In the state of Texas, a driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction is serious. If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated, you will face many consequences as a result of this and will have a difficult time finding employment in the future. A DWI conviction can lead to jail time, fines, probation, community service, and the loss of your license. It is important to understand the impact a DWI will have on your future so that you can avoid it if possible. The following is a list of consequences of a DWI in Houston that you should know about before speaking with a DWI attorney about your potential defense options.

Jail Time and Probation

The most common sentence for a DWI conviction in the state of Texas is jail time and probation. Depending on your situation, you may receive jail time or probation. If you are convicted of your first DWI, you likely will receive jail time. However, probation is more common in the second or third DWI conviction. Probation is the length of time that you must complete certain requirements set by the judge. These requirements may include attending alcohol or drug abuse classes, paying a fine, and/ or undergoing community service. If you do not complete the requirements, you will face more jail time.

Fines and Restitution

Another consequence of a DWI conviction is that you will face fines and restitution. This is an additional amount of money that you will have to pay. The amount of fines and restitution varies depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, if you cause an accident as a result of a DWI, you may be required to pay a larger amount of money in fines and restitution. It is important to note that most of these fines and restitution go towards helping victims of drunk driving accidents.

Loss of License

Another consequence of a DWI conviction is that you will lose your license. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may lose your license for a fixed number of months or for a set period of time. This can have a significant impact on your life. For example, if you are currently employed, losing your license could lead you to lose your job. A DWI conviction can also negatively affect your ability to obtain future employment.

Job Interview Question

Another consequence of a DWI conviction is that you may be asked a question in an interview about your driving record. Employers will often ask applicants about their driving record, including if they have ever been convicted of a DWI. If the employer finds out that you have been convicted of a DWI, they may decide to not hire you. This could be problematic if you are currently looking for a new job. This could be a significant problem if you are looking for a new job and have just found a position that you are excited about. Another thing to keep in mind is that not all employers will ask about your driving record during the interview. This could make finding a new job even more challenging.

Co-signing on a Loan

A DWI conviction could also negatively affect your credit. You may be required to provide your employer or a bank with a copy of your report with proof of your new address. If your report shows a DWI conviction, it could make it difficult to secure a loan in the future. This could mean having to pay a higher interest rate or taking longer to get approved for a loan.

Disciplinary Action by Employer

Another consequence of a DWI conviction is that your employer could take disciplinary action against you. Your employer may decide to terminate your employment as a result of your conviction. This could be due to the fact that you are a safety-sensitive position and could put others at risk. It could also be due to the fact that you are a manager and they do not want someone in that position who has been convicted of a DWI.

Final Words

The consequences of a DWI conviction are serious. If you are convicted of a DWI, you should expect to face many negative consequences. It is important to understand the impact a DWI will have on your future so that you can avoid it if possible. You can lower the likelihood of a DWI conviction by avoiding drunk driving at all costs. Be mindful of the amount of alcohol you consume and drive within the legal limit. It will help to have a criminal defense attorney by your side if you are facing a DWI charge.