Despite the extensive efforts to curb drunk driving, people all across Texas can find themselves arrested for this offense. While you may think you’ll just be able to go to court, pay a fine and then just put the whole mistake behind you, the fact is that a DWI can have a considerable impact on your life for many years if you are convicted.
It’s not simply a traffic ticket; it’s a criminal offense that comes with serious penalties. Below are just a few of the ways a DWI can be more damaging than you might expect.
- There may be aggravating factors. If you are arrested for DWI and accused of driving with an extremely high BAC, causing an accident, driving with kids in your car or having a history of drunk driving convictions, the charges against you will likely be escalated. These are aggravating factors that come with additional charges and harsher sentences.
- You could lose your license. Even if it’s only for a short period of time, losing your license can be a major problem. Think about it: How will you get to work? Who will pick up your kids from school? How will you do your grocery shopping? Are you comfortable paying for public transportation or asking someone for a ride every time you need to go somewhere? Every task can become much more complicated and take much longer when you don’t have permission to drive.
- Getting car insurance will be a challenge. A DWI makes you a much higher risk driver than someone without this offense, which means your premiums will go up. In Texas, you will also need to have an SR-22, which is a document proving you are adequately insured. There is also the possibility that you will be unable to get insurance if companies won’t insure you.
These are just a few ways that a DWI can disrupt a person’s life. There are also huge fines, jail times and a criminal record to consider as well.
With all this in mind, it should be clear that defending yourself against drunk driving charges can be a wise decision. Doing so can result in charges that are reduced or, in some cases, dismissed, which will protect you from some or all of the long-term damage associated with a DWI.
