Typically, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious charge. First-time offenders could face a fine of up to $2,000, a license suspension anywhere from 90 to 365 days, and/ or a jail sentence of 72 hours to 180 days. More importantly a plea of guilty to a Class B DWI has been a charge that cannot be removed from a person’s criminal history. Luckily relief has arrived in the form of a new law Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed a regarding 1st-time DWI penalties.
This new law would allow people a 2nd chance to start anew by letting 1st-time DWI offenders apply for a nondisclosure. The nondisclosure would allow their conviction to be sealed from the public eye, making it easier for 1st time offenders to get a job or an apartment.
To qualify for this NEW Non-Disclosure the applicant must:
- Have no other DWIs on their record.
- must have had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .14 or less, and
- The DWI must not be involved an accident or bodily injury
After someone is convicted of their 1st DWI, they will have to follow through with court orders, and their record could be sealed significantly faster if they get an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their car.
While the new law wouldn’t wipe a person’s criminal record completely clear of the DWI, it would only be visible to law enforcement. Likewise, it is still a felony if you get a 3rd DWI, and those convicted would still need to face the typical penalties for committing the crime.
If you’ve just been convicted of a DWI, let us see if this new law can help you avoid hiring discrimination. Contact our experienced Edinburgh criminal defense attorney at The Christopher P. Cavazos Law Firm, PLLC. Our founding attorney understands your future might be at stake in a criminal case. Let us help you through this stressful time.
Contact us at (956) 290-8911 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation today. We’re available to take your phone calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.