A conviction for a DWI offense in Texas isn’t punished with just a slap on the wrist. For some folks, it can be a seismic event that ripples through every facet of their life. For starters, a first-time DWI conviction can lead to fines of up to $2,000, jail time of up to 180 days, and the suspension of your Texas Driver License for up to a year.
Subsequent offenses can have felony implications. A conviction for a felony drunk driving offense means more serious consequences like longer jail sentences, steeper fines, and lengthier license suspensions.
Beyond these immediate penalties, a DWI on your record can affect your eligibility for certain occupational licenses. According to the Texas Occupations Code, certain professions like healthcare, education, and even attorneys could face disciplinary actions. Such consequences might include suspension or revocation of your professional license(s).
Facing DWI Charges in Brazoria County?
Call Tad!
If you need to talk with a defense attorney in Angleton about fighting misdemeanor or felony DWI/DUI charges, give us a call. Tad Nelson & Associates provides affordable legal representation for people with criminal charges in Brazoria County. Schedule your free consultation with our legal team by calling us today at 979-267-6081.
In the meantime, let’s review a few pitfalls that individuals convicted of DUI may face.
Financial & Professional Consequences
The financial burden of a DWI conviction extends beyond fines and court costs. Insurance premiums will skyrocket after a drunk driving conviction. If you’re labeled as a high-risk driver, the result will be significantly higher insurance rates for several years.
Some insurance companies may even refuse to cover you, forcing you to seek more expensive specialty insurers.
Additionally, the presence of a DWI conviction on your background can derail your career.
Employers often conduct background checks on new & existing employees. A criminal record will be seen as a red flag. You may lose your job or have trouble finding new employment.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, individuals with criminal records face substantial employment barriers which results in long-term income reduction.
With that, lots of our clients with first-time misdemeanor DWI offenses will try to rush a guilty plea to “get it over with.” As you can see by the danger to your earnings potential, such a convenient strategy is ill-advised. Fight the charge!
Educational Impact
If you’re pursuing higher education, a DWI conviction can complicate your plans. Many educational institutions ask about criminal records during the admission process. A DWI can hurt your chances of getting into the college of your choice. It can also affect your eligibility for scholarships and financial aid. According to the U.S. Department of Education, certain types of financial aid can be revoked if you have a criminal conviction.
Your Social Life Might Be Impacted
There are a few potential social repercussions for folks with a DWI conviction. Friends, family, and colleagues may view you differently.
The stigma associated with drunk driving can be hard to shake off.
It can strain relationships and lead to social isolation. You may find yourself excluded from social gatherings, or worse, treated with condescension and mistrust. The last thing you need is everyone questioning your ability to drive yourself home. It’s belittling.
Respect is hard to earn but easy to lose. Your spouse, friends, and family members may struggle to trust you again. We’ve even seen these situations lead to separation or divorce. Kids might be affected too.
Travel Restrictions
A DWI conviction can mess up your travel plans too.
Some countries, including our Canadian neighbors to the north, have strict entry restrictions for individuals with criminal records. You might be denied entry or have a lengthy process to get permission to enter.
Even domestic travel can be affected. Heck, even getting around town.
If your license is suspended, you’ll have to rely on public transportation, ride-sharing services, or friends and family to get around. Obviously, this situation can be very inconvenient.
Civil Rights and Citizenship Issues
A DWI conviction can negatively affect your civil rights. In Texas, convicted felons lose certain civil rights. These include the right to vote, serve on a jury, or possess firearms. While a DWI offense is usually classified as a misdemeanor, multiple convictions or aggravating factors can lead to felony enhancements.
This is particularly significant for immigrants. A drunk driving conviction can jeopardize your immigration status. A conviction can mean deportation or citizenship application complications.
According to the Immigration and Nationality Act, certain criminal convictions can render non-citizens inadmissible or removable.
Long-Term Psychological Impact
Guilt, shame, and anxiety are common among people following any type of criminal conviction. These feelings can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders. Even substance abuse can ensue as a coping mechanism. Legal proceedings, financial strain, and social stigma only add to the stress.
At Tad Nelson & Associates, we’re committed to supporting our clients every step of the way. Our support starts with helping you avoid a conviction in the first place. That’s what we do. We fight to win and avoid these situations altogether.
Potential Defenses
Just because you were arrested and charged with DWI doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be convicted. As experienced DWI attorneys, we’ll know the best strategy to implement for your case.
For instance, challenging the legality of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer tests, or proving that field sobriety tests were improperly administered are all potential defense strategies.
As experienced DWI attorneys, we know how to meticulously examine evidence and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Then, use it.
Need Legal Representation for DWI?
Call Our Angleton Drunk Driving Lawyers Today!
If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges for Driving While Intoxicated in Brazoria County or elsewhere in Greater Houston, we’re here to help. Reach out to Tad Nelson & Associates at 979-267-6081 or through our contact page for experienced legal counsel.
Remember, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Tad Nelson is Board Certified® in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and he knows what he’s doing. Schedule your free consultation with our legal team today.
