Getting A Clean Record With The New DWI Law In 2018
Were you aware there is a new DWI law effective for 2018? Although many individuals are considering new travel experiences, new careers, or new fitness goals for the new year – it is quite different if you are beginning the year embroiled with the legal system.
Between all of the Christmas and New Year’s parties, along with all of the gatherings in between, many people start their year having to face a very expensive question: in Texas, what does a DWI cost? If you are one of these individuals, don’t give up; you don’t have to become another Texas DWI statistic. The state of Texas has a new DWI law. That means there is still time for you to fight back – even if you are facing charges from a DWI case or are struggling following a DWI conviction. Here is how you can start to seal your DWI records in the state of Texas.
Steps For Removing a DWI From Your Driving Record
Before looking into sealing your DWI record in the state of Texas, there will be a specific set of criteria that your case will have to meet to qualify under the new DWI law in Texas. The new DWI law was enacted in September, 2017 and is House Bill 1306 (referred to commonly as the Second Chance Bill).
This new DWI law enables certain drivers who have just one DWI conviction on their records the opportunity to have the charges sealed from the public record. When your charges are sealed, that means your DWI conviction will not be visible to landlords, employers, or crazy significant others who may conduct a preliminary background check on you.
Do You Meet These New DWI Law Requirements For Having Your Record Sealed in Texas?
- You are eligible, under the new 2018 DWI law, for a “Second Chance” as long as your DWI conviction does meet these criteria:
- At the time you were arrested your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) could not have exceeded 0.150.
- Your DWI didn’t result in getting into an accident with another individual
- You have completed all of the aspects that are part of your sentencing successfully, including court fees, fines, and probation.
- You have a clean criminal history minus your one DWI – excluding traffic tickets.
- Two years or more have passed since your DWI probation was completed.
If it sounds like you meet these criteria, the next best step you can take is to consult with a Houston DWI attorney is to help you start the process of getting your DWI records in the state of Texas.
If the chance for sealing your records in the state of Texas isn’t something you are convinced of quite yet, then think about how nice keeping your driving privileges in place will be, and not needing to roll the deice each time you apply for a job or not having to pass up on a nice apartment you want to rent.
“What Do I Do Next After Getting Charged With A DWI?”
If you were charged with a DWI recently in the state of Texas, then you will act quickly. You have just 15 days to get your driver’s license saved. The Texas Department of Public Safety, along with your criminal case, will pursue a license DWI suspension against you as well. You can only prevent that through contesting it at an ALR hearing. Make sure you aren’t fooled since things will not slow down after that.
Getting your charges dropped or obtaining a “Not Guilty” verdict requires all of the factors involved in your case to be carefully analyzed. The video of your field sobriety test in Texas needs to be scrutinized, including the condition and cleanliness of the DWI blood test equipment that was utilized during your arrest. It takes time to build the best case possible, and each case is unique. The sooner you get an experienced DWI attorney hired to review your case, the sooner you will be to getting your freedom reclaimed.
Don’t Allow a DWI To Take Your Year Away
DWI charges and convictions make it difficult to take advantage of many opportunities in life. However, your freedom can be in reach still. Whether you are facing new DWI charges, or need help with getting your DWI conviction seal under the new 2018 DWI law, Jim Butler and his Butler Law Firm team are here to assist you. Your road to freedom begins today. Give us a call today to get a free consultation scheduled for your, or a loved one’s, DWI case.
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