driver’s license suspension

DWI with Death (Intoxication Manslaughter)

A second DWI that results in a fatal crash will most likely lead to a charge of intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony.

Penalties for intoxication manslaughter include:

• 2 to 20 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• A permanent felony criminal record
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
• Ineligibility for certain types of probation or early release

Protect Yourself with a Local DWI Lawyer in Leon Valley

Felony-level DWI charges can destroy your future — from career loss to family disruption and years of incarceration. The good news is: You don’t have to face this alone.

At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, our experienced Leon Valley criminal defense attorneys know how to fight DWI charges involving accidents, injuries, and deaths. We understand the local Bexar County courts, prosecutors, and legal tactics necessary to protect your rights.

Leon Valley Second DWI with Accident – Frequently Asked Questions

Is a second DWI in Texas automatically a felony?

No. A second DWI offense in Texas is usually a Class A misdemeanor, but if the incident involves a car accident, especially one that causes injury or death, it can be enhanced to a felony.

What happens if my second DWI caused an accident with injuries in Leon Valley?

You could be charged with intoxication assault, a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code §49.07. Penalties include 2–10 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and license suspension.

How much time do you get for intoxication manslaughter in Texas?

Intoxication manslaughter, often charged in fatal DWI crashes, is a second-degree felony. Penalties range from 2 to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Can I get probation for a second DWI with a crash in Leon Valley?

Possibly. While probation is an option in some second DWI cases, the severity of the accident and whether injury or death occurred will heavily influence the court’s decision. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can argue for probation if appropriate.

Will I lose my license after a second DWI with an accident?

Yes. A DWI with accident case can lead to driver’s license suspension from 180 days to 2 years. In some cases, the court may also require you to install an ignition interlock device.

How much does a Leon Valley DWI attorney cost for a second offense?

Costs vary depending on the case complexity, but investing in a DWI lawyer near Leon Valley is critical when you’re facing felony charges. The consequences of a conviction far outweigh the cost of legal defense.

Can a DWI lawyer beat a second DWI with accident charge?

Yes. An experienced Leon Valley DWI attorney can challenge the legality of the stop, field sobriety test results, or blood/breath sample procedures — all of which may lead to dismissed or reduced charges.

What should I do after a second DWI arrest with an accident in Leon Valley?

Contact a Leon Valley criminal defense attorney immediately. Avoid speaking with police without legal counsel. Every word you say can be used against you.