If you’re convicted of a felony DWI in Texas, you could face serious consequences. A felony DWI conviction could impact your future in several ways. First and foremost, it will appear on your record. Depending on the details of your case, it could also impact your employment opportunities, future job prospects, and personal finances. A felony DWI conviction can also lead to increased insurance premiums and even job loss if you are an at-risk driver. Here’s more about the potential consequences of a DWI felony conviction in Texas:

Felony DWI Conviction and Your Criminal Record

The first consequence of a DWI felony conviction is that it will appear on your criminal record. Depending on the details of your case, it could also appear on the records of other states, too. If you move to another state, the conviction will follow you wherever you go. A DWI conviction will remain on your record for the rest of your life, so it’s important to keep it clean. If you have a clean record and are convicted of a new DWI, it could help you avoid a more severe penalty if you’re arrested again in the future.Keep in mind that a DWI conviction doesn’t just impact your future; it also affects your present. If you’re applying for a job or seeking a promotion, a DWI conviction could be a deal breaker. Employers may not even give you a chance to explain your side of the story. A DWI conviction also could prevent you from traveling to certain countries or visiting family members and friends.

Financial Consequences

A DWI conviction could lead to a fine, probation, community service, and other consequences. The amount of your fine will depend on the circumstances of your case, but it could be as high as $10,000. You may also face a variety of other consequences, including probation, jail time, and a suspended license. If you’re convicted of a DWI and have a job, your employer could fire you. A DWI conviction could lead to increased insurance premiums, too. Depending on the details of your case, your insurance rates could increase dramatically.

Loss of Employment and Income

If you’re convicted of a DWI and lose your job as a result, you may be able to get your job back. However, if you’re convicted of a DWI and your employer terminates you for poor performance, you could have a difficult time finding a new job. In some cases, your employer might not hire you because of your DWI conviction. Employers may also not be willing to hire you if they learn about your criminal record. If you’re not able to find a job, you could lose your source of income. If you have a family, you could also find yourself in financial trouble.

Loss of Home Ownership

If you’re convicted of a DWI, you could lose your home ownership rights. If you live in a community that has a Home Owners Association (HOA), the HOA could put a lien on your home. If you don’t pay the lien, the HOA could foreclose on your home. If you have a mortgage on your home, a DWI conviction could lead to a foreclosure and the loss of your home.

Increased Insurance Rates

If you’re convicted of a DWI and have a car insurance policy, your rates could increase. Insurance companies use your driving record to determine your rates. If you have a DWI conviction, your rates could increase significantly. It’s important to shop around for car insurance if you’ve been convicted of a DWI. You may be able to find cheaper rates if you shop around.

Conclusion

A DWI conviction could have a serious impact on your life. A DWI conviction could make it difficult to find a job, get a loan, or rent a home. It’s important to know the potential consequences of a DWI conviction in Texas so you can take steps to minimize the damage. If you’re convicted of a DWI, the best thing you can do is fight the charge. You may be able to get the case dismissed or win a reduced sentence. Fighting the charge will help you clear your record and may help you avoid a DWI conviction.