Texas Accident & Injury News
A second DWI carries hefty consequences in San Antonio.
19-Year-Old Hospitalized, Woman Facing Charges After Head-On Collision
According to a KSAT News report, a man was hospitalized, and a woman is facing charges after a Northwest-side accident.
Police reported the accident happened at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10th, in the 8900 block of Guilbeau Road on San Antonio’s Northwest Side. A 37-year-old woman driving a Volkswagen Beetle abruptly changed lanes, clipping a 2013 red Kia Forte before veering into Guilbeau’s eastbound lane. The impact sent the 2013 Kia crashing head-on into a 2024 Kia Forte, which was being driven by the 19-year-old man. The 19-year-old was taken to the hospital, where he is expected to fully recover.
The report did not specify the extent of the other driver’s injuries. The woman who caused the crash was also taken to the hospital and is facing a Second DWI charge but had not yet been arrested as of April 10th.
Did You Know?
There were 635 people killed in head-on crashes in Texas in 2023.
Second DWI Charge in San Antonio: Everything You Need to Know
Texas law is tough on drunk driving.
A first-time DWI offense carries hefty punishments and possibly a permanent mark on your criminal record, not to mention all of the personal consequences associated with a criminal charge.
A second DWI is even more severe and carries harder punishments if convicted. Let’s examine the consequences of a Second DWI charge in San Antonio.
DUI vs. DWI
Most people think that a DUI and DWI are the same thing, but that’s not accurate. A DUI (driving under the influence) is a charge that is only applicable to minors (drivers under 21) and is less severe. There is also a Second DUI, but again, this only applies to minors and is completely different from a Second DWI.
Consequences of a Second DWI
A Second DWI charge’s consequences can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a First-Degree Felony. Typically, as a Class A misdemeanor, a Second DWI charge will have the following consequences:
- Possible Driver’s License Suspension — Ranging from 180 days to two years. The court may grant an occupational driver’s license that allows you to drive for essential activities during the suspension.
- Fines — Up to $4,500.
- Jail Time — Ranging from 30 days to 1 year. If probation is granted, a minimum of 3 days of jail time is required.
Other consequences will vary and can include things like:
- Community Service,
- Probation (not eligible for early termination, for a maximum period of up to 24 months),
- IID in Vehicle (requiring you to pass a breath sample before the car will start),
- Mandatory Alcohol Education Programs,
- Other Court-Required Activities.
Persons charged with a Second DWI are not eligible for deferred adjudication, meaning the charge will permanently be on your criminal record. Additionally, you may still face a civil trial and its associated consequences regardless of criminal conviction.
When Does a 2nd DWI Become a Felony?
You could be charged with a felony for a Second DWI offense if any of the following special circumstances are true:
- You Injured an On-Duty Peace Officer, Firefighter, or Emergency Medical Personnel
- You Had a Child Passenger — If you were arrested with a passenger under 15, the charge escalates to a state jail felony.
- You Caused an Accident Resulting in Injury — This will elevate the charge to intoxication assault, which is a third-degree felony.
- You Caused an Accident Resulting in Death — This will elevate the charge to intoxication manslaughter, which is a second-degree felony.
Felony charges can land you in prison for up to 20 years and cost tens of thousands in fines, depending on the severity of the charge.
Injured by a Drunk Driver in San Antonio? Call Shaw!
If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident caused by a drunk driver in San Antonio, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Medical Bills,
- Missed Work,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out what you’re entitled to for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees and no obligations attached, just the expert legal advice you need. Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.