Felony DUI Attorney In Austin
Serious Drunk Driving Charges Need Focused Defense
A felony DUI arrest can turn your life upside down in a single night. You may suddenly be facing the possibility of prison, a long driver’s license suspension, and a permanent felony record that follows you for years. It is normal to feel scared and unsure about what happens next. Our felony DUI attorneys in Austin are ready to assist you in these cases.
At The Law Office of Will Mitchell, we help people charged with serious intoxication offenses in Austin and across Central Texas. Our office has focused on criminal defense since 2005, and we have spent many of those years handling felony level drunk driving and related cases in the Texas Hill Country. We understand how much is at stake for you and your family.
Led by Attorney Will Mitchell, we offer trial-tested representation, up-to-date knowledge of Texas intoxication law, and a commitment to clear communication. We also know that arrests do not happen on a schedule. That is why we make same-day, after-hours, and weekend appointments available so you can talk to a felony DUI lawyer Austin clients can reach when they need answers most.
Call (512) 858-8611 to speak with our felony DUI attorneys in Austin about your case. You can also contact us online.
Why Felony DUI Charges Are Different
Not every DUI in Texas is a felony. When certain facts are involved, prosecutors can file felony charges that carry much higher penalties and long-term consequences. Understanding where your case fits in this structure is an important first step in planning a defense.
Felony level drunk driving charges in Texas can arise for several reasons. These can include repeat DUI arrests after prior convictions, allegations of intoxication assault when someone is seriously injured, intoxication manslaughter when a death is involved, or driving while intoxicated with a child passenger in the vehicle. Each type of felony charge has its own potential range of punishment.
Possible outcomes can include time in state jail or prison, long probation terms with strict conditions, significant fines, and driver’s license suspensions. There can also be collateral effects, such as problems with professional licenses, employment, housing, and immigration status. A permanent felony record can follow you in background checks long after the case is over.
Every felony case is different, and the specific risks depend on your history, the facts of the stop, the level of injury, and the county where the case is filed. When you speak with a felony DUI attorney Austin residents trust, you should expect straight talk about these factors and how Texas law applies to your situation. Our goal is to give you a clear picture of the road ahead, not vague reassurances.
How Our Felony DUI Attorneys in Austin Defend Felony Cases
Because felony DUI charges carry serious consequences, our defense work has to be thorough and deliberate. When you hire our firm, we begin by listening carefully to your account of what happened, from the first contact with law enforcement to any testing at the station or hospital. Your perspective matters, and it often reveals details that are not obvious from police reports alone.
We then obtain and review available evidence in your case. This can include patrol car and body camera video, 911 recordings, offense reports, and any breath or blood test records. We look closely at the basis for the traffic stop, the way field sobriety tests were given, and whether officers followed required procedures at each step.
Scientific evidence often plays a central role in felony intoxication cases. We evaluate how blood or breath samples were collected, stored, and analyzed, and we identify issues that may affect reliability. When appropriate, we consult with expert witnesses who can help assess testing methods and explain complex concepts in a way that judges and juries can understand.
Our attorney attends more legal trainings on DUI law and science than many competitors, and we work to stay current on changes in Texas statutes, case law, and forensic practices. That ongoing investment helps us recognize problems in testing or procedure that might be missed by a more general criminal defense approach.
Our felony DUI attorneys in Austin also bring the reality of local practice into every case plan. In Travis County and surrounding Central Texas courts, prosecutors and judges have expectations about conditions, programs, and plea discussions in felony DUI matters. Our years of working in these courtrooms help us evaluate options realistically, whether the path is negotiation or preparing for trial with a felony drunk driving attorney Austin residents can rely on.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved. We explain the choices in front of you, potential risks and benefits, and likely timelines. You should never feel that decisions are being made without your input or that you are left guessing about what is happening with your case.
When we build a felony DUI defense, we focus on:
- Challenging the legality of the stop, detention, and arrest.
- Examining field sobriety tests for errors or improper instructions.
- Reviewing blood or breath testing for scientific or procedural problems.
- Investigating accident or injury allegations in intoxication assault or manslaughter cases.
- Presenting your background and life circumstances in a meaningful way when appropriate.
What To Do After A Felony DUI Arrest
The hours and days after a felony DUI arrest can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about work, family, and how quickly the court will move. Taking certain steps early can help protect your rights and place you in a better position as the case begins in Austin or another Central Texas county.
Many felony DUI cases that originate in Austin end up in the Travis County criminal courts. After you are released on bond, the court may impose conditions such as no alcohol, installation of an ignition interlock device, or travel limitations. It is important to understand and follow these conditions because violations can lead to bond problems or additional consequences.
There are also separate driver’s license issues. In many intoxication cases, you have a limited time to request a hearing to challenge an administrative suspension. Missing this deadline can make it harder to keep driving legally. Our felony DUI attorney in Austin can explain what deadlines apply in your specific situation.
Some practical steps you can take right now include:
- Collecting any paperwork you received, such as bond documents, temporary license forms, or property receipts.
- Writing down your memory of the stop, field tests, and any statements as soon as possible.
- Avoiding discussions about the facts of the case on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer.
- Making sure you understand your bond conditions and following them carefully.
- Scheduling a consultation promptly so you can review deadlines, including license-related timelines.
We know that questions rarely arise during business hours only. Our office offers same-day, after hours, and weekend appointments so you can speak with us when it works for you. During that first meeting, we work to answer your most pressing questions, gather key information, and outline a plan tailored to your circumstances.
Local Felony DUI Defense In Central Texas
Where your case is filed matters. A felony DUI that begins with an arrest in Austin is typically handled in the Travis County district courts. Serious intoxication offenses that start in nearby counties in the Texas Hill Country move through their own local court systems. Each courthouse has its own procedures and expectations.
Our firm has been based in Austin since 2005, and we have represented clients in felony DUI cases across Central Texas. That means we are familiar with how felony dockets are scheduled, how bond conditions are typically enforced, and what types of diversion or treatment options may exist in particular counties. This local knowledge helps us give you more specific information about how your case is likely to proceed.
Our felony DUI attorneys in Austin also understand how the Texas Department of Public Safety handles license suspensions and reinstatement issues related to intoxication offenses. When you face both a criminal case in Travis County and an administrative license process through DPS, it can feel like two different systems moving at once. We work to explain how those systems connect and what you can expect at each stage.
Over many years of criminal defense practice in this region, we have built professional relationships with prosecutors and judges. These relationships do not guarantee any particular outcome, and every case is decided on its own facts and law. They do, however, help us navigate local expectations, anticipate concerns, and communicate our position effectively in the courtroom.
By combining regional experience with ongoing training in Texas DUI law and science, we aim to bring both legal knowledge and practical courtroom insight to your felony intoxication case here in Central Texas.
We offer same-day, after-hours, and weekend appointments so you can get answers when you need them. Call us at (512) 858-8611 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Go To Jail For A Felony DUI?
A felony DUI can carry potential jail or prison time, but not every case results in incarceration. The outcome depends on your criminal history, the type of felony charge, the facts alleged, and how the case is resolved. We explain your specific risks and work to pursue options that limit them.
What Happens To My License After A Felony DUI Arrest?
After an arrest, you may face an administrative driver’s license suspension and possible court-ordered restrictions. There are strict deadlines to request a hearing to challenge the administrative suspension. Our felony DUI attorneys in Austin review your paperwork, explain what deadlines apply, and help you understand possible license options while the case is pending.
How Soon Should I Contact A Felony DUI Lawyer?
It is wise to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after release. Early involvement allows us to address bond conditions, license deadlines, and evidence preservation. Our firm offers same-day, after-hours, and weekend appointments so you can reach us when questions first arise.
How Will Your Firm Keep Me Informed About My Case?
We work to keep you informed at every stage. That includes discussing court dates in advance, reviewing new developments with you, and answering your questions promptly. Our goal is for you to understand your options and feel included in decisions rather than wondering what is happening behind the scenes.
Can A Prior DUI Make This New Charge A Felony?
Yes, prior DUI convictions can lead to felony charges when a new arrest occurs under Texas law. The number and type of prior convictions, and how old they are, can affect how prosecutors charge the case. We review your history carefully and explain how it may influence the current accusation.
We invite you to reach out for a confidential consultation to discuss your felony DUI case, your concerns, and potential paths forward. You will have the chance to ask questions and learn how our approach fits your situation.