Felony DUI Attorney in Irving

Direct Access to Your Felony DWI Attorney in Irving

A felony DWI charge in Texas can change the course of your life. You may be worried about prison time, losing your license, and the possibility of a felony record that affects your job and your family. If this arrest came out of an incident in or around Irving, I can review the criminal charge and related license deadlines with you.

I’m attorney Erin Kelley, and through Kelley Legal, I represent people who are accused of serious offenses, including felony-level drunk driving charges. My practice focuses on clear communication, practical advice, and one-on-one guidance, so you can stay informed about what’s happening in your case and why it matters. When you hire me, you work directly with the lawyer who can stand next to you in court. I keep my caseload intentionally low so I can spend the time that a DWI case often requires, and I offer bilingual support in Spanish so you can discuss your situation in the language that feels most comfortable.

Call (469) 564-3420 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

Why Hire Me for a Felony DWI

When you’re looking for a felony DUI attorney in Irving, you’re not just comparing resumes. You’re deciding who you’ll trust with your freedom, your record, and your future.

I maintain a lower caseload on purpose. Felony DWI cases usually involve significant evidence, such as police reports, videos, and blood or breath test records. By limiting the number of cases I accept, I give myself the time to review these materials carefully, look for issues, and prepare you for every hearing.

Communication is at the center of how I work. I take the time to explain the process in plain language, so you understand what’s happening at each court setting and what choices you have. When I talk with you about options, I want you to feel informed, not pressured. You should be able to weigh potential risks and benefits with a clear understanding of what each path might look like.

For Spanish-speaking clients, direct bilingual communication can make a difficult situation less confusing. You don’t have to rely on a translator to discuss private facts or ask detailed questions. I speak with clients in Spanish when needed, which helps prevent misunderstandings about plea offers, court requirements, or possible consequences.

My office also shares space with two immigration attorneys. I don’t handle immigration cases myself, but working side by side with colleagues in that field helps me stay aware of how certain criminal outcomes can affect a person’s immigration status. When I talk with noncitizen clients about their felony DWI charges, I pay close attention to how a conviction or plea might fit into the bigger picture of their lives here.

When a DWI Becomes a Felony in Texas

Texas law governs intoxicated-driving offenses under Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code, and several distinct pathways can elevate a DWI to felony-level status. The applicable category determines the potential sentencing range, conditions, and long-term consequences.

Repeat DWI Charges

The most common path to a felony DWI in Texas involves prior convictions. Under Texas Penal Code Section 49.09, a DWI can become a third-degree felony when the prosecution alleges the required number of prior intoxication-related convictions. A third-degree felony carries a potential range of two to ten years in a Texas state prison and a fine of up to $10,000, though the specific exposure in any case depends on the charge, the alleged facts, and the final disposition.

Other felony-level offenses under Chapter 49 include:

DWI With a Child Passenger:
Under Texas Penal Code Section 49.045, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger younger than 15 is a state jail felony, regardless of a person’s prior record.

Intoxication Assault:
Texas Penal Code Section 49.07 addresses situations where intoxication-related conduct causes serious bodily injury to another person. This charge is a third-degree felony and can arise from a single incident with no prior DWI history.

Intoxication Manslaughter:
Texas Penal Code Section 49.08 applies when intoxication-related conduct causes the death of another person. This is a second-degree felony, carrying a potential range of two to twenty years in state prison.

The court process depends on the specific felony charge. Cases from Irving typically involve Dallas County prosecution and may proceed through the Frank Crowley Courts Building, where Dallas County’s criminal district courts handle felony matters. Before discussing directions your case might take, I evaluate the specific charge, the available evidence, and your history. No two cases follow exactly the same path.

What to Do After a Felony DWI Arrest

The Texas administrative license revocation process is separate from the criminal DWI case. For an applicable ALR suspension notice, Texas DPS generally requires a hearing request within 15 days after the notice is served. Because the ALR process runs on its own timeline, your paperwork and the deadlines it contains should be reviewed promptly.

Here are some practical steps to take right away:

• Keep all arrest and bond paperwork together and bring it to my office.
• Mark your court date on a calendar and plan time to attend.
• Avoid discussing case details on social media or with people who don’t need to know.
• Don’t make additional statements to law enforcement without talking to a lawyer first.
• Write down what you remember about the stop, any testing, and the arrest while events are still fresh.
• Contact a lawyer promptly so you can review deadlines and next steps.

If you reach out to me after an arrest tied to the Irving area, I can go over your paperwork, help you understand which court is handling the case, and talk through an initial plan.

How I Evaluate & Defend a Felony DWI Case

When you come to Kelley Legal about a felony DWI, I start by listening. I want to hear how the arrest unfolded from your point of view, what your background looks like, and what you’re most worried about. If immigration status is a concern, I discuss that with you during the initial meeting.

Once I understand the basics, I obtain and review the available records, such as police reports and, when available, videos or testing logs. I look for issues like the reason for the stop, how field sobriety tests were administered, and how any chemical tests were handled, including questions around sample collection, preservation, and the reliability of reported results. These details can shape later conversations about your options.

Every case is different. In some felony DWI matters, the focus may be on challenging certain parts of the state’s evidence. In others, I may spend more time evaluating potential resolutions that could reduce risk while taking into account your history and goals. My role is to walk you through realistic possibilities, not to make promises about outcomes that no lawyer can control.

Throughout the process, I prepare you for what to expect in court. Felony cases from Irving can move through various stages in Dallas County criminal district courts, from initial intake and grand jury review through later hearings or trial depending on the case. Before each appearance, I explain how to dress, where to go, and what kinds of questions you might be asked, so you feel less uncertain walking into the building.

If Spanish is your first language, I can conduct our meetings in Spanish. Many clients feel more comfortable discussing sensitive facts and complicated choices in the language they use at home. My goal is for you to understand, in detail, what’s happening in your case, whether I’m standing with you in court or talking with you in my office.

Frequently Asked Questions About Felony DWI Charges

Will a Felony DWI Result in Jail or Prison?

A felony DWI carries the possibility of jail or prison, but the actual outcome depends on the specific charge, your history, and how the case is resolved. I explain the realistic range of outcomes and assess the evidence and available options in your case.

How Will a Felony DWI Affect My Record?

A felony conviction generally creates a permanent record that can appear on background checks for jobs, housing, and licenses. The specific impact varies by field and by employer. When I talk with you, I explain how your charge might appear on your record and discuss options that may reduce long-term harm.

Should I Hire a Lawyer Before My First Court Date?

It’s usually better to hire a lawyer as soon as you can. Early involvement gives me more time to gather information, address license issues, and prepare for your first appearance. When I enter a case before that first date, I help you understand the setting and what to expect in court.

Talk with Me About Your Felony DWI

A felony DWI tied to an arrest in or around Irving can affect your freedom, your license, your record, and, for some people, your immigration plans. You don’t have to figure out the process on your own or guess how the Dallas County courts might handle your case.

When you contact me at Kelley Legal, you can speak with the person who can appear next to you in court. I keep a low caseload, offer bilingual Spanish support, and pay attention to how both criminal and potential immigration consequences may affect your life. If you’re looking for a felony drunk driving lawyer in Irving who’ll take the time to understand your situation and explain your choices, I invite you to reach out.

Call (469) 564-3420 to schedule a confidential consultation about your felony DWI charge.