In Texas, DWI charges come with deep and far reaching ramifications that go beyond the immediate legal issues that one may have to endure. One of the most overlooked areas that many drivers often fail to appreciate is how a DWI verdict affects one’s driving record and insurance premiums. In order to make sound judgment after an arrest, one must know the said consequences. In this article, we will look into the consequences of driving record and insurance when convicted in Texas, and the reason why speaking to a Fort Worth DWI Lawyer is crucial in overcoming these hurdles.
DWI and Your Driving Record
Your driving record is a document that details your driving history, including any traffic offenses, crashes, and criminal charges stemming from them. It is worth noting that in Texas, once convicted of a DWI in Texas, it shall remain in your driving history for a number of years and be preserved while incurring serious ramifications both immediately and in the future.
- Points on Your Driving Record
DWI convictions in Texas will be reflected on your record. Considering your situation, the DWI conviction may have points assessed. Texas has a point system for tracking moving violations and criminal offenses.
In Texas, every DWI conviction carries 2 points. If you have 6 points or more within a span of three years, you are likely to incur additional fines. A DWI conviction may lead to the most troubling sanction, which is the suspension of your driver’s license altogether.
- License Suspension
There will be an automatic suspension of your license as well if you get the DWI conviction in Texas. As for first-time offenders, the suspension can last for 30 to 90 days, while, for more serious offenders, the suspension duration tends to increase. This can have adverse impacts on your day-to-day activities, work obligations, and even social events.
Also, after conviction, it can be mandated that you fix an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car. An IID is a breath analyzing machine which preempts the vehicle from embarking if it discerns the presence of alcohol in your breath. This certainly makes matters worse for you, particularly when you need to use your car for work or other important activities.
- Impact on Employment
More often than not, obtaining or keeping employment becomes problematic because of a DWI conviction on the record. It may also be difficult to obtain a job in specific industries, particularly ones involving automobiles, as employers may be unwilling to hire someone with a DWI. Besides, if you work in positions that require a driver’s license, such as delivery and driving services, your work would suffer when your license is revoked.
DWI and Your Insurance Rates
A DWI conviction adversely affects one’s driving record, but also car insurance premiums. Policies can get expensive after one’s insurance company learns of a DWI conviction due to the fact that offenders are deemed to be higher risk drivers. Fines can increase or even cancel the policy entirely.
- Higher Premiums
Unlike other providers, your insurance carrier is likely to impose higher premiums following a DWI conviction. An average DWI could increase your insurance with most providers by multiple hundreds annually. The higher premiums than standard are likely to hang around for several years as insurance providers consider you to be a higher risk on the road.
Most insurance companies may tend to also place you in the ‘high risk’ category. As a consequence, you will most likely be required to obtain high risk insurance coverage, which is also referred to as SR-22 insurance. This is different from car insurance to SR 22, and is more costly than even standard car insurance due to having been convicted of a serious DWI traffic offense.
- Possible Policy Cancellation
There are instances when an insurance company may, after sustaining a DWI conviction, decide not to renew the policy. If this occurs, you will have to get another insurance company. This will vary with your driving history and DWI conviction. In most cases, it proves challenging to acquire reasonably priced coverage. Many motorists in such scenarios are forced to purchase coverage from expensive high risk insurance providers which costs a lot. - Long-Term Impact
The impact of a DWI on your insurance rates can last for several years. Texas law requires insurance companies to report your DWI conviction to the Texas Department of Insurance, and this information will remain on your record for up to five years. During this period, you can expect your premiums to stay higher than normal, which can add a significant financial burden.
Why You Need a Fort Worth DWI Lawyer
In case you have been charged with DWI in Fort Worth, it is essential to consult an accomplished Fort Worth DWI Attorney to help with the consequences mitigation. A DWI lawyer specializing in Fort Worth will have the ability to analyze your case and challenge the provided evidence against you in order to lessen the charges or penalties against you.
Texas DWI laws are complicated, but a DWI attorney in Fort Worth is well versed with these laws and would do their best to ensure that a conviction is not rendered, or if it is, that the consequences are minimal. They should work towards appealing the suspension of your driver’s license or reducing the terms of the sentence, which is very crucial to maintaining a favorable driving record, and by extension, low insurance premiums.
Reach out to a Fort Worth DWI attorney right away to handle your DWI charge. For assistance with DWI cases, do visit the Kyle Whitaker Criminal Defense Page. An accomplished lawyer can assist you a lot towards reducing the effects that a DWI verdict would have on your life.
Conclusion
A DWI conviction in Texas often comes together with many collateral consequences such as points on your driving record and increased insurance rates. In addition to things that happen in the courtroom, there are far reaching consequences such as suspension of your driver’s license. Your auto insurance cost can surge, and sometimes they may even drop your policy altogether.
In case of being served with DWI charges in Fort Worth, it would be wise to consult a Fort Worth Family Law Attorney to ensure that the legal and financial repercussions of a conviction are kept to a minimum. An experienced lawyer will walk you through the entire process, advise you on the available options, and seek the best result for you. Make sure that you receive legal help as soon as possible for the positive potential outcomes that these actions have.
