Source: http://www.dwicollincounty.com/dwi-charges/intoxication-assault/
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 18:46:08+00:00

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A typical arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI, also known as DUI or drunk driving) in Texas will result in a misdemeanor charge, with both criminal and civil penalties if an alleged offender is convicted.
The situation is much more serious, however, when an alleged DWI incident results in serious bodily injury to another person, which may lead to a charge of Intoxication Assault (or DWI Assault) under Section 49.07 of the Texas Penal Code. Intoxication Assault without aggravating circumstances is a third-degree felony in Texas.
An accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may result in not only the loss of a person's driver's license, but also the loss of his or her freedom.
If you were charged with Intoxication Assault for causing serious bodily injury to another person as a result of driving under the influence (DUI), it is very important that you seek the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.
The knowledgeable DWI attorneys at Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy want you to know that you must request an administrative license revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of arrest in order to retain your driver's license if you either refused to submit to a chemical test for alcohol or if you failed a breath or blood test.
Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy represents clients throughout Collin County, including Plano, Garland, McKinney, Frisco, Carrollton, Richardson, and Allen, as well as clients in Rockwall and Grayson counties. Call us at (972) 805-8855 right now to schedule a free, confidential consultation, where we can review your case and explain your legal options.
What are the Consequences of a Conviction for Intoxication Assault?
What Other Related Offenses Might Accompany a Charge of Intoxication Assault?
The other terms related to Intoxication Assault are defined in the Texas statutes, including motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, amusement ride, mobile amusement ride, intoxicated and alcohol concentration.
Texas defines a "motor vehicle" as "a device in, on or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a highway, except a device used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks," such as railroad cars (Texas Penal Code, Title 7, Chapter 32, Subchapter C, § 32.34(2)). Motor vehicles include cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, water scooters, airplanes, helicopters and even riding lawn mowers, but not trains.
"Aircraft" is defined in the Texas Transportation Code, Title 3, Chapter 24, § 24.001(1) as "a device that is invented, used, or designated for air navigation or flight, other than a parachute or other device used primarily as safety equipment."
"Amusement ride" means "a mechanical device that carries passengers along, around, or over a fixed or restricted course or within a defined area for the purpose of giving the passengers amusement, pleasure, or excitement" (Texas Occupations Code, Title 13, Subtitle D, Chapter 2151, Subchapter A, § 2151.002(1)).
In addition, a person must have "actual physical control" of a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or amusement ride in order to be "operating" the vehicle.
"Mobile amusement ride" means "an amusement ride that is designed or adapted to be moved from one location to another and is not fixed at a single location" (Id., § 2151.002(6)).
A charge of Intoxication Assault may result from any type of motor vehicle or boating accident. Even if only one car or boat is involved, the prosecutor may proceed with charges against the vehicle or vessel operator even if a family member or friend refuses to press charges.
Reckless Driving, Texas Transportation Code § 545.401 — Driving a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in the county jail.
Driving with an Invalid License, Texas Transportation Code § 521.457 — It is a Class A misdemeanor to operate a motor vehicle with a canceled, suspended, revoked, or expired driver's license when a driver causes or is at fault in a motor vehicle accident that results in serious bodily injury.
Texas Penal Code — Intoxication Assault — Read the Texas state laws related to Intoxication Assault and other statutes that address intoxication-related crimes.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Alcohol Related Offenses — The Texas DPS offers information about DWI and related matters on its website, including driver’s license suspensions and reinstating a license after an intoxication assault offense.
If you were charged with Intoxication Assault in Plano, Texas, or in Collin County, Texas or anywhere north or northeast of Dallas, contact Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
The experienced DWI attorneys at Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy know the laws related to intoxication assault and we will evaluate your case and help you devise a strategy to defend yourself. Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy serves clients throughout Collin County, including Plano, Garland, McKinney, Carrollton, Frisco, Richardson, and Allen, as well as Rockwall and Grayson counties.
Our skilled lawyers may be able to find problems with the prosecution's case, flaws in the DWI tests that were conducted, or with the arrest itself, which may result in a reduction or dismissal of charges. You have little time to lose in order to retain your driving privileges, so contact Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 805-8855 about your case.

References: § 32
 § 24
 § 2151
 § 2151
 § 545
 § 521