Having a DWI on your record can interfere with your ability to get a job. Any drunk driving conviction goes on your permanent record and remains visible for anyone who runs a background check on you. If you have a drunk driving conviction, you can expect a few complications and uncomfortable questions. Fortunately, you have options for overcoming the potential objections of prospective employers.

Here is a Texas DWI lawyer’s advice for getting a job with a DWI on your record.

Why Having a DWI May Interfere With Your Ability to Get a Good Job

First, let us discuss why having a DWI can complicate matters. Employers inquire into your background because it may create liability for them if they hire someone “risky.”

Having a DWI on your record presents a problem for any role that involves driving as a part of your job duties, such as a delivery company, messenger service, contractor, etc. Other employment roles that generally exclude applicants with prior drunk driving convictions include:

• Forklift or equipment operators
• Real estate agents
• Outside sales
• Teaching and daycare
• Military or government contractors

In many cases, the employer’s insurance company will refuse to cover anyone with a DWI. For companies who contract with the military or the government, hiring someone with a prior drunk driving offense could violate their contract agreements.

Other job roles that may become problematic if you have a DWI include the medical field, financial services, banking, insurance, securities, and any role involving sensitive information or financial data. In these cases, the potential employer’s objection is likely to be less about drunk driving and more about the fact that you have any type of criminal conviction in your past.

Do Your Homework Before Applying for a Job

Before expressing interest in or applying for a position, take time to research the company and the job role. If the job falls into any of the categories described above, you could run into trouble.

If possible, review the company’s policy regarding substance abuse and hiring applicants with a criminal record. If it is a deal-breaker for the employer, you likely will not make much headway.

Finally, check into whether any professional license is necessary for the position. In Texas, getting a DWI precludes you from holding or obtaining most types of professional licensure. You can look into the guidelines here.

Answering Job Interview Questions About a DWI Conviction

Although having your record sealed or getting a DWI arrest expunged was typically not possible in years past, recent changes to the Texas statutes now make it possible to clear your record of certain drunk driving offenses. And, after the court issues an expunction or non-disclosure order, you can legally deny that you ever had an arrest or conviction – even under oath.

If you also have other charges on your record, these might be more difficult to expunge. For example, you cannot typically erase a family violence charge off your record. To learn more about your options and possible exceptions, contact a Dallas DUI attorney from our team.

Most employers require you to complete a job application that will likely ask whether you have any criminal convictions on your record. Failing to answer truthfully sets you up for a variety of potential problems.

If you do get an interview, you can expect to face a series of uncomfortable questions about your past mistake. Being prepared for those questions will help you get through this difficult situation. Strategies to consider include:

• Acknowledging your mistake but not dwelling on it
• Explaining the lessons you learned and life changes you made
• Shifting the narrative to highlight your strengths and experience
• Mentioning those roles in which you subsequently redeemed yourself
• Highlighting your strengths and the benefits you offer as an employee

Although not all potential employers will (or can) overlook your mistake, they will appreciate honest and forthright answers to their difficult questions.

How a DWI Lawyer Can Help You

You have options for dealing with a Texas DWI, and an attorney can help you explore them.

Fighting a DWI Charge

Arguably the best option is to avoid a drunk driving conviction in any way possible. A Dallas DWI defense lawyer can help you do this, even if the odds seem stacked against you.

A criminal defense lawyer can devise legal defense strategies and negotiate to get your DWI charges reduced or dismissed. Your legal team can help you explore viable alternatives such as deferred adjudication or diversion programs that you may qualify for. Or your lawyer can mount a strong defense in court, if necessary.

Even if you believe the police and prosecutor have convincing evidence against you, it does not assure a conviction. A DWI lawyer understands what it takes to identify potential problems with the evidence and leverage those to achieve a favorable outcome in your case.

Sealing or Expunging a DWI From Your Record

Although having your record sealed or getting a DWI arrest expunged was typically not possible in years past, recent changes to the Texas statutes now make it possible to clear your record of certain drunk driving offenses. And, after the court issues an expunction or non-disclosure order, you can legally deny that you ever had an arrest or conviction – even under oath.

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offers a free legal consultation. This no-cost, no-obligation case review can help you identify your options and make the best decision to protect your future. Although is not your only option for getting a good job after a DWI, it can provide you with the fresh start you deserve.

Call 214-696-9253 today to get started.

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The penalty for vehicular manslaughter while drunk is:

• Jail time
• Fines
• License suspension

How Much Jail Time Will I Face for Committing Vehicular Manslaughter While Drunk?

Committing vehicular manslaughter while drunk — called Intoxication Manslaughter in the Texas Penal Code (TPC) — carries a minimum second-degree felony charge.

Upon conviction for a second-degree felony, you face a prison sentence of 2 to 20 years.

You could face a longer prison sentence if any of the following factors apply to your offense:

• Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tested at 0.15 or above
• You have prior DWI convictions
• You have prior Intoxication Assault or Intoxication Manslaughter convictions
• The victim was a police officer, firefighter, or another type of first responder
• You had a minor child (under age 15) in the vehicle
• You had an open alcohol container in the vehicle

Killing a first responder in a DWI accident will garner first-degree felony charges. You could face life in prison if convicted. It is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Contact a criminal defense attorney in Dallas, TX, for further legal guidance.

What Are the Fines for Committing Vehicular Manslaughter While Drunk?

In Texas, a second-degree intoxication manslaughter charge will subject you to a fine of up to $10,000.

You must also pay all associated court fees and costs as well as any costs associated with court-ordered counseling, rehabilitation, or alcohol education courses. If the judge mandates the installation of a breath-activated ignition locking device in your car, you must pay the cost of that as well.

Once your driver’s license suspension ends, you must pay an annual surcharge of up to $2,000 per year to reactivate and keep your license, for a total of three years.

The court may also impose supervised probation (known as community supervision in Texas) and require you to perform community service.

How Long Is the License Suspension for DWI Vehicular Manslaughter in Texas?

Upon arrest for vehicular manslaughter while drunk, the police will confiscate your driver’s license, triggering an administrative process known as Administrative License Revocation or ALR, conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS).

Unless you request a formal hearing, TxDPS will suspend your license for a period of six months to two years, even if the court drops the charges or the prosecutor fails to get a conviction.

You may become eligible for an occupational license; however, TxDPS may require a waiting period before it will consider your request.

Can You Get Reduced Penalties for Vehicular Manslaughter While Drunk?

To get the penalties reduced for intoxication manslaughter in Texas, one of the following events must occur.

You must negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges: In some cases, the prosecutor may agree to reduce the charges against you if you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge. This typically only occurs if you or your DWI lawyer can demonstrate some flaw in the case that might make getting a conviction difficult or impossible.

You must petition the court to reduce or dismiss the charges: In some situations, the police may violate your legal rights or make mistakes that could invalidate the evidence against you. Or, during chemical testing for BAC, the technician or testing lab may make errors that call the validity of the test into question. In that case, your lawyer can ask the court to dismiss the case or consider a reduction in charges.

You must win your case at trial: The prosecutor in an intoxication manslaughter case must meet a high burden of proof and prove every element of the charge.

The four elements of intoxication manslaughter that the prosecutor must prove are as follows:

1. You were driving in a public place
2. You met the statutory definition for intoxication while you drove
3. Your intoxication caused an accident
4. The accident caused a fatality

If the prosecutor cannot prove each of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt, he may struggle to get a conviction, especially if your lawyer can potentially introduce reasonable doubt of your guilt.

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Can a Texas DWI Lawyer Help?

Vehicular manslaughter is a serious crime for which you face potentially life-changing penalties that will profoundly affect your future as well as your freedom.

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg represents Texas clients facing criminal charges for DWI and intoxication manslaughter. With over 30 years of experience in the Texas criminal justice system, Randall clearly understands the challenges associated with complex cases of this nature.

Our legal team will work tirelessly on your behalf, to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. We offer a complimentary consultation and case review during which you can learn more about the rights you have and how we might be able to protect your freedom and future. Contact us today at 214-696-9253 to learn more or to schedule your appointment.

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Yes. You can get a DWI on prescription drugs in Texas.

Is It Illegal to Drive While Using Prescription Drugs in Texas?

It is not illegal to drive if you are taking prescription medication. However, you must do so safely and meet these two essential conditions:

1. You must have a legal prescription for the drug; and
2. You do not meet the statutory definition for intoxication while driving.

The Texas Penal Code (TPC) defines intoxication as lacking the physical or mental capability to safely operate a motor vehicle due to alcohol, illegal drugs, controlled substances, or any other substance (including over-the-counter medications).

Thus, if an officer believes you cannot safely operate your vehicle because you took your medication, you can face drug DWI charges.

What Are the Penalties for a DWI on Prescription Drugs?

Texas penalizes a prescription drug DWI the same way the statutes criminalize an alcohol-related DWI. For a first offense, you will face Class B misdemeanor charges, which includes up to six months in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a potential one-year license suspension.

If you have prior convictions, or if the police can identify any aggravating circumstances related to your arrest, you will face charges that range from a Class A misdemeanor all the way up to a first-degree felony.

All DWI charges carry the threat of jail or prison time, significant fines, and a lengthy suspension of your driver’s license. You may also face additional court-ordered penalties including:

• Probation
• Community service
• Ignition interlock on your car,
• Educational courses, counseling, or rehab

Another serious consequence is a permanent criminal record. This can keep you from getting a good job, renting an apartment, getting into the school of your choice, or getting a student loan.

How Do the Police Prove Prescription Drug Intoxication?

To establish probable cause for an alcohol-related DWI arrest, police often administer field sobriety or breathalyzer tests. As most prescription medications will not show up on a breathalyzer test, law enforcement must use field sobriety tests for probable cause. These tests are subjective and often lead to false arrests.

Once they have arrested you, the police will likely request that you submit to a blood test. Although this type of chemical testing may not be able to identify the specific substance you consumed, it can provide enough information for the prosecutor to pursue charges.

The police and prosecutor can also use any statements you make against you in court. Simply admitting to the officer that you took an antidepressant, pain medication, sedative, or any prescription drug that you knew had certain side effects may be enough for the prosecutor to convict you of a drug-related DWI.

Can I Challenge a Prescription Drug DWI?

Yes. However, because proving drug-related intoxication presents a more significant challenge, a drugged driving lawyer may be critical in identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can help protect you from the consequences of a DWI.

For example, if the arresting officer violated your legal rights or failed to follow established protocols for administering a field sobriety test, your DWI lawyer may successfully use that information to negotiate with the prosecutor to have your drug DWI charges reduced or dismissed.

Some of the most common legal defense strategies our team uses for DWIs involving prescription drugs include:

Lack of reasonable suspicion: If the police did not have reasonable suspicion that you broke the law, they may have violated your rights by stopping your car. In that case, any subsequent evidence they obtain may be inadmissible in court.

Lack of probable cause: If the police failed to follow the field sobriety testing guidelines established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it could invalidate the results and potentially help get your drug DWI charges reduced or dismissed.

Faulty blood test results: The testing lab that obtains and processes your blood sample for drug testing must adhere to specific protocols and procedures. If the lab did not follow protocol, we may successfully argue that the test results could be erroneous.

The prosecutor has a burden of proof in a DWI with prescription drugs case. Nevertheless, many people wrongly go to jail for drug-related DWIs because they believe they had no grounds to challenge the charges.

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How Can a Prescription Drug DWI Lawyer Help Me?

Randall Isenberg brings more than 30 years of experience in the Texas criminal justice system. Having worked as a chief felony prosecutor and a state judge, he brings unique insight and a profound understanding of the Texas legal system to your case.

Our team is ready to get to work to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

If you are facing a DWI on prescription drugs, contact us today at 214-696-9253 to schedule a free consultation.

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A DWI can affect scholarships in Texas.

How Can a Texas DWI Affect My Scholarships?

That depends on who is offering the scholarship in question.

Scholarships come in many forms, granted by individuals, trusts and funds, organizations, and educational institutions. Every scholarship carries a set of terms and conditions that students must meet to retain the benefit. That could mean maintaining a specific grade-point-average (GPA) or staying out of trouble with the law.

How a drunk driving offense affects your scholarships may also depend on whether you face misdemeanor or felony DWI charges. Some scholarships and financial aid prohibit having a felony conviction on your record but may consider you eligible if your crime was a misdemeanor.

How Does Having a DWI Affect the Scholarship Application Process?

Getting a DWI in Texas can negatively affect your ability to qualify for scholarships as well as other types of financial aid. Most scholarship applications ask for a variety of personal information. One question you will likely encounter on most applications is whether you have any criminal activity in your background.

If you have a DWI conviction on your record, you must disclose it at the time of application or risk providing false information that would invalidate your application. Chances are, the granting body will run a background check on you anyway, before granting the scholarship.

So, even if you do not disclose your DWI, it will see proof of your conviction and permanent criminal record as soon as it pulls your background information.

How Does Getting a DWI Affect Scholarships You Already Have?

If you are already attending school on a scholarship, getting a DWI may jeopardize your future as a student — particularly if you rely on scholarship funds for all or part of your tuition.

Most schools require students to report any criminal violations they incur while actively enrolled. Consequently, students attending college or university on an athletic scholarship may receive a suspension for getting a DWI. That suspension could, in turn, cause you to lose your scholarship. Many schools also consider criminal convictions to be violations of their student codes of conduct, potentially subjecting you to suspension or even expulsion.

Before doing anything that could jeopardize your academic future, talk to a DWI lawyer to explore your options.

How Will a Texas DWI Affect Other Types of Financial Aid?

Getting a DWI in Texas can also jeopardize any federal student loans and Pell grants you may receive (or hope to receive).

Although a DWI does not automatically make you ineligible for federal student aid, drug crimes typically do. So, if your DWI involved intoxication via an illegal drug or controlled substance, you could lose your financial aid.

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What Can You Do to Offset the Risk of Losing a Scholarship for DWI?

If you currently face drunk driving charges in Texas, talk to a lawyer to explore your options for having DWI charges reduced or dismissed. You may also want to consider fighting the charges in court, if necessary.

Look into Diversionary Programs

If you qualify for any diversionary or deferred adjudication programs, you should also consider applying. In Texas, many counties and municipalities offer programs for first-time offenders. You must apply for acceptance and meet the terms of the program within a designated period. Once you complete your obligations, you can petition the court to dismiss your charges.

Depending on your age and the location of your arrest, you may also qualify for a Texas Teen Court program. Participation in Teen Court offers an often-preferable alternative to traditional deferral or diversion programs and provides insight into the criminal justice system.

Talk to a Lawyer

To determine the best way to minimize the effect of a DWI on scholarships in Texas, talk to a DWI lawyer as soon as possible.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

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Can a Texas DWI Lawyer Help You Retain Scholarships?

Although no DWI lawyer can magically make you eligible for scholarships after a drunk driving conviction, your attorney can help mitigate the risk in a variety of ways.

Your lawyer can help you explore your options for getting into a diversion or deferred adjudication program. This can help you avoid having a conviction on your record and demonstrate to universities and scholarship committees that you understand the gravity of your mistake and are committed to making things right.

You can also talk to a Texas DWI lawyer about the possibility of pursuing expungement or non-disclosure, which can remove some arrests and convictions from your record or hide them from public view.

Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg as soon as possible to learn more about how we can help you overcome the damage of a Texas DWI and ensure the best possible opportunities for your future: 214-696-9253. The consultation is free.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253