As codified in the Texas Penal Code §4904, drunk driving is a criminal offense in Texas. If convicted, you could face a wide array of penalties that affect your life for months and years to come. Keep reading to learn more about DWI penalties and how to avoid them. Driving While Intoxicated is a Serious…
Is Pleading No Contest Better than Pleading Guilty in a Texas DWI Case?
If you want to avoid a long courtroom fight without admitting to or accepting the driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge against you, a no-contest plea is better than pleading guilty in a Texas DWI case. However, pleading no contest will not protect you from the stringent penalties of a DWI conviction. Pleading No Contest vs…
Does a DWI Arrest Automatically mean I am Guilty?
Can I Get a DWI Expunged from My Record?
Most convictions are not eligible for expunction in Texas, so you likely cannot get a DWI expunged from your record if you were convicted. However, you may have options for getting an arrest or conviction hidden from your record. Because arrest records are public in Texas, being accused of driving while intoxicated (DWI) or another…
How Serious Is a DWI?
Allegations of driving while intoxicated, also known as DWI, are serious matters. Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, the basic offense of DWI is a Class B misdemeanor. This means that a conviction will create a criminal record. The statute says that a judge in a DWI case can sentence a driver to up to…
What Is the Penalty for a Felony DWI?
A DWI is a serious offense in the state of Texas and can be considered a felony under certain conditions. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), penalties for committing a felony DWI include: Prison time Suspension of your driver’s license for 180 days to 2 years…