Individuals accused of driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses in Texas have to make some important decisions. One of the first choices involves whether they defend against the charges they face or plead guilty.
It is relatively common for those who maintain their innocence to enter a guilty plea. They do so to avoid the cost of going to trial and in hopes of lenient sentencing. Those who rush to enter a guilty plea sometimes fail to properly evaluate the impact that a DWI conviction might have on their life and their economic circumstances. There are several important financial consequences related to a DWI beyond potential fines and court costs.
Increased insurance expenses
Mandatory car insurance isn’t cheap, but it becomes much more expensive when a driver has major violations on their recent record. Drivers can expect a 54% increase in their insurance costs on average. Some drivers, including those with prior DWIs, may find that their rates increase by more than the average. Drivers may have to pay substantially higher premiums for multiple years after a DWI conviction.
License penalty expenses
The suspension of a driver’s license is a standard DWI penalty. It can also be a very costly consequence. People may need to use on-demand transportation services like rideshare apps to get to work or important appointments on time. The cost of those alternative forms of transportation can be several times higher than the cost of insuring and fueling a personal vehicle. The longer the suspension lasts, the greater the overall cost of obtaining alternative forms of transportation.
Career consequences
Some people drive for work. A DWI conviction might leave them incapable of performing job responsibilities. Others work for companies that have clear zero-tolerance policies for criminal convictions. A DWI that occurs during employment might cost an individual their job. Other times, they may struggle to obtain advancement opportunities because of a previous conviction. A criminal record can turn up when a professional seeks out new work elsewhere or when they attempt to continue their education.
The financial consequences of a DWI are often far more significant than people initially estimate. Fighting DWI charges is frequently a better option than pleading guilty in the hopes of limiting expenses. Defendants who understand the broader impacts that a conviction could inspire can make an informed decision about a pending DWI charge.