Driving under the influence is dangerous and puts your life, as well as the lives of others, at risk. That’s why the courts take DWIs so seriously.
It’s necessary to defend yourself if you’ve been accused of a DWI. Why? A DWI has the potential to follow you for the rest of your life. You could lose your license, be threatened with jail time or face heavy fines. If this isn’t your first offense, then there may be more significant penalties. Felony charges could be possible, too.
How does a DWI affect you in Texas?
A DWI has the potential to affect you in the short and long term. A first-time offense may lead to up to $2,000 in fines, the loss of your license and up to 180 days in jail. These are short-term penalties that you may be able to overcome, but a DWI can cause long-term damage, too.
For example, if you get your license revoked for two years, you may lose your job or be unable to work in a role that requires you to have a license.
You may also have trouble getting a new job or renting an apartment, for example, because you will have a misdemeanor or felony charge on your criminal history. Background checks will pull up this data, so you may find it more difficult to pass those checks for work, school, housing or other purposes.
As well as having career or background check issues, you may find that your auto insurance rates increase significantly. For high-risk drivers, the cost may be double or triple what’s normal.
On top of all of this, you may find that your relationships are hurt or change. A DWI arrest has the potential to paint you negatively in the eyes of employers, coworkers, friends and family. A conviction is likely to have a lasting impact on your public image.
It’s possible to reduce the impact of a DWI on your life. To do so, you need to start with a good defense to help you minimize the risk of penalties related to an arrest and to avoid a conviction.