Seventh DWI Offense Leads to Double Fatality—Why Proper Legal Representation Matters

In the latest reminder that Texas takes DWI offenses seriously, Roberto Rangel is now facing up to 20 years in prison after his seventh DWI offense resulted in a tragic crash that killed two people. The December 2022 incident in Austin has placed him at the mercy of the court, where his long history of impaired driving will weigh heavily against him. (Read more on Fox 7 Austin)

As a law firm that regularly handles DWI defense, we’re not here to excuse what happened. The reality is simple: Texas courts don’t take repeat offenses lightly. Once you've racked up multiple DWIs, the legal system stops asking whether you have a problem and starts treating you like a repeat offender who needs to be removed from the streets. But there’s another side to this—one that most people don’t think about until they’re sitting in the back of a police car, handcuffed, wondering what happens next.

The Escalation of DWI Offense

Car Crash

Charges in Texas

Texas law operates on a harsh but clear principle: mess up once, and you might get probation or a fine. Do it multiple times, and you’re looking at felony-level consequences. A first DWI offense is a Class B misdemeanor, but by the time you hit three or more DWIs, you’re in felony territory—with potential prison sentences that can stretch into decades.

Rangel’s case is particularly severe because Texas Penal Code Section 49.09 enhances penalties for habitual offenders. A seventh DWI conviction is essentially a death sentence for freedom. Once you're facing multiple priors, a skilled DWI attorney can’t make the charges disappear, but they can absolutely mean the difference between a plea deal and an excessive sentence.

What This Means for You

We’re not here to tell you that DWIs are no big deal. They are. But here’s the thing: the law isn’t just about punishment—it’s about procedure, evidence, and fair representation. If you’re charged with a DWI—especially if you have prior offenses—you need an attorney who can scrutinize the case against you.

• Were proper field sobriety tests conducted?

• Was there probable cause for the stop?

• Was the breathalyzer or blood test handled correctly?

  
  

Even in severe cases, a skilled defense can reduce charges, mitigate sentencing, and explore alternatives to incarceration. The prosecution will treat you like another statistic; we won’t.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you’ve been charged with a DWI, whether it’s your first or fifth, you need an experienced defense attorney immediately. Every hour that passes gives the state more time to build its case against you. Call Ruben Restrepo Law at 713-714-7330 or email ruben@restrepodwilawyer.com for a consultation.

You don’t have to face this alone—but you do have to act fast.