Three Ways A DWI Can Negatively Affect You
One of my favorite lines is “I don’t trust anyone who has not had a DWI”. Truthfully, my clients are among my favorite people. They are social, resourceful and gregarious. Most drinking in a DWI scenario involves socializing with other people. The Barbara Streisand line, “People who need people, are the luckiest people in the world” is so true. It is important for prosecutors, judges, and jurors to understand the life changing consequences of a DWI conviction. Here are 3 consequences that some people may not be familiar with:
Foreign Exchange Student Sponsorship
First, you can’t host a foreign exchange student for 5 years from the conviction. Yes, shocker. Several years ago, my third son asked that we host a German exchange student at our high school because his host family was not working out. Without even thinking, I said “Sure.” Yet, when they found out my husband had a DWI conviction they rejected us. Our German son was already living with us and was very happy. It took a Judge writing to the State Department to overturn their decision.
It was a very scary moment in our lives that made no sense. Here we had a loving family providing a warm, happy home to a young, German future leader (all foreign exchange students build bridges of cultural diplomacy with positive ramifications between countries for years to come), and yet for no good reason the federal government was trying to use my husband’s DWI as an excuse to bar us from hosting. My husband’s DWI involved no children in the car, no breath or blood level (but a confession), no accident (he turned against a “no turn” sign), no prior criminal history and yet the State Department thought he was not fit to host a child?
Possible Deportation upon DWI Conviction
Next, if you have a green card (“Permanent Resident”) and receive a DWI conviction, finalizing the process and becoming a citizen is difficult. I am not an immigration lawyer (if you are in this situation, you should also consult with an immigration attorney), but recently INS has been delaying the process for some permanent residents to become citizens for five years. This of course, can always change.
For those who do not have any legal status, expect deportation immediately upon a jail or probation sentence. In the larger counties that I practice in, the police are calling INS for immediate deportation once booked for DWI. Texas Senator John Cornyn has already introduced legislation for deportation upon a first DWI conviction, which did not pass. However, federal policies on DWI and deportation are constantly changing and becoming more strenuous. What can be done in each situation is unique according to the jurisdiction and people involved (prosecutors and judges vary on their approaches).
Concealed Carry License
Finally, if you have a DWI conviction, you will lose your concealed handgun carry license in Texas. This occurs even if you did not have a handgun in your possession on the DWI. If you receive a DWI and possess a gun in the vehicle, you will receive a second misdemeanor charge of Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon. The current law bars your ability from obtaining a concealed carry permit for 5 years with a DWI conviction.
Other Effects of a DWI
In addition, there are far too many negative consequences that accompany a DWI conviction to list. Therefore, the Texas DWI repercussions should be carefully considered before a case is finalized. These additional consequences include Texas DPS surcharges, increased insurance rates, banned travel to Canada, divorce, alienation from family, friends and sometimes community.
Perhaps the biggest problem for many working-class clients is the potential lifetime loss of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The depression, shock, and anxiety are intense and can become clinical and the risk of suicide is real. If you are suffering from these symptoms please, please make sure to seek professional help. I am also here to help you. I want to know if you are suffering. This is very important to me so that I can help you. One day, this DWI will be a blip in your rear-view mirror that eventually goes out of sight. Right after it happens, it is the giant object on every rear view and side view mirror as you navigate through life. You are not alone. Be strong, all of us make mistakes.
More about Mimi Coffey
When people look for a Top DWI Attorney or Best DWI Attorney, they look for experience, certification, and respect in the legal community. Mimi Coffey is a nationally-renowned trial attorney, board-certified in DWI by the NCDD. She has been practicing for over 24 years and is an author of multiple DWI Defense textbooks. She is also a national and state-wide lecturer on the law.
The Coffey Firm handles a wide variety of cases, including Unlawful Carrying Weapon (UCW), Assault (including family violence), Theft and Possession charges.
Mimi is also listed on several “top” directory listings such as DWI Lawyers for Wise County, DWI Lawyer Tarrant County, DWI Lawyer Dallas County, DWI Lawyer Collin County and DWI Lawyer Parker County. Mimi is a caring DWI Lawyer in DFW, She is also involved in the Texas Tech School of Law foundation and enjoys using the skills she has developed to give back to the community.