For many people, boating and drinking are almost synonymous. On a hot summer day, nothing may sound more refreshing than an alcoholic drink. However, boating while under the influence of alcohol is also dangerous. Alcohol is the leading contributor to boating accidents and about a third of all fatal boating accidents involves impairment by alcohol.

Boating while intoxicated (BWI) is unlawful in Texas and violators can face misdemeanor charges for operating a boat while impaired. Usually, BWI is punishable by 72 hours to six months in jail. However, BUI consequences are much more severe if someone is seriously or fatally injured in a boat accident.

Boat Injuries and Deaths in Texas

Unfortunately, severe boat-related injuries and fatalities are more common than many realize. Boat collisions and other boat-related accidents can lead to brain injuries, spine injuries, electric shock, or drowning. If a boat operator is involved in a boat accident in which someone else is serious injured and the operator is intoxicated by alcohol, he or she can face intoxication assault charges.

While the justice system may be set up for some forgiveness for a first mistake, if you are facing your second driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges in Texas, you are definitely at risk for some serious consequences. The penalties are harsher, the sentencing less forgiving, and you are staring down the possibility of a felony charge if you are arrested a third time.

Unfortunately, a repeat DWI charge suggests to the court and prosecutors that you failed to learn your lesson the first time. With this in mind, it is essential that you work with an aggressive, experienced Texas DWI defense attorney who can provide the representation you need.

Second Texas DWI Punishments

A second DWI is charged as a Class A misdemeanor, with increased penalties from a first DWI. The punishments that you are facing with a second DWI conviction include:

The recent case of human smuggling that left 53 migrants dead in a tractor-trailer outside San Antonio underscores the often-tragic results of smuggling along our southern border. To date, federal prosecutors have charged four men in the case, which represents the most migrant deaths in a single smuggling attempt.

Federal and Texas state prosecutors come down hard on human smugglers, even for those who only play a small role in a smuggling operation. Additionally, many innocent people can be caught up in border enforcement. If you have been arrested on human smuggling charges, it is essential to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Federal and State Prosecutions of Human Smuggling

While border enforcement is largely a federal issue, Texas also has laws against human smuggling given its long border with Mexico and the impact human smuggling has on the state. Whether you are charged by federal or state authorities can depend on which law enforcement personnel were involved in the arrest.

If you have been pulled over by the police on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI), you may rightfully be nervous. You will be asked to perform a series of tests to determine whether you are impaired. While the tests do not have perfect accuracy, they can determine intoxication most of the time. It is important to know the penalties that you may face following a first-time DWI and hire a trusted attorney who can help fight for a reduced sentence or dropped charges.

Failing or Refusing a Chemical Test

The first penalty that you may face is an Administrative License Revocation (ALR). If a post-arrest chemical test to determine your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) shows a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, you will have your driver’s license suspended for 90 days. If you refuse to submit to a chemical test to determine your BAC, you are facing a 180-day driver’s license suspension. Losing your license through an ALR is separate from any additional criminal penalties that you may face.

Additional Criminal Penalties for a First-Time DUI in Texas

If you are charged with a first-time DWI offense, you are facing a Class B misdemeanor. Under Texas law, the penalties could be as high as 180 days in jail, $2,000 in fines, or both. However, judges will often grant first-time offenders community service or probation following a guilty plea or verdict, which will allow them to resume their daily activities. Community service requirements include:

For those with a loved one in federal prison, life can be filled with daily struggles. The situation can be even harder to endure if their incarceration is complicated by health, age, or family-related matters. Fortunately, in such cases, compassionate release allows the inmate the possible opportunity for an early release or sentence reduction. However, compassionate release can be a complicated process and it is essential that you work with an experienced attorney throughout the case.

Circumstances That May Allow for a Compassionate Release

If there are extraordinary or compelling circumstances that have changed since the inmate was originally sentenced, they may be eligible for a compassionate release.

There are three main reasons why such a release may be granted: