Did you know there’s a new DWI law for 2018? While many people are considering new fitness goals, new careers or new travel experiences for this new year-it’s very different if you’re starting the new year tangled up in the legal system.
Between Christmas parties, New Year’s ragers and all the get-togethers in between, a lot of people are starting their year facing down an expensive question: how much does a DWI cost in Texas? If you’re one of those people, don’t give up hope; you don’t have to join the Texas DWI statistics. There’s a new DWI law. This means you still have time to fight back-even if you’re struggling in the aftermath of a DWI conviction or still facing charges in a DWI case. Here’s how to start sealing your DWI records in Texas.
How to Remove a DWI From Your Record
Before you can look into sealing a DWI record in Texas, your case will need to meet a specific set of criteria in order to qualify under a new Texas DWI law. Enacted in September, 2017, the new DWI law is House Bill 1306 (commonly known as the Second Chance Bill).
The new DWI law allows certain drivers with only one DWI conviction on their record to have those charges sealed from public record. With your charges sealed, that DWI conviction won’t be visible to employers, landlords or crazy significant others if they decide to run a preliminary background check.
Do you meet the new DWI law requirements for sealing the records in Texas?
Under the new DWI law, you are eligible for a “Second Chance” if your DWI conviction meets the following criteria:
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of your arrest could not have been higher than 0.150.
- Your DWI did not result in an accident with another person.
- You’ve successfully completed all aspects of your sentencing, including probation, fines and court fees.
- Your criminal history-excluding traffic tickets-is clean minus the one DWI.
- Two or more years has passed since you completed your DWI probation.
If that sounds like you, your next best step is to consult a Houston DWI lawyer to help you begin the process of sealing your DWI records in Texas. If this opportunity to seal your records in Texas hasn’t quite sold you yet, think of how nice it will be to keep your driving privileges intact, not having to play dice with every time you apply for a new job or not passing up that nice apartment you’ve been wanting to lease.
“I just got charged with DWI, what can I do next?”
If you’ve recently been charged with DWI in Texas, you need to act fast. You only have 15 days to save your driver’s license. In addition to your criminal case, the Texas Department of Public Safety will also pursue a DWI license suspension against you. This is only preventable if you contest it in an ALR hearing. Don’t be fooled because things don’t slow down from there.
Winning a “Not Guilty” verdict or having your charges dropped requires a careful analysis of all the factors at play in your case. The video of your Texas field sobriety test must be scrutinized, even the cleanliness and condition of the DWI blood test equipment used during your arrest. Building the best possible case takes time, and every case is different. The sooner you hire an experienced DWI attorney to review your case, the closer you are to reclaiming your freedom.
Don’t Let a DWI Take Away Your Year
DWI convictions and charges can make it hard to take advantage of life’s many opportunities, but freedom could still be in reach. Whether you need help sealing your DWI conviction under the new DWI law or you’re facing fresh DWI charges, Mark Thiessen and the team at Thiessen Law Firm are here to help. The road to freedom starts today. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation for you or a loved one’s DWI case.
Related Resources
- DWI Calculator, For Blood Alcohol Estimation
- Drunk Driving Myths, What You Need to Know
- Illegal Traffic Stops, How They Can Impact Your Criminal Case
- How to Spot an Undercover Cop Car
- Statute of Limitations on Texas DWI, Why Waiting Only Hurts
