A DWI conviction in Texas has many consequences. Depending on the offense, an offender can face serious penalties such as jail and prison time, fines up to $10,000, and loss of driving privileges for over two years consecutively. These are the primary consequences of being convicted of a DWI in Texas. Although severe, there are other worries to consider as well when convicted of a DWI in Texas.
What are the secondary consequences of a DWI conviction in Texas
- Loss of job
- Employers fail to hire you
- A struggle with finding housing
- Impacted custodial rights
- Loss of professional license
- Loss of rights to own a gun or vote
Drunk drivers may think they’ll never get caught. But as alcohol and drugs impair your driving functioning, cops will recognize your inconsistencies. To keep drivers on the road safe, penalties have to strike fear in drivers to think twice about getting behind the wheel with a blood-alcohol level at or above .08% in Texas.
Besides jail/prison, fines, and driver’s license suspension, what other consequences do DWI offenders face?
Loss of job
In the workforce, there is zero-tolerance for DWIs. In some cases, even if you are acquitted, your employer can still let you go from a position just for being arrested.
Employers fail to hire you
If an employer runs a background check on you and discovers a DWI on your record, your chances of getting hired can be affected accordingly.
A struggle to find housing
Landlords do not have to rent to anyone who has a criminal record. If they feel that an offender is a danger to the tenants or property, they can refuse you. However, if you have been arrested and not convicted, they cannot.
Impacted custodial rights
If you’re convicted of a DWI, bad judgment on your part is suggested. In the event that you’re divorced with kids, the other parent can use your conviction against you to gain custody.
Loss of professional license
Medical, nursing, and pilot’s licenses are a few of many licenses that have rules that prohibit the misconduct of driving while intoxicated. If you’re convicted of a DWI, your career can either be put on hold or over forever.
Loss of rights to own a gun or vote
These penalties aren’t incurred until you’ve reached your third offense, which would be considered a third-degree felony.
If I lose my professional license in Texas because of a DWI, can I get it reinstated?
There is a possibility to get your professional license reinstated after being convicted of a DWI in Texas. There has to be valid proof suggesting that you’ve completed probation, counseling, and other requirements associated with your DWI offense. You will need documentation and testimony.
Can I regain my right to own a gun and vote after being convicted of a DWI?
After five years, a convicted felon in Texas has their gun rights restored. However, they are only limited to possessing a firearm on the premises where they live.
When it comes to convicted felons being able to vote, after they’ve finished their punishment, they are eligible.
What are the primary consequences of a DWI conviction
- First Offense – up to a $2,500 fine, 180 days in jail, and a suspended driver’s license for a year.
- Second Offense – up to a $4,000 fine, one year in jail, and a two-year driver’s license suspension.
- Third Offense – up to a $10,000 fine, ten years in prison, and suspended driver’s license for two years.
Being arrested for a DWI doesn’t mean you’re guilty. In the event that you feel that you are innocent of DWI charges against you, a Texas defense lawyer that normally defends people charged with drunk driving is highly recommended. You’d be surprised at how many DWI cases are handled poorly simply because the defendant didn’t prefer a lawyer to represent his case.
DWI carries serious consequences, and no one in their right mind would want to face them, especially if there is no need.
