Due to the number of people charged with this crime annually, there is a common misconception that a DWI is not as serious as other crimes. Many assume they’ll receive a slap on the wrist and a stern warning before being sent on their way if they are pulled over while intoxicated. However, this is far from the truth and, in reality, the charges you can face are incredibly serious. As such, you should understand the consequences of this crime, such as whether or not it will appear on a background check. If facing charges, this blog explores what you can expect and why connecting with Houston DWI defense attorneys is critical.
What Constitutes a DWI?
In Texas, you will be charged with a DWI if you are discovered driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or over the legal limit of 0.08%. However, if you have a BAC less than the legal limit but the officer determines that you are still inebriated, you can face a DWI. A first-offense DWI generally constitutes a Class B misdemeanor.
If you are under the age of 21 and are discovered driving any detectable amount of alcohol in your system, you will face a DWI. This means you could be charged for having a BAC as low as 0.01% because it is illegal for minors to consume alcohol. As such, you can face a Class B misdemeanor for a first-offense DWI under the age of 21.
Will This Appear on a Background Check?
Since you are charged with a criminal offense in the form of a Class B misdemeanor, it’s important to understand that this charge will appear on your criminal record. Unlike other states, which consider a drinking and driving offense a traffic violation, meaning it will not appear on a background check, this is not the case in Texas.
In Texas, a background check will show that you were convicted of a Driving While Intoxicated offense. As such, this can severely impact many areas of your life. Not only can this impact job opportunities, but you face much higher insurance premiums.
What Should I Do if I’m Facing Charges?
If facing charges, understanding the importance of connecting with an experienced attorney is critical. Your lawyer may be able to find evidence to help you avoid facing a conviction, such as the fact that the traffic stop violated your constitutional rights or that the breathalyzer device was malfunctioning. This can help you avoid a conviction which prevents the charge from appearing on your background check.
When in legal trouble, the Gonzalez Law Group is here to help. Our firm understands how important these matters are, so we are ready to fight for you. If you were charged with a DWI, connect with our team today to learn how we can assist you.
