Most Texans understand that if they drink and drive, they could receive a DWI. However, is a DWI just a slap on the wrists? One survey showed that some people are under a misunderstanding of just how serious a DWI is.
Survey shows some people underestimate severity of a DWI
One survey of 3,220 drivers showed that nearly one-fifth of Texans surveyed incorrectly believed that a DWI was a lesser civil offense rather than a more serious criminal one. In addition, 17% of those surveyed stated that they did not know what the legal limit was for a person to be considered too drunk to drive.
DWIs are a criminal offense
It is important to understand that a DWI is a serious criminal offense. If you have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or above, you can be arrested and charged with DWI. If you are convicted, a DWI could lead to the loss of your driver’s license, fines and even jail time. In addition to these punitive measures, you may also have to have an ignition interlock device placed on your vehicle and you will have a criminal record that shows up on background checks.
Seek assistance if you are charged with DWI
As this shows, a DWI is a serious criminal offense. If you are charged with DWI in Texas, you will want to ensure you develop a solid defense strategy that will lead to a reduction in charges or having the charges dropped altogether. After all, the consequenses of a DWI conviction are harsh and the individual who has been convicted can face long term social, professional, financial and emotional hardships.