Pleading Guilty to a DWI in Denton
Do Not Default to a Guilty Plea:
You have a right to not plead guilty to a DWI/DUI charge. Though accepting a guilty plea creates finality with the courts, a different nightmare may begin as you fulfill the obligations of your plea arrangement. A guilty plea to a DWI/DUI charge can have harmful effects on your career, your finances, your social status and overall well-being.
It is normal and natural to get impatient and want to put a stop to the endless court proceedings associated with a DWI/DUI charge. However, properly defending a DWI/DUI charge is a long process and it is important to create an aggressive defense and allow the process to play out. We can spend the time walking you through the process and making sure you understand what is at stake. We have represented hundreds of DWI/DUI clients, many who have accepted a guilty plea with a different attorney and did not understand the consequences of their decision. Avoid this hassle, and call us today so that we can help you from the beginning of your case.
The Real Costs of a DWI/DUI Conviction:
By defaulting to a guilty plea without a proper and aggressive defense to your DWI/DUI charge, you will face a variety of consequences.
It is important to understand that pleading guilty is an option. Given the impact on almost every aspect of your life, however, you may want to consider other options. The Peugh Law Firm can help you understand these options. Give us a call today to speak with an experienced Denton DWI Attorney at 940.566 0271.
Higher Insurance Rates and Surcharges: Most plea arrangements do not detail the financial consequences of a DWI/Dui guilty plea. Besides paying a higher insurance rate, you will be required to carry SR22 insurance and keep it on file with the State of Texas for two (2) years. Additionally, you will be required to pay DPS surcharges on your driver’s license, which start at $1,000.00 for your first DWI/DUI. Failure to pay DPS surcharges within 105 days of the issuing of the surcharge bill will result in suspension of your license.
Understating these surcharges before a guilty plea is important as, under certain circumstances, a judge can waive the DPS surcharges.
Restriction on Travel: Most plea agreements prohibit travel outside of the State of Texas. To leave, you will be required to request and receive permission before leaving the state. Travel outside of the United States is even more difficult. It is important to consider the restrictions on your travel freedom before you plead guilty to a DWI/DUI.
Employment Consequences: Arguably, the most important consequence will be in terms of employment. A DWI/DUI conviction could result in loss of your job, with few options for subsequent employment. This could have a detrimental effect on your career and your financial well-being. Consequences will likely be felt regardless of industry, meaning that both skilled labor and educated professionals are effected. For example, if you are a truck driver, a DWI/DUI conviction will result in suspension of your CDL which will effectively end your job.
Further, an employer may decide that your conviction negatively impacts the company’s professionalism and overall company profile. If you are required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle as a result of your plea agreement, an employer may be embarrassed by clients and/or customers viewing your use of this device, which could result in your termination.
Loss of Professional License: In Texas, several industries, including those with refineries, chemical, and processing plants, require special licenses and security clearances as part of your employment. A DWI/DUI conviction could negatively impact your ability to apply and maintain these licenses.
Loss of Certain Options: Under Texas law, your DWI/DUI records can be sealed from public review and access. However, sealing your records will not stop law enforcement from accessing and viewing your DWI/DUI records. By contrast, an expungement will erase the records completely. Neither expungement nor sealing will be options if you plead guilty.
Overall, it is vital that you understand your choices regarding your DWI/DUI conviction and the effects of these choices. Please weigh and consider your options carefully. We want to help you understand these issues and provide you with effective and quality representation throughout the process. Do not plead guilty to a DWI/DUI without consulting with the experienced attorneys at The Peugh Law Firm. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation at 940.566 0271.