DWI FAQ

Depending on the jurisdiction, your vehicle may be confiscated after being arrested for DUI. You’ll likely spend some time in custody and will be offered an opportunity to bail out. In addition, expect a temporary suspension of your driver’s license until the proceedings are concluded.

Introducing the Second Chance Law, which works to conceal DWI records from employers, banks, apartments and more – but only for first-time violators. While these details will be kept confidential, they are never completely erased; law enforcement officials can still access them if relevant in any subsequent proceedings.

Have you been convicted of DWI? You may petition the court for nondisclosure after 2 years, provided that you abided by all guidelines of your probation and utilized an interlock ignition device. Alternatively, if you do not use one, then a wait period of 5 years applies before filing such a request. Allow Robert R. Kiesling Law Offices – Austin, TX’s experienced DWI attorney – to help with this endeavor today!

Depending upon the gravity of your offense, state laws and prior DWI convictions, penalties for a DUI can range from hefty fines or license suspension/revocation to jail time. Additionally you may be required to attend costly alcohol or drug counseling sessions as well as gain points on your driving record.

State regulations and the level of DWI offense determine whether a driver’s license is suspended or revoked. Generally, new offenders are unlikely to experience an indefinite suspension. Nevertheless, multiple convictions may cause you to be deprived of your driving permit permanently!

The severity of a DWI charge can differ due to differing circumstances and the laws in your state. But, if you weren’t too far over the legal limit, have no prior convictions on record, and there were no serious
injuries or deaths from your incident – then it would be considered only a misdemeanor offense.

Though any DWI charges before the enactment of the nondisclosure law will remain in your permanent record, those convicted after its initiation may be able to request a court order that would mask their information from employers, landlords and other interested groups. Note, this isn’t an expunction; while records are kept confidential, they aren’t erased or forgotten by the courts.