How does a DUI impact someone with misdemeanor charges?

I have misdemeanors on my record, and I got pulled over last night for a drunk driving. I have been talking to some friends, and they say that I am going to be punished more severely because of my record. I had some misdemeanors on there, but they are over 10 years old. Is this true?
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Answered By: Sifuentes & Locke
Not necessarily. Only prior DWI's can be used to enhance DWI's. If you have a prior DWI it becomes a Class A misdemeanor. If you have two it becomes a third degree felony. If the prosecutor sees that you have prior convictions for misdemeanors the prosecutor may use that as an excuse not to offer you probation, or to negotiate for a harsher sentence, but he cannot use your non-DWI prior convictions to enhance your current DWI.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 11/11/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Mark Thiessen, Attorney at Law
Your priors can certainly enhance your punishment. That's why you need to hire the best DWI trial lawyer you can afford.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 11/10/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Reeves Law Firm, P.C.
Expect the DA to make a deal out of it. As for the actual affect, a good lawyer can limit those out.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 11/10/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Offices of Kenneth Wincorn P.C.
The answer is that if the previous misdemeanor was a DWI it will effect you to a great extent.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 11/10/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

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