Consequences of DWI

A conviction for driving while intoxicated is arguably the most serious misdemeanor offense a person can have on their record. The lasting stigma for a DWI conviction is more far reaching than some felony charges. For example, a person can commit an armed robbery and be placed a deferred adjudication probation. A person could complete their probation and within 10 years, have the entire records sealed from public disclosure. A first time conviction for DWI is on one’s record for LIFE.

Lifetime Consequences

The law in Texas does not allow for deferred adjudication for DWI. If a DWI charge isn’t changed to something else or beaten, there will be a PERMANENT CONVICTION for a crime on your record. The law is not that harsh for murder or sexual assault of a child.

LOSE YOUR JOB
Many employers will terminate any employee convicted of DWI. Some employers will terminate an employee just for being arrested for DWI. There are also many occupations that a person may never be able to work in with a DWI conviction on their record.

LOSE YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE
Aside from any administrative suspension that may occur from refusing or failing the breath test, a conviction of DWI also can trigger a license suspension. On a first DWI the suspension can be one year, and as long as two years on a subsequent conviction.

LOSE YOUR INSURANCE OR PAY, PAY, PAY
Many insurance carriers will decline to renew a policy on a driver convicted of DWI. The ones that will carry people convicted of DWI will increase the rates by 300-500% over several years.

Immediate Consequences

FIRST TIME DWI
The maximum jail time a person can be sentenced to on a first time DWI is 180 days. While this is not commonly the sentence, it is allowed under law. The maximum fine for a first time DWI is $2000. Also, the new law allows the State to charge a person convicted for the first time up to $2000 per year for three years just to keep their license.

SECOND DWI WITHIN TEN YEARS
The maximum jail time for a second DWI conviction is one year, if the first DWI was within 10 years. The maximum fine for this charge is $4000. The license charge for a second DWI can also be as high as $2000.

THIRD DWI WITHIN 10 YEARS OF SECOND
A third DWI conviction within 10 years of a second DWI is a felony. The maximum term of prison time is 10 years. The fine can be up to $10,000. A felony conviction would also carry with it the loss of the right to vote, to serve on a jury, or to own any kind of firearm even in your own home.

Contact Jim Medley about your Houston DWI today!