Arrested for DWI When You Have a High-Profile Career

 Posted on April 04, 2023 in DUI/DWI

Facing a DWI charge is never easy. You may be concerned about possible jail time, fines, or a license suspension. But you may also be concerned about your personal and professional reputation, and with good reason. If you hold a visible position in your community, whether it's through public office, well-regarded charity work, or a highly notable career, a public arrest can affect you personally as well. That's what a Texas State Senator discovered when news of his DWI arrest hit the news.

DWI Arrest for Texas State Senator

In February of this year, an officer spotted the senator's car "swerving to the right and left and split the two lanes repeatedly" at about 2 am on a Tuesday. The officer stopped the senator on suspicion of DWI and stated in his affidavit that the senator had glassy, watery, bloodshot eyes, was confused, and had slurred speech. He also stated that the senator "had a strong odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath." Police arrested him for misdemeanor DWI.

Consequences of a DWI Conviction

A first DWI in Texas is typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, a license suspension, and another mandatory $3,000 administrative fine. A second arrest for DWI is typically a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by 72 hours to 12 months in jail, up to $6,000 in fines, and two years of supervised release. You will also face a license suspension and mandatory administrative fines.

However, if aggravated circumstances surround your DWI arrest, such as an accident involving a serious bodily injury or death, a child under 14 in the car at the time of your arrest, or a third or subsequent DWI arrest, you could face felony DWI charges. You could face felony charges under these circumstances, even if this is your first DWI.

Career Impact of a DWI

The financial and reputational consequences of a DWI can be serious, but with a high-profile career or personal life, the consequences can be even more serious. If you hold a professional license, you may find your license suspended or revoked. You may no longer be able to volunteer with children or other vulnerable individuals, and you may find details and videos of your DWI arrest all over the news.

You Need an Expert in Texas DWI Defense

If you're facing DWI charges in Texas, particularly if you have a high-profile career or a visible role in the community, the consequences of a DWI conviction can be serious. You can face damage to your professional and personal reputation. That's why you need an expert in DWI defense to protect your rights.

Attorney Doug Murphy is an expert in both DWI Defense and Criminal Defense Law. He is one of only two attorneys in Texas who holds Board Certifications in both these specialties. Doug was also recently named a "Lawyer of the Year" for 2023 Houston DWI Defense by Best Lawyers in America from U.S. News and World Report. Find out what Doug and the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. team can do for you. Call them at 713-229-8333">713-229-8333 or contact them online to schedule your consultation.