What Happens When You Get a DWI in Texas?
When you are charged with a DWI in Texas, it means you were allegedly driving a vehicle while your blood alcohol concentration was 0.08 percent or higher, or you were impaired by drugs or alcohol. A conviction for this offense can lead to severe penalties, including fines, jail time, community service, and the suspension of your driver’s license. These legal penalties can have a significant impact on your daily life and your ability to move forward. Beyond these immediate consequences, having a DWI on your record can create long-term challenges. Employers, landlords, and other parties may view a DWI conviction negatively, even if it occurred many years ago.How a DWI Affects Your Criminal Record
A DWI conviction in Texas becomes part of your permanent criminal record. Unlike some minor offenses, a DWI cannot simply fall off your record after a certain amount of time. This means that unless you take legal action to address the record, it will stay with you for the rest of your life. This permanence can be challenging because it means that anyone conducting a background check could see the conviction. In Texas, this includes potential employers, housing providers, and even certain licensing boards. As a result, a single DWI conviction can influence various aspects of your personal and professional life for years to come.Can a DWI Ever Be Removed from Your Record?
There are limited circumstances under which a DWI may be removed from your record in Texas. The primary legal options are expunction and nondisclosure, but not every DWI case qualifies for these remedies. Expunction allows for the complete removal of certain records, making it as though the offense never occurred. However, this is typically only available in situations where charges were dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty. Nondisclosure, on the other hand, involves sealing the record from public view. While it does not erase the conviction entirely, it prevents most people from accessing it during a background check. To qualify for nondisclosure, you must meet specific conditions, such as completing any required probation or treatment programs and not having certain additional convictions.
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS AND FUTURE
Criminal Defense Attorney
Douglas Wilder
Attorney Douglas Wilder has always stayed on the cutting edge of training and attending seminars to ensure he has the most knowledge he can to represent his clients. This has led him to be recognized as one of the Best Lawyers under 40 in Dallas by D magazine, and also recognized as a Super Lawyer for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023. .
The Impact of a DWI on Your Life
The presence of a DWI on your record can affect your life in many ways. For example, job opportunities may become limited if employers view the conviction as a liability. Insurance companies may also increase your premiums, considering you a higher risk driver. In some cases, landlords may be hesitant to approve rental applications due to concerns about responsibility or reliability. These consequences can create a ripple effect, influencing your financial stability and personal reputation. Understanding how to mitigate these impacts is important for moving forward after a DWI conviction.How Long Does a DWI Affect Insurance Rates?
One of the most immediate consequences of a DWI is its impact on your car insurance rates. In Texas, a DWI conviction can cause your premiums to increase significantly, as insurers view you as a higher risk. This increase can last for several years, often remaining in effect as long as the DWI is visible on your driving record. While the exact duration can vary depending on the insurance company, it is common for these elevated rates to remain for at least three to five years. Addressing this issue requires careful planning and possibly seeking legal remedies to manage your record effectively.Legal Consequences Beyond the Conviction
In addition to the direct penalties and the impact on your record, a DWI conviction in Texas can have other legal consequences. For instance, subsequent offenses are treated much more harshly, with increased fines, longer jail sentences, and extended license suspensions. If your DWI involved certain aggravating factors, such as having a child in the vehicle or causing an accident, the penalties could be even more severe. These added consequences make it critical to understand your legal rights and seek professional help to minimize the impact of a DWI charge.
Better call Doug!! Doug is the best lawyer you can find for DWI or DUI cases in Dallas. I read many reviews before choosing Doug for representing my case. Doug handled DWI and DUI cases for last 25 years, He has good relationships with DA office and is Well respected in the community. I have peace of mind with plea bargain today for my case. He also won other case filed on my license suspension. Amy (Paralegal) will help you through out the case. She is very persistent and detailed about the case details. You will never go wrong for chosing Doug. Goodluck. !!”
- Anil Lingutla
I was charged with a DWI and resisting arrest. Knowing Mr. Wilder previously, I went with the Wilder Law Firm to help me out. Their office was able to get my resisting charge thrown out and reduced my DWI charge for me. This result and lesser sentence allows me a better opportunity to recover from the mistake I made. I appreciate Megan being so kind and patient with me during my process. I would recommend her 10/10."
- Isaac Harrell
After being arrested for DUI, I contacted Doug Wilder upon recommendation. Mr. Wilder and his entire staff were amazing with their professional handling of my case from start to finish. Every time I rang with questions someone answered the phone, no long waits for a return call. This was important to me considering a DUI is so stressful. Mr. Wilder and his staff not only got my case dismissed but also guided me through the process and offered utmost care. I cannot thank them enough and highly recommend the Wilder Firm."
- JJ Canter