What Happens to Your Driver’s License After a Texas DWI Conviction?

 Posted on September 21,2020 in DWI / DUI

There are many penalties that you can face if you are convicted in Texas for driving while intoxicated. While prison time is a frightening possibility, the loss of your driving privileges is almost a given and may have a lasting effect on your life. Not being allowed to drive could cost you your job and leave you reliant on others for your basic transportation needs. A knowledgeable attorney can help you regain your driving privileges and guide you through the license reinstatement process once you are eligible.

How Long Might You Lose Your License?

The driver’s license suspension that you receive after a DWI conviction is a criminal penalty that is separate from the administrative license suspension that many people receive after being arrested on suspicion of DWI. In Texas:

• A first-time DWI conviction includes a driver’s license suspension of 90 days to one year.
• A second or third DWI conviction includes a driver’s license suspension of 180 days to two years.
• A conviction for DWI with a child passenger in your vehicle can result in a suspension of as long as 180 days.

Following a DWI conviction, the time that your driver’s license was already suspended under the administrative penalty can be credited towards your criminal suspension.

How Can You Regain Your Driving Privileges?

Fortunately, people in Texas who are convicted of DWI can regain their right to drive almost immediately by applying for a restricted interlock license. The license would allow you to drive a vehicle for the duration of your suspension as long as it has an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on it. With an IID, you are required to provide a breath sample to the device before you can start the vehicle. If your breath shows any traces of alcohol, then the vehicle will not start. The device may periodically require you to provide additional breath samples while you are driving, though it will give you a couple of minutes to safely pull over. Failing an IID test will be reported and may result in the loss of your driving privileges.

Contact a Texas DWI Defense Lawyer

Penalties from a DWI conviction will have a profound impact on your life, which is why it is important to try to prevent a conviction from happening. An experienced San Antonio DWI defense attorney at the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock will work to find flaws in the prosecution’s case and free you from the charge. Schedule your consultation by calling 210-226-0965.

Source:

https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/traffic/safety/sober-safe/intoxication.html

https://www.dps.texas.gov/driverlicense/ignitioninterlock.htm