Texas DWI and Public Records: How Long Will a Conviction Stay on Your Record?
Close-up Of Human Hand Filling Criminal Background Check Application Form With Pen
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Texas, understanding the long-term implications on your public record is crucial. A DWI conviction can affect various aspects of your life, from employment opportunities to insurance rates, making it important to know how long such a record will persist and what you can do about it.
Duration of a DWI on Your Public Record in Texas
In Texas, a DWI conviction becomes a permanent part of your criminal record. Unlike some states, Texas does not have a provision for expunging a DWI conviction if you are found guilty. This means that once convicted, the DWI will remain visible to the public and any background checks indefinitely.
This permanence underscores the importance of handling your DWI case proactively. Knowing what to do when pulled over for a DWI in Texas can significantly impact the outcome of your case and potentially prevent a conviction from occurring in the first place.
Can You Seal a DWI Conviction in Texas?
While expungement might not be an option, sealing the record through an order of non-disclosure might be possible under certain conditions. Starting in 2017, Texas law allowed for some DWI convictions to be sealed with a petition for non-disclosure for those who meet specific criteria:
- The offense must be a first-time DWI with a blood alcohol content (BAC) under 0.15.
- The individual must have successfully completed any imposed probation or served any jail time, plus waited the required period (which can vary from 2 to 5 years depending on whether an interlock device was used on their vehicle).
Sealing a DWI makes the conviction inaccessible to the general public, although certain government entities will still be able to see the record. For a detailed guide on this process, visit how to get a DWI charge sealed in Texas.
The Role of BAC in DWI Convictions
The level of your blood alcohol content at the time of arrest can heavily influence not only the severity of the penalties but also your eligibility for record sealing. A BAC of 0.15 or higher generally disqualifies you from sealing your record. Understanding the role of blood alcohol content (BAC) in Texas DWI cases can provide further insight into how these limits affect the legal outcomes.
Why Legal Representation is Crucial
Given the complexity of DWI cases and the lasting impact of a conviction, securing experienced legal representation is essential. A skilled DWI attorney can help navigate the complexities of your case, including challenging BAC results, negotiating plea deals, or pursuing a petition for non-disclosure if applicable.
For those facing DWI charges, exploring your legal options and understanding your rights can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Learn more about your options by visiting our DWI practice area page.
Conclusion
A DWI conviction in Texas can have lasting repercussions on your public record. However, with the right legal strategy, there are ways to mitigate these impacts. Whether through fighting the charges effectively at the outset or pursuing a non-disclosure agreement, it’s important to act swiftly and wisely. The Fox Firm is dedicated to providing robust defense strategies tailored to the nuances of DWI law in Texas, ensuring the best possible outcome for our clients.