How Can a DWI Affect Your Career and Your Future?
Being convicted of a DWI, whether it is your first offense or you have had multiple convictions, can negatively impact your life in numerous ways, including your reputation, your ability to get a good job, your ability to own a firearm, and even your insurance rates. When you are convicted of a DWI in Texas, the punishment becomes more severe professionally, legally, and socially with each conviction.
Jail versus Prison Times for DWIs
When you are convicted of a DWI, you may face jail or prison time. A jail is an institution that is run by the county while a prison is an institution that is run by the state. A judge or a jury can probate your jail time. This means that your incarceration is suspended should you follow certain conditions and rehabilitation terms during your probation term. If you are looking for legal help from an experienced Houston DWI Lawyer, then Butler Law Firm is the answer.
Collateral Damages
Although the incarceration times are severe, they are nothing when you consider the collateral consequences that can result from a DWI conviction. If you have a DWI conviction, Houston DWI Lawyers say you can expect to experience:
1. DWI Fees And Fines Are Costly
The Texas Department of Transportation reports that a first-time offender can expect to pay approximately $17,000 in fines, probation fees, ignition interlock fees, bonds, supervision fees, etc.
2. Higher Insurance Rates
Many people do not realize that their auto insurance company can terminate their policy or significantly increase their insurance rates if they are convicted of a DWI.
3. Your Job May Be in Jeopardy
Your employer’s insurance carrier may not allow drivers to use or access a company vehicle if they have been convicted of a DWI. For example, if you work for UPS, you may no longer be allowed to use a delivery truck, which could mean that you would no longer be able to work for your company. The same would be true for any delivery driver, whether you deliver pizzas, flowers, etc. Finally, if you work for a delivery company, you can rest assured that you will probably be terminated.
4. DWIs and Pilots
People who work in the aviation industry often experience severe punishments if they get a DWI. If you are a licensed pilot, whether privately or commercially, your insurance coverage may decline insurance company, which would result in termination from your company. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) typically sanctions pilots who have had their DWI cases dismissed. In these cases, some type of suspension of a driver’s license has occurred. In the world of the FAA, it does not matter that a pilot has spent millions in training, it presumes guilt when it comes to pilots and DWIs.
5. Military Service, Future Employment, and DWIs
The same punishments that occur in the aviation field. Those who work as air traffic controllers, on the railway system and those in the maritime industry also have the same consequences. Sadly, military personnel can be discharged from service or prevented from advancing in their service with our armed forces. This is especially true with young drivers. Getting a conviction for a DWI or a DUI can impact future employment with most companies including military service, the aviation field, and delivery services. If you get a DWI in Texas, it never goes away and will always be able to be seen by the general public as well as law enforcement officials. This means you will never be able to escape a DWI conviction and it will impact every aspect of your life for the rest of your life.
DWIs Affect Licensing and Education
In addition to impacting your future employment, a DWI can prevent you from being admitted into professional schools or obtaining a professional license. A conviction of a DWI can prevent you from being admitted into numerous educational institutions, including medical school or law school. Finally, if you are currently attending an educational institution, you may be unable to receive a license following your graduation.
DWI and Travel
If you have a DWI conviction, you may no longer be allowed to travel to certain countries. For example, Canada considers a DWI a felony. If you do not commit any other crimes, you can enter the country after the conviction is expunged from your record in 10 years. In Malaysia, China, and Japan, you need to be honest about any misdemeanor charges because a background check is run when you apply for a travel visa. If you are caught lying, you can be banned from these countries. Finally, if you have had a conviction in the last 10 years, Mexico may refuse entry.
A Houston DWI Lawyer is available right now to assist you with your case, If you are looking for legal representation then make sure to contact the Butler Law Firm today by giving us a call at (713) 236-8744. Visit the blog for related content.