If you are charged with DWI in Texas, there are many potential consequences that may result. First, it’s possible that authorities might tow the car that you were driving prior to being taken into custody. It’s also possible to spend several hours or days in jail prior to being tried or convicted. Finally, you may be at risk of losing your professional credentials as a result of a drunk driving charge or conviction.
Reporting requirements
If you are a pilot, you must report the drunk driving offense to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorities in Oklahoma City within 60 days. Failure to do so could result in the suspension of any certifications or other credentials that you currently have. However, it’s worth noting that simply being taken into custody for drunk driving in itself isn’t necessarily enough to lose your license.
Multiple offenses may ruin your career
Multiple DWI offenses within a period of three years can result in your license being taken away by the FAA. It’s also possible that your license won’t be renewed or that any future applications for one will be denied. Additionally, you may be subject to greater legal penalties such as a jail sentence of up to one year for a second DWI conviction.
You might not be able to get to work
There is a strong possibility that you will lose your driver’s license as part of a DWI conviction. While you may be able to obtain a provisional license, there is no guarantee that this will happen. Therefore, you could be at risk of losing your job even if your license remains intact if you aren’t able to get to the airport when you’re scheduled to be there.
A DWI charge does not mean that you have committed a crime, and you will be given an opportunity to cast doubt on the government’s case. It may be possible to claim that there were issues with a Breathalyzer test or that other evidence was obtained improperly. This may be enough to have the charge dismissed before a trial or to obtain an acquittal.