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:
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Our Family (Willy, our German exchange son, is in a Texas shirt)
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1.
You can't host a foreign exchange student for 5 years from the conviction.
2.
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
to be deported 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 in for DWI. Texas Senator John Cornyn has already introduced
legislation for deportation upon a first DWI conviction. This did not pass, but
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).
3.
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 there is 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.
Of
course, there are far too many negative consequences that accompany a DWI
conviction to list. They include Texas DPS surcharges, increased insurance
rates, banned travel to Canada, for some loss of job, contributing factor to
divorce, alienation from family, friends and sometimes community. The
depression, shock, and anxiety are intense and can become clinical. Risk of
suicide is real. Please, please if you are suffering from these symptoms 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 rearview 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. Remember that mistakes have the power to turn you into
something better than you were before.
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