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Fairfax DUI Lawyers

1. Krisky, Daniel: DUI/DWI Traffic Violations Criminal Defense & Prosecution Driving with a Suspended License Felonies Misdemeanors
2. Hamilton, Petrocelli, Sprissler & Sands: Driving Under the Influence,Driving on Suspended,No Valid Operator's License,Speeding,Grand Larceny,Petit Larceny,Shoplifting,Concealment,Trespassing,Forgery,Uttering,Credit Card Fraud and Theft,Embezzlement,Assault & Battery,Robbery,Burglary,Possession of Drugs,Malicious Wounding,Domestic Assault,Sex Offenses,Reckless driving,Speeding ticket,DWI,DUI,Suspended license,Shoplifting,Drug charges,Marijuana,Cocaine,Heroin,Oxy,Juvenile court,Juvenile charges,Assault and battery,Domestic assault and battery
3. Brisendine, Overand, Buster & Bernstein: 1) Were you stopped for a legal reason? Did the police officer have legal justification to pull you over? 2) Did the officer have probable cause to arrest you for a DUI/DWI charge? Was there enough evidence? 3) Did the prosecutor prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt? Was the Intoxilyzer working properly? Is there reason to question the credibility of the test method that was utilized or the operator's training?
4. Locke & Lyden: Traffic and Criminal -Misdemeanors, Traffic, Driving on Suspended License Driving while Intoxicated, Juvenile, Drugs, Expungement, Felonies
5. Jones, Vaughn: It is very important for you to remember that even if you have no prior criminal record, you could still suffer very serious consequences if you are convicted of driving drunk. Virginia law officials do not look kindly upon DUI offenders and they will do everything they can to punish you as they see fit. Overzealous prosecutors can attempt to Òthrow the book at you.Ó It is very important that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your rights.
6. Whitestone, Brent, Young & Merril: DWI and Traffic Defense Some people think that they do not need an attorney to represent them when they get a traffic ticket or are arrested for a traffic crime. However, even if you have no prior violations, a traffic conviction could be the basis for increasing penalties for future violations or increasing insurance rates. Indeed, reckless driving tickets remain on a driverÕs Virginia driving record for 11 years. Additionally, some traffic offenses, like reckless driving and driving on a suspended license, can result in jail time if there are multiple convictions. Penalties for DWI or impaired driving of any kind are particularly severe, especially if there has been an accident causing personal injury or property damage. In addition, collecting multiple tickets in a short period of time, even if relatively minor, could cause the Virginia DMV to suspend your driver's license.
7. Guss, Stephen: Immigration Law - Corporate Law - Business Law - Criminal and Traffic Law
8. McGlone Law Firm: Consequences of Virginia DUI Virginia is tough on individuals who have been accused of drunk driving. Recent statistics show that there were 29,595 DUI convictions in Virginia in one year. It is common for defendants to be encouraged to plead guilty, but the fact is that often there are mitigating circumstances that can prove their innocence. You do have the right to receive a fair trial and do not have to readily admit to guilt. Recently, the consequences have gotten worse for those who have been convicted of DUI-related offenses. In addition to paying a fine, serving time in jail, having a criminal record, attending mandatory alcohol education classes and receiving a license suspension, drivers convicted of a DUI are now required to have double the minimum automobile liability insurance coverage limits. You cannot afford to stand trial without legal representation from an experienced Virginia DUI and DWI attorney. The punishment for a DUI or DWI conviction varies among jurisdictions and depends on the details of the case. If a sentence enhancement is given, then you will receive an even worse punishment. DUI and DWI Defense Cases involving DUI or DWI require significant attorney expertise. Your lawyer must have an extensive knowledge of not only the law pertaining to these offenses, but also scientific areas such as anatomy, chemistry and toxicology.
9. Duff Law Firm: * Speeding tickets * Failure to pay full time and attention * DUI * Reckless driving Safeguard your driving privileges... Felonies and Misdemeanors Every American charged with a crime has the right to effective representation by legal counsel.
10. Shane, Sheryl: Penalties for DWI/DUI convictions in Virginia and elsewhere are harsh. To avoid a negative outcome, you will need the facts on your side, and a sharp defense attorney who will reveal them convincingly in court.
11. Keats & Meleen: Has a DUI Arrest Endangered Your Driver's License? If you have been arrested on drunk driving charges, you know about the serious impact that a conviction can have on your freedom of movement and your reputation, as well as future insurance rates. Depending on the severity of the offense, you could be facing jail time, heavy fines, inability to get to your job and an inconvenient dependence on public transportation. You want to see your driving privileges protected at all costs.
12. Haddock, Thomas: If you or someone you love has been charged with a DUI or DWI offense in Northern Virginia, you no doubt worry about the possible consequences that come with a drunk driving conviction. You also may wonder what an attorney can do for you in a DUI case. Your concerns are certainly justified. Some alcohol-related traffic offenses have mandatory minimum sentences that can include hefty fines, driving license restrictions and jail time. Depending on the circumstances involved and your prior criminal history, those penalties may increase dramatically. Additionally, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test when requested, you will likely face added penalties.
13. Geno Law: the potential consequences you are facing: * Up to $2,500 in fines * Up to a year in jail * Suspension of drivers license * Escalating insurance rates * Court ordered class (expensive) * Probation
14. Spectrum Legal Defense: Criminal Defense
15. Leffler & Mosley: * Driving while intoxicated * Driving under the influence of alcohol * Underage drinking & driving * Refusal to take a breath or blood test * Ignition interlock issues * Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) matters * Driving while privilege is suspended * Driving without a license * Commercial driverÕs license (CDL) cases * Habitual offender prosecution * Reckless driving by speed and otherwise * Traffic accidents * Leaving the scene of an accidentÑboth felony & misdemeanor * Speeding * Defective equipment
16. Karen Scarborough : Why Should I Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer? In many instances, people do not believe they committed the offense charged in the ticket. However, they assume fighting the ticket is a losing cause, they pay the fine and go on their way, only to be surprised days, weeks, or even months later when they learn their insurance rates have gone up, they no longer have any real options of changing insurance companies, and they have points assessed against them, which could eventually lead to having their license suspended or revoked. In other cases, people have committed serious traffic offenses or are habitual offenders, and run the risk of imprisonment, large fines, and a loss of their driving privileges. The answer to the above question is simple. You should hire an experienced traffic ticket lawyer because you want to know you did everything within your power to defend yourself from the offense charged in any traffic tickets. Virginia DWI Laws * If the prosecution can prove your blood alcohol content (BAC) was higher than .08, then you can be convicted on DUI-DWI charges without further evidence. o The caveat here is that the prosecution must prove your blood alcohol content (BAC) was higher than .08. Our experienced DWI lawyer, Karen Scarborough, understands the possible stumbling blocks to the prosecution meeting their burden of proof. For example, they must show the stop was justified, that the person accused was actually driving the car, and that the equipment used was in proper working order. * If the prosecution can prove your blood alcohol content (BAC) was between .02 and .08, you can still be convicted on DUI-DWI charges if the prosecution can prove your driving was impaired. o An experienced drunk driving attorney, such as Karen Scarborough, realizes the validity of field sobriety tests, in addition to the issues mentioned above, is a factor in determining whether the prosecution can present a credible case against you. * If you are under the age of 21, and the prosecution can prove a BAC between .02 and .08, then you can be convicted of Driving an Automobile While Illegally Consuming Alcohol (commonly referred to as a Baby DUI). * If you are under the influence of prescription medication or illegal drugs, you can still be convicted of DUI. * In addition, the higher the blood alcohol content, and the more often you have been convicted of alcohol related driving offenses, the harsher the penalties, which can include jail, fines, suspend license, restricted license, and attendance at an Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP).
17. Sanders & Kissler: You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
18. Yeager & Thelin: After a defendant is convicted, he may file a motion for an acquittal. An acquittal is a formal certification of innocence or a finding of not guilty. Typically, the basis for filing a motion for an acquittal is that the evidence does not support the verdict.
19. Thomas Haddock: A person commits the offense of criminal mischief when he or she intentionally or knowingly and without the consent of an owner: (1) damages or destroys the owner's property; (2) tampers with the owner's property, which tampering causes loss or inconvenience to the owner; or (3) makes markings, inscriptions, or drawings on the owner's property.
20. Lopez, Meleen & Sprano: Whether a DUI Conviction Makes an Alien Eligible for Expedited Deportation The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) permits deportation of an alien convicted of an "aggravated felony," which can include "a crime of violence for which the term of imprisonment [is] at least one year." In line with this provision, aliens convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in states which characterize a DUI conviction as a crime of violence have been subjected to automatic deportation, even if they have been legally residing in the U.S. for years. However, the U.S. Supreme Court recently barred deportation of an alien convicted of DUI pursuant to the aforementioned INA provision. In November 2004, the Court held in Leocal v. Ashcroft that state DUI offenses that do not require proof of any mental state, or require only a showing that an individual acted negligently in operating the vehicle, are not crimes of violence for purposes of expedited alien deportation.
21. Dominick Pilli: The U.S. Supreme Court has generally interpreted the Fourth Amendment prohibition against "unreasonable searches and seizures" to impose a warrant requirement upon police officers who wish to perform a valid search or arrest. However, the Court has carved out some exceptions to the warrant requirement, which make certain "seizures" constitutionally permissible in the absence of a warrant. One exception that the Court has recognized is for investigative detentions based on less than probable cause. In 1968, the Court established a notable exception to the warrant requirement in Terry v. Ohio for investigative detentions based on less than probable cause (i.e., sufficient reason based on known facts to believe a crime has been committed).
22. Bevis Law Offices: Any weakness or flaw in the prosecution's case can and should be pressed to obtain a dismissal of the charge if possible, or in many cases a more favorable outcome than might otherwise be expected.
23. Hale Carlson Baumgartner: ...the recent change in the law which took the choice of blood or breath test away from drivers (Va. Code 18.2-268.2) made a claim of physical inability to take a breath test relevant and material, and put the burden of going forward with such evidence on the defendant. Minimize the Negative Consequences of a DUI Arrest After an arrest for drunk driving, drivers have different responses. Some are embarrassed and want to simply accept the criminal consequences and move on. Others may be angry and want to fight back against the DUI arrest. Whatever your reaction to getting arrested on a DUI, seek advice from an experienced DUI defense lawyer before making decisions about how to proceed. Conviction for any type of DUI arrest, even a first offense, can have serious and long-term negative consequences. Increase Your Chances of Keeping Your Driver's License: Most people arrested in Virginia for a DUI don't know that they can request a driver's license suspension hearing in an attempt to preserve their driving privileges. This hearing is separate from the criminal proceedings and must be requested within seven days of the DUI arrest. A person convicted of a DUI may lose his or her driving privileges, be required to pay court fees and fines and/or be ordered to enroll in a mandatory driver's education course. Other possible consequences include probation, installation of an ignition interlock device, increased insurance rates and possible jail time. Most importantly, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record. If you are later arrested again on a DWI charges, the criminal penalties will increase dramatically.
24. Smith & Greene: The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that criminal defendants have a right to the assistance of counsel. Courts have interpreted this to mean that criminal defendants have a right to an attorney during all critical stages throughout the criminal process. In addition, before a defendant is permitted to proceed to trial without a lawyer, the challenges and dangers of doing so must be "rigorously conveyed" to the defendant.
25. Cuccias Law Office: The following are important pieces of your potential defense:
    1. What was the basis for the stop; was it reasonable?
    2. How were the field sobriety tests performed?
    3. What were the conditions of the weather, road, or environment?
    4. How experienced and reasonable was the officer?
    5. Was there probable cause for the arrest?
    6. Was the vehicle unconstitutionally searched for alcohol or drugs?
    7. How reliable was the breathalyzer or intoxilizer?
    8. Were the proper procedures followed in administering the tests?
    Since the Miranda decision, the Supreme Court has issued 40 to 50 decisions that are related to or clarify Miranda. Although one notable 2000 decision, Dickerson v. United States, placed the general validity of Miranda under the judicial microscope, most of these decisions have essentially carved out exceptions, allowing the admissibility of confessions where the general principles under Miranda would hold otherwise. For instance, in 2003, in Chavez v. Martinez the Supreme Court held that if a suspect makes a confession but is never actually prosecuted, there is no constitutional violation for failure to read the Miranda warnings.
26. Ronald Smith: You have the right to be arraigned without unnecessary delay - usually within two court days - after being arrested. You will appear before a judge who will tell you officially of the charges against you at your first arraignment. At the arraignment, an attorney may be appointed for you if you cannot afford one, and bail can be raised or lowered. You also can ask to be released on personal recognizance, even if bail was previously set. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you can plead guilty or not guilty at the arraignment. Or, if the court approves, you can plead nolo contendere, meaning that you will not contest the charges. Before pleading guilty to some first time offenses, such as drug possession in small amounts for personal use, you may want to find out if your county has any drug diversion programs. Under these programs, instead of fining you or sending you to jail, the court may order you to get counseling which can result in dismissal of the charges if you complete the counseling. If misdemeanor charges are not dropped, a trial will be held later in a General District Court of law. If you are charged with a felony, however, and the charges are not dismissed, the next step is a preliminary hearing.
27. Mark Yeager: It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train (i) while such person has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.08 grams or more per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a chemical test administered as provided in this article, (ii) while such person is under the influence of alcohol, (iii) while such person is under the influence of any narcotic drug or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug of whatsoever nature, or any combination of such drugs, to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train safely, or (iv) while such person is under the combined influence of alcohol and any drug or drugs to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train safely. A charge alleging a violation of this section shall support a conviction under clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv).
28. Stephen Guss: If you have been accused of a criminal offense or have been arrested, your constitutionally liberty interests are at stake. You will want an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect those rights for you.
29. MacDowell & Associates: One of the most often committed crimes is "Driving Under The Influence" (DUI).  Approximately 1.5 million people are convicted every year of this offense.  You should have no doubt that it is a serious offense and it can greatly affect your life.  A DUI offense can have long-term ramifications upon your employment, upon your insurability, and upon your quality of life for years to come. The Virginia statutes permit a jail term, and in many situations, such as a .20 BAC or above, or in accident cases you may be required to serve a jail term.  Under Virginia law, a twelve (12) month suspension of your right and privilege to operate a motor vehicle is mandatory.  However, you may receive a restricted operator's license to drive to and from work, to and from school, to and from medically necessary travel. Many people erroneously believe that there are no defenses to a DUI charge if their blood alcohol level is over the .08 presumptive level.  Nothing can be further from the truth.  There are hundreds of sound defenses and many cases are won if your legal representative carefully reviews the facts for your case.  At a minimum, you should always consult with an attorney.  It is important that you understand the long term ramifications of the case and the range of penalties for your particular case. Many people believe there is no defense to a drunk driving charge if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is over the Virginia legal threshold of .08 percent. Depending on the circumstances, there are many sound defenses to DUI charges. By carefully reviewing the facts of the case, the basis for the stop, the arrest, the field testing, and the blood alcohol test Ð our lawyers can help you avoid conviction. The CommonwealthÕs Intoxilyzer 5000 machine has reliability problems A blood test is thought by many to be a more accurate way to measure a personÕs BAC (blood alcohol concentration), as opposed to breath test equipment. However, Virginia law states that a drunk driving suspect should be given a breath test if the machine is available, unless the suspect is physically unable to take a breath test or there is cause that the suspect is under the influence of drugs. The breath test equipment currently used in Virginia is known as the Intoxilyzer 5000. The Intoxilyzer 5000 machine is subject to various attacks, some of which are as follows: * The machine assumes that the average temperature of the subjectÕs mouth is 34¡C. But, if your mouth temperature was higher than average, your BAC result could be erroneously high. * The machine is programmed to assume that the ratio between the concentration of alcohol in a subjectÕs blood and in the subjectÕs lungs at equilibrium is an average (2100:1). But, if you have a lower Òpartition ratioÓ than average, your BAC result could be erroneously high. * Your pattern of breathing, just prior to providing the breath samples, could affect the BAC result. * If testing occurs during the absorptive phase (recently after drinking) before the alcohol is uniformly distributed in your blood, your BAC result could be erroneously high. * There is an inherent error in the machine, generally of plus or minus .01%. * There may have been an interferant in the machine such as acetone (found in diabetics with low blood sugar) or toluene (found in paint, glue, thinners, cleaning solvents. etc.). The machine has filter wheels that supposedly detect certain interferants, but thereÕs no separate test to check if the filter wheels are working properly. * The machine measures blood alcohol concentration by taking a breath sample (which may have some alcohol in it) from deep in your lungs (thatÕs why the test operator repeatedly says Òblow, blow, blow!Ó). If you had mouth alcohol (from burping, gastro esophageal reflux disorder, a piece of food in your mouth) that was blown into the machine, the BAC result could be incorrect. In fact, if the operator observes the subject burp, belch, or hiccup during the 20 minute waiting period before the breath sample is given, the operator is not allowed to proceed (under the stateÕs own regulations) and must wait another 20 minute observation period. * There may have been a machine malfunction, maintenance or repair problems. Asking the Right Questions Did the officer have probable cause to stop your car? Was the Breathalyzer or Intoxilyzer unit properly calibrated and in proper working order? Was the officer trained in administering the breath test and any field sobriety tests? We will review the prosecutorÕs evidence and other documentation that may show if corners were cut or mistakes were made. This approach can raise doubts about the reliability of the state's evidence. Maximum penalties for conviction on a first offense DUI include: * $2,500 in fines * 12 months in jail * 12 months license suspension * Enhanced penalties for blood alcohol levels above .15
30. Sris Law Office: Finding oneself involved in the legal system can be a stressful, frustrating and intimidating experience. An experienced and skillful attorney can provide the assurance and guidance necessary to successfully navigate the legal process. The crime of drunk driving is generally defined in two ways: (1) having a blood alcohol content above the limit set by law, or (2) driving under the influence of alcohol. To find a person guilty under the first definition, a jury (or judge) must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the person's blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeded a certain amount. In most states the legal limit is .08 percent. Therefore, if it is proved that the person's BAC at the time of the incident was .08 percent or greater, he or she can be convicted of drunk driving, regardless of how much alcohol was actually consumed. As a practical matter, one drink would almost certainly not lead to a BAC of .08 percent or greater; generally, a person needs to have five drinks in an hour to develop a BAC of .08 percent. However, if there was something unique about the person or the drink, or other circumstance, one drink could raise the BAC above the legal limit. In contrast, the second definition does not refer to any particular BAC. It focuses on the driving behavior of the person; if it is impaired by the person's consumption of alcohol, he or she can be found guilty of drunk driving. Instead of presenting evidence of the BAC to a jury, the prosecution seeking a conviction under this definition generally presents testimony about the person's driving and consumption of alcohol. A police officer will often describe the impaired driving that lead him to pull the person over and the person's ability (or lack thereof) to perform field sobriety tests, such as walking a straight line. Evidence is also usually presented concerning the person's consumption of alcohol and if the jury then concludes that the prosecution has met its burden of proof, it will convict the person of drunk driving. A susceptible person may exhibit impaired driving after one drink and therefore be convicted of drunk driving.
31. Carter & Obregon: The basic thrust of the drunk driving laws is that they are to prevent operation of a powerful machine when a person is too intoxicated to have adequate control of the machine. The intoxication element is proven by one of two methods: (1) showing a certain level of blood alcohol or illegal drugs, or (2) showing that the person was impaired. The first method is the one most often used. It does not rely on anyone's observations of the defendant's conduct, but rather on the results of a blood or breath test. A common statutory scheme requires a person suspected of being drunk or drugged while driving to give a sample of his or her breath or blood for testing. This so-called "implied consent" comes about because the statute provides for it whenever a person gets a driver's license. Once the sample is given, it is analyzed by a machine that measures the concentration of alcohol in a person's blood. One common limit for blood-alcohol content is .10 percent, although in recent years there has been a push to lower that limit to .08 percent. Any person who tests over the limit is legally intoxicated. The only way to challenge the charge is to show that there was some failure in the test procedure, such as a malfunctioning machine, improper sampling, foreign substances in the mouth (in the case of a breath test), or improper preservation of the evidence. Proof of impairment may also be based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. This type of proof is based on eyewitness testimony, statements of the defendant, and circumstantial evidence. The actual amount of alcohol in a person's bloodstream is irrelevant, since the focus is on whether the ability to drive has been impaired. Standard police tests for impairment, called "field sobriety tests," include having the defendant walk a straight line with one foot placed precisely in front of the other, closing the eyes and standing with arms held out from the body and touching the tip of the nose when instructed, reciting the alphabet, and counting backwards. Other signs of impairment come from the officer's observations of the defendant's driving, which often lead to the stop. Driving too fast or too slowly, weaving from lane to lane, and going through stop signs have all been used as evidence of impairment. A statement by a driver about how much he or she had to drink, and how recently, can also be used as evidence of impairment when supported by testimony about the probable effects of that amount of alcohol ingested at that time on a person's physical abilities.
32. Lance Gardner: There is not a bright-line rule establishing precisely what is and what isn`t probable cause. However, what has become apparent is that a finding of probable cause requires objective facts indicating a likelihood of criminal activity. A police officers hunch, with nothing more, will not satisfy the requirements.
33. Edward Gross & Associates, P.C.: represents clients in the State and Federal Traffic Courts of Northern Virginia. Our goal is to vigorously defend and protect our clients' legal rights. We work with experts, including toxicologists. Traffic defense has been a regular part of the law firm's practice since 1980. We understand the Federal, State and Local statutes and attend Continuing Legal Education classes to stay current with the law.
34. Timothy McGary: The DWI laws are lengthy and complex. They prescribe a set of procedures to which the police must "substantially comply" or the case could be lost. An attorney who deals with these laws on a regular basis is familiar with these procedures, and knows what to do when they are not followed.
35. Scott Nolan: For a driver over the age of twenty-one in Virginia, there is a legal presumption that if your blood alcohol content is above .08%, you are intoxicated. However, When your blood alcohol level is between .05% and .08%, you may still be convicted of DWI. In this case, the blood alcohol level is just one piece of evidence that the court may consider, along with others, such as the testimony of the arresting police officer. <<LI>Rieger, Michael : If your case involves a possibility of imprisonment, loss of license privileges, or a large fine, it is recommended that an attorney is absolutely necessary to protect you and your interests. A qualified attorney can assist you in all stages of your criminal or traffic defense. An attorney can help you decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty, prepare you and all necessary witnesses, investigate all facts about your case, and help you decide how to best proceed. Whether your plea is guilty or not guilty, an attorney can decide how best to defend your case, put all appropriate facts into evidence, possibly work out an agreement with the prosecutor, and ensure that all relevant circumstances are presented to the judge for maximum benefit to your case.
36. Richard Camaur: Under Virginia Code ¤18.2-268.9, a chemical analysis of a person's breath must be performed by an individual who is licensed to conduct a breathalyser test. This licensing requirement includes all police officers monitoring our roadways who administer a "road-side" breathalyser test. The equipment must be approved by the Division of Forensic Science of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. This Division is also responsible for testing the accuracy of the breath-testing equipment at least once every six months. The statute mandates that all individuals who administer the breathalyser tests must undergo a minimum of forty-hours of instruction on the operation of the equipment and administration of the tests.
37. James Fisher: Virginia's current minimum Blood Alcohol Level, which implicates drunk driving charges (or Driving While Intoxicated)  is .08.  Scientific authorities suggest that one can reach this level fairly soon, thus it is always better to plan ahead and designate a sober driver for your evening if alcoholic beverages are on the evenings agenda.
38. Surovell Markle Isaacs & Levy PLC: DWI has become one of the most problematic offenses one can be charged with today. Depending on your weight, you can reach a .08 blood-alcohol-content (B.A.C.) by consuming less drinks than you may think. DWI's carry a seven-day administrative license suspension if you test a .08 B.A.C. on a breathalyzer and a mandatory one-year license suspension if you are convicted for a first offense. After that, one faces fines and possible jail time, not to mention the difficulty in obtaining a restricted license. As of July 1999, a third DWI within ten years is now a felony! These consequences do not begin to even approach the thousands and thousands of dollars of insurance expenses and headaches a DWI conviction causes over the ensuing years.