Multiple DWI convictions may not be your fault; could be a sign of deeper issues

Menu
24/7 FREE CONSULTATION

MULTIPLE DWI CONVICTIONS MAY NOT BE YOUR FAULT

what happens if you are convicted of DWI

It used to be in Texas that if you had a DWI that was beyond ten years old, that conviction could not be used against you in your current case to ratchet up the punishment. 

But years ago, Texas changed that law so if you had an older DWI conviction whether it was ten, twenty–even thirty years ago, it can be used to make the punishment for your present DWI conviction much more harsh. 

It can even change the grade of your current DWI offense to which you are presently being prosecuted.

You may have multiple DWI convictions because you may just be unlucky. After all, with increased efforts by law enforcement to deter drunk driving, it really doesn’t take much to get arrested. 

As a criminal defense lawyer in Houston who is also a DWI Specialist by the National College for DUI Defense, I understand this all too clearly.

But if you have an issue with alcoholism, then we need to help you address that. 

If we don’t first address your drinking problem, then you are more likely to come back with another DWI. 

And neither we (as a community) nor the courts want that because we all drive the same streets you do.

So, as a responsible citizen and a law firm that cares about our clients welfare, we try to get our clients the help they need to address all the issues we can that caused their DWI arrests and help both legally and become a better member of our community.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE

Get A Fast Response

Form Submissions have a fast response time. Request your free consultation to discuss your case with one of our attorneys over the phone. The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

MENU

How long will a DWI arrest or a DWI conviction in Texas stay on my record? How will it affect my automobile insurance rates?

Texas DWI Questions, penalties for dwi
Menu
24/7 FREE CONSULTATION

How long will a DWI conviction in Texas stay on my record?

Penalties For DWI In Texas

A DWI conviction produces a permanent record. 

It is also important to note that a DWI probation, which is also a final conviction, will remain permanently on your criminal record. 

If, however, your DWI conviction case results in a dismissal, then the arrest record can be expunged, which is a proceeding whereby all records of the event are destroyed. 

Depending on the facts, some expunctions occur in the DWI court while others occur in another court. 

As for insurance rates, if you are not convicted, there will not be an increase, whereas if you are convicted, you can expect an increase.

Surcharge Fees for a DWI Conviction

Furthermore, if you are convicted, Texas will assert a mandatory annual surcharge fee to be paid to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). 

This fee will be paid every year for 3 years as a condition of maintaining your driver’s license. Below is a list of the fees you will be expected to pay:

  • DWI first offense – $1,000 annual surcharge ($3,000 total)
  • DWI second or subsequent conviction within a 3-year period – $1,500 annual surcharge ($4,500 total)
  • DWI with a BAC 0.16 or more (first or subsequent conviction within a 3-year period) – $2,000 annual surcharge ($6,000 total)

Some counties offer a pretrial intervention program for first offenders when certain other conditions are met. 

The requirements of these programs vary from county to county, and can vary even within the same county depending on the circumstances.

When you enter into a pretrial intervention, you are entering into a contract with the district attorney’s office, which typically mandates that you perform several probation-type requirements. 

If these are successfully completed, then the district attorney’s office will agree to dismiss the case. 

It is worth noting that most district attorney’s offices are highly selective about whom they allow to enter these programs.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE

Get A Fast Response

Form Submissions have a fast response time. Request your free consultation to discuss your case with one of our attorneys over the phone. The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

MENU