How a DWI Can Affect More than Just Your Driving

 Posted on November 11, 2020 in Uncategorized

During the summer of 2020, officers arrested Republican state Senate candidate Vanessa Tijerina for allegedly driving while intoxicated with her children in the car. Police officers had responded to an alert that the GOP candidate was driving under the influence. They initiated a routine traffic stop and noticed a strong marijuana odor coming from the car. When asked about it, Tijerina rolled up the windows and locked the car doors. Officers repeatedly tried to speak to her through the windows and then resorted to trying to pry the doors open. When Tijerina finally decided to exit the vehicle, she was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, interfering with public duty, and two charges of DWI with child passengers.

A DWI is a serious charge for anyone, and it can gravely interfere with your future plans. In the instance mentioned above, the Texas GOP refused to support Tijerina's state Senate candidacy. This loss may not be a surprise, but there are various ways a DWI arrest can derail your plans-guilty or not. Having a DWI expert attorney will ensure you can navigate this confusing terrain more easily.

Consequences of a DWI That You Might Not be Thinking Of

Your insurance rates will go up.

After you get your license back in Texas, you must obtain special auto liability insurance for at least two years after your DWI conviction and pay extra fees to the Texas Department of Public Safety for three years. Additionally, your insurance rates will go up for a long time after because you now have a public history of drunk driving. And in some instances, your car insurance could drop you altogether.

It will impact your work.

Many jobs require you to have a valid driver's license, but if convicted of a DWI in Texas, your license is one of the first things they suspend. If you can no longer get to work out of your own volition or are unable to perform your job duties, it could affect your ability to provide for yourself or your family. Also, even though a DWI carries less stigma than other criminal charges, a DWI conviction could affect your ability to get a promotion from your current role at work. For instance, if you are a skilled professional, criminal convictions, like a DWI, can often result in a professional licensing review and the possibility of a loss of your professional license.

How a DWI Defense Lawyer Can Help

Possible penalties for a DWI conviction can have ramifications that extend beyond what you may expect. But remember, if you or someone you love has been charged with a DWI in Texas, all hope is not lost. Having an expert DWI lawyer on your side from the very moment of your arrest will help.

Attorney Doug Murphy is a Board Certified DWI defense attorney with years of experience. He was named one of 2021 US News and World Report's Best Lawyers in America and previously served as President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association. Attorney Murphy knows how hard it is to traverse these complex cases. He will work tirelessly to build a solid defense for your case to reach the best possible outcome. Call 713-229-8333 to schedule a consultation today. He can help.