Consequences of DWI
A conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) is arguably the most serious misdemeanor offense a person can have on their record. The lasting stigma for a Houston DWI conviction is more far reaching than some felony charges. For example, a person can commit an armed robbery and be placed on deferred adjudication probation. A person could complete their probation and within 10 years, have the entire records sealed from public disclosure.
Lifetime Consequences
The law in Texas does not allow for deferred adjudication for DWI. If a Houston 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 a Houston 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 Texas DWI is 180 days. 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
The maximum jail time for a second Texas DWI conviction is one year. The maximum fine for this charge is $4000. The license charge for a second Texas DWI can also be as high as $2000 per year.
THIRD DWI
A third Texas DWI conviction 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.
Because the consequences are merciless, even on a first DWI charge, it is very important that anyone accused of a Texas DWI hire a skilled and experienced Houston DWI lawyer. DWI attorneys in Houston are listed by the hundreds, and all will be happy to take you money and tell you what you want to hear about your Houston DWI case. Few DWI lawyers have the necessary unique qualifications to effectively represent all of you rights and concerns in your Houston DWI charge.
Contact Jim Medley about your Houston DWI today!
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