For most individuals, a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) conviction represents a profound turning point in their lives. The detrimental aspects of a DWI conviction can go beyond the legal ramifications, impacting personal relationships, career prospects, and even mental health.
As experienced defense attorneys, we know that people are affected by DWI convictions to differing degrees. For some people a DWI conviction is a minor inconvenience while for others, a conviction for DWI or any other criminal offense could mean a career change.
Regardless of your situation, if you were arrested for drunk driving in Angleton or elsewhere in Brazoria County, we’re here to help. DWI attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock have extensive experience fighting DWI charges and will help you choose the best path forward in the legal process. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 979-267-6081.
Let’s review the less-often-discussed consequences of a DWI conviction in Texas, beyond just the court-imposed penalties.
Overview of Legal Penalties for DWI in Texas
Under Texas law, a first DWI offense may result in fines up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, loss of driver’s license up to a year, and an annual fee of $1,000 or $2,000 for three years to retain your driver’s license. These penalties increase with subsequent offenses or if the DWI involves an accident, death, injury, or a minor as a passenger.
Career Ramifications of a DWI Conviction
A DWI conviction can hurt your career prospects. Certain professions, such as those in law enforcement, the medical field, education, or the transportation industry might outright dismiss employees and contractors with DWI convictions.
Even in less-regulated sectors, businesses often conduct periodic background checks on their employees and may have a problem with you incurring a criminal conviction. Furthermore, if you’re plan on entering the job market or starting a business, some of your potential employers or clients may prefer to work with someone that doesn’t have a criminal record.
So, if you’re facing prosecution for a DWI charge, don’t be in a rush to enter a guilty plea to get things over with. Our legal team takes pride in helping people get positive results from these situations and we can help you too.
Insurance Complications
Following a DWI conviction, auto insurance companies in Texas often significantly increase premiums. Some insurers may even deem you a high-risk driver and refuse to provide coverage. If this happens, it’ll add unnecessary complications to owning and operating a vehicle.
Educational Consequences
A conviction for Driving While Intoxicated may also affect your educational opportunities. Many universities, particularly those with competitive programs, consider criminal records during admissions. A DWI conviction can also impact your eligibility for certain scholarships or participation in certain collegiate activities.
Impacts on Immigration & Travel
If you’re an immigrant, a DWI conviction can negatively impact your immigration status. A conviction could lead to deportation, denial of naturalization, or refusal of re-entry into the country.
This is also true in the reverse. If you’re a U.S. citizen and you often travel abroad, some countries may refuse entry to individuals with DWI convictions.
Potential for a Record Expunction in Texas
Despite the consequences we’ve discussed, Texas law offers a glimmer of hope in the form of record expunction. This is often referred to as criminal record sealing. Under certain conditions, individuals can have their DWI conviction expunged from their criminal record, potentially alleviating some of the long-term consequences.
If you would like more information about getting sealing your criminal records, contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson of Associates at 979-267-6081. Speak with a member of our legal team to get started. Not all cases qualify for expunction, but if you do, we’ll help you.
Importance of Legal Representation in DWI Cases
Given the wide-ranging consequences of a DWI conviction, qualified legal representation is essential for helping you to make the right decision about the best way to move forward with your case. Attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock will help you with the case and can potentially get your charges reduced or even dismissed.
Have Criminal Charges for DWI?
Contact Tad Nelson & Associates for help.
Since 1991 we’ve helped people in Angleton, Brazoria, Alvin, Pearland and throughout Brazoria County to get their criminal cases behind them. If you’re interested in speaking with a skilled Texas DWI lawyer about a DWI-related criminal charge, contact our law firm today.
We can be reached at 979-267-6081. 100% Free Consultations. Flexible & Affordable Legal Fees.
