An Experienced DWI Attorney
Serving San Angelo, TX

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) carries serious criminal charges. A DWI charge can be traumatic, embarassing, and costly; if you are convicted, you will have a criminal record and face serious consequences that can impact all areas of your life. Multiple charges can result in even steeper consequences. If you or someone you love is facing a DWI charge in, it's important to enlist the help of an experienced DWI attorney. An attorney can help navigate this process and fight for your interests. 

On top of the terror, stress, and guilt that people generally feel after getting charged for a DWI, there are many potential consequences that a charge could bring. In addition to hefty fines, possible jail time, and losing your driver's license, a DWI conviction could bring about the following consequences: 

• Job Loss: Many employers have zero tolerance policies in place regarding DWI convictions, especially for jobs that require driving or operating heavy machinery. While you may be innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law, an employer is free to let you go just for a DWI arrest. A conviction can affect more than your current employment: many prospective employers run criminal background checks on potential hires, and you may struggle to find a place that is willing to overlook a conviction.
• Housing Impact: Employers are not the only people to run criminal background checks. A landlord is under no obligation to rent to you if they find you have a criminal record.
• Child Custody: If you have children with a custody agreement in place, your rights might be impacted by a DWI conviction. A conviction suggests bad judgement; your fellow parent may be able to use it as leverage against you in future proceedings. 
• Professional Licenses: Many Texans hold professional licenses as part of their employment. This includes nurses, doctors, pilots, and others. Unfortunately, many licensing entities have rules prohibiting DWIs and similar conduct. If you are convicted, you could face a potential disciplinary hearing and even lose your licenses.
• Rights to Vote or Own a Firearm: Misdemeanor DWI convictions (first or second offenses) won't necessarily affect your inherent civil liberties, but felony DWI convictions become another story. You can lose your right to own a firearm or vote if you are convicted of a felony DWI (third offense or higher). Your only chance of regaining these rights is to petition the Governor of Texas for a pardon, which can be a long and costly process without any guarantee of success.