In the days following a DWI arrest, a person may find themselves filled with regret, and grappling with what it will mean to have a conviction on their record. The unfortunate fact is that even a one-time mistake can create ripples of effect that last years. Working with the best DWI attorneys in San Antonio can help you beat your charges and avoid the potential consequences.
Your Right to Drive
In the State of Texas, those who fail or refuse a breath or blood test will immediately receive a Notice of Suspension. This notice allows the person to drive for 40 days, allowing them to get their affairs in order and secure another form of transportation. The notice also outlines the steps the recipient will need to take in order to request a formal hearing. Depending on the specifics of your arrest, record, and how your hearing proceeds, you could lose the right to drive for up to 2 years.
Time Served
If convicted, you could serve jail time. The amount of jail time that you serve depends on the specifics of your case, including the evidence presented at your hearing and how many DWIs you have received in the past. First-time offenders may receive up to 180 days in jail, while fourth-time offenders can receive up to 10 years in prison.
Financial Consequences
A first-time DWI conviction can result in up to $2,000 in fines. A person with additional convictions under their belt could pay up to $20,000 in fines for their DWI. Those who have DWIs on their record will likely receive higher rates from auto insurers, who interpret this as a sign the driver is a higher risk.
Professional Fallout
There are a number of ways a DWI can affect your personal life and your job. Some employers have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to DWIs and will fire employees based on a conviction. A prospective employer who conducts a background check may flag a job applicant based on their record. Those who have professional licensure (such as doctors, nurses, and pilots) may lose it as a result of their DWI.
Personal Rights and Freedoms
Because a DWI is often interpreted as a sign of poor judgment, a person could lose many rights they hold dear. This includes a parent’s custodial rights, which is the ability to visit their children (such as after a divorce). When felony charges are in play, a person may also lose the right to vote or own a firearm.
Hire the Best DWI Attorneys in San Antonio
The biggest myth when it comes to DWIs is that these charges cannot be beat. This could not be further from the truth. Working with one of the best DWI attorneys in San Antonio can help you form a solid strategy. At the Law Office of Jesse Hernandez, we have helped many clients defeat their case. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
San Antonio Office: 3107 Broadway Street, San Antonio, Texas 78209. (210) 807-8656.
Austin Office: 2025 Guadalupe Street Suite 260, Austin, Texas 78705. (512) 982-4798.
