|
|
Last Modified on Apr 05, 2026
While it might seem like a simple and common enough charge, a DWI can still have a large impact on your life and future. If you are convicted of a DWI in Texas, it remains on record in a permanent manner unless you take certain legal actions. Whether your DWI charge resulted from a late night out in Dallas or when you were driving home after a Longhorns game in Austin, it is important to know how long a DWI stays on your record in Texas.
Why You Should Fight a DWI Charge
In Texas, an individual can be charged with a DWI if they are operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 or higher. In certain situations, even if your BAC is under 0.08, you could be arrested if law enforcement believes you to be impaired. Once you have been convicted of this crime, it goes on your criminal record, and anyone who checks your background can see your conviction.
This can come with a wide range of penalties outside the legal consequences that can arise. Individuals with a criminal record face a 30% unemployment rate nationwide. They can also lose their professional licenses and find more difficulty when trying to pursue child custody or visitation rights. Those with a DWI conviction on their record may also face loan denial for home, car, or other similar purchases.
For these reasons, and many more, it is crucial that you fight a DWI charge rather than sit back and simply let yourself be convicted. Many people may be tempted to allow the conviction to occur, thinking they are benefiting from saving time and money. However, in the long run, not fighting these charges will likely have even worse consequences for you.
Duration of a DWI Conviction in Texas
Before 2017, a DWI conviction in Texas stayed on your record permanently. Now, the law allows you to petition the courts for a nondisclosure of specific criminal convictions, including driving while intoxicated. For eligible individuals, nondisclosure means that you can have your conviction sealed. This would put it out of the view of anyone who might check your background, including landlords or employers.
If your nondisclosure was successful, only specific government workers would be able to access your previous DWI conviction. However, for your DWI conviction to be eligible for nondisclosure, it must meet certain requirements, including:
- It was your first DWI offense, and there were no aggravating circumstances
- You did not have a BAC of 0.15 or higher
- You served your full sentence
- You paid all court-imposed costs and fees
- You have completed the necessary two-year waiting period
- You have not been convicted of or have not received deferred adjudication for any other crimes since your original DWI charge
When you work with the team at Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, we can review your case and help determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements for seeking a nondisclosure on your DWI conviction. For any other DWI case, hiring a defense attorney will offer you your greatest chance at avoiding a conviction and a permanent criminal record.
About Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC
For decades, the legal team at Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC has been fighting hard to secure positive outcomes for our clients’ cases. As former prosecutors, we understand what it takes to get a case dismissed or have a client’s charges reduced. Over the years, we have achieved numerous successful outcomes and are now ready to devote our time and attention to you. Whatever your DWI case entails, we won’t go down without a fight.
FAQs
How Can a DWI Case Get Dismissed in Texas?
There are certain DWI cases that can be dismissed in Texas. However, getting your unique case dismissed will depend on the factors involved in your case. You may be able to have a case dismissed or a charge reduced if the traffic stop is deemed unlawful, the field sobriety tests in your case were not properly administered, the breathalyzer equipment was misused or faulty, or there was no probable cause for your arrest.
What Happens Following a DWI Arrest in Texas?
After an individual is arrested for a DWI in Texas, there is a typical process that will begin as the individual goes through the legal system. First, after your arrest, you will be taken to the local police station and officially booked into the system. You will then be able to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing. Following this, you will undergo a court appearance and negotiations, after which you will either be sentenced, your case will be dismissed, or you will go to trial on your case.
Are There Any Alternatives to Jail Time for First-Time DWI Offenders in Texas?
In Texas, there are a few alternatives that a first-time DWI offender might qualify for under certain circumstances. These alternatives can include alcohol education classes, community supervision or probation, pretrial diversion programs, and deferred adjudication. While it is imperative that these alternatives be negotiated early in the process, they can keep an official conviction off your record.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a DWI Lawyer in Texas?
It can sometimes be difficult to offer an exact estimate as to how much a DWI lawyer might charge for their services, as there are certain factors that will come into play in the final cost analysis. These factors include the duration and complexity of your case and the skill level and experience of your attorney.
Hire a DWI Lawyer Today
A DWI case can move fast, and the consequences often involved have serious ramifications. If you have been charged with a DWI in Texas, don’t wait for a conviction to drop. Instead, hire a DWI lawyer who can build a defense strategy to protect your future. At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, our attorneys have spent years fighting for the rights of clients just like you. Contact our offices today to learn more about how we can serve you.
