A DWI can have a lasting impact on your life. Not only will you face jail time and the threat of losing your license for a certain amount of time, but also you may have to pay a fine, attend a class on alcohol awareness, and install an ignition interlock device on your car. If the court finds that the reason for your DWI was due to alcohol abuse, it will revoke your license and the state will take away your ability to drive for a specific period of time. In other words, if you have had a DWI in the past and now get another one, you will have a much harder time getting your license back. Additionally, if you have a second DWI within a certain period of time, the penalties will be even harsher. Here is what you need to know if you get convicted of a DWI in Texas.

What happens if you get convicted of a DWI?

If you get convicted of a DWI, you will face one of the following penalties: a fine, jail time, community service, probation, alcohol or drug treatment program, and/or license suspension. The type of penalty you receive will depend on how many times you’ve been convicted of a DWI. If this is your first conviction, you may receive a fine and be placed on probation. However, if you have a second or third conviction, the penalties will be much more severe. If you have been convicted of a DWI within the past 10 years, you will receive a Class A license suspension, which will last for two years. If you have been convicted of a DWI within the past five years, you will receive a Class B license suspension, which will last for two years. If you have been convicted of a DWI within the past two years, you will receive a Class C license suspension, which will last for one year.

What are the consequences of a DWI with a license that is suspended?

If you have a DWI on your record and your license has been suspended, you will be ineligible to apply for a new license for a period of time. The length of time will depend on the severity of the first conviction. If you have a Class B license suspension, you will be ineligible to apply for a new license for two years. If you have a Class C license suspension, you will be ineligible to apply for a new license for one year. If you have a Class A license suspension, you will be ineligible to apply for a new license for three years. If you have a second DWI, the length of time you will be ineligible to apply for a new license will be longer. If you have a Class A license suspension and a second DWI, you will be ineligible to apply for a new license for five years. If you have a Class B license suspension and a second DWI, you will be ineligible to apply for a new license for three years. If you have a Class C license suspension and a second DWI, you will be ineligible to apply for a new license for one year.

What are the consequences of a DWI with a license that is revoked?

If you have a DWI on your record and your license has been revoked, you will be ineligible to drive for a specific period of time. The length of time will depend on the severity of the first conviction. If you have a Class B license revocation, you will be ineligible to drive for two years. If you have a Class C license revocation, you will be ineligible to drive for one year. If you have a Class A license revocation, you will be ineligible to drive for three years. If you have a second DWI, the length of time you will be ineligible to drive will be longer. If you have a Class A license revocation and a second DWI, you will be ineligible to drive for five years. If you have a Class B license revocation and a second DWI, you will be ineligible to drive for three years. If you have a Class C license revocation and a second DWI, you will be ineligible to drive for one year.

Should you hire a DWI lawyer?

If you have been charged with a DWI, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible. Hiring a DWI lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and options. An experienced DWI attorney can help you understand the process and what you can expect. If you have been convicted of a DWI, hiring a DWI lawyer will help you get a better outcome. An experienced DWI attorney can help you get a reduced sentence and/or a reduced conviction. They can also help you get your license back sooner if it has been suspended or revoked.