dwi punishment doesnt fit the crime for 1st time dwi (lenders, college)

[Houston321]

I wonder how many innocent people have been killed by 1st time DUI offenders?

[Htown2013]

Originally Posted by elnina

Actually you got lucky, you still can drive. You are 50 not 15, you knew the consequences and you decided to drive while drunk. Don't blame the system - blame YOU.
You KNEW what's going to happen when you get caught (wonder how many times you were not caught)
This is no new to you - you have been to rehab, currently going to AA and outpatient program. You HAVE a drinking problem!
I have absolutely no sympathy for drunk drivers. You can stop whining...

Here are THE FACTS:

Administrative Penalties

First offense arrest under suspicion of DWI initiates process of administrative license suspension, which involves minimum suspension period of 90 days (up to 180 days), unless otherwise successfully contested
Refusals to submit under implied consent laws carry mandatory license suspension of one hundred and eighty (180) days
License reinstatement for first offense does not require completion of alcohol/substance abuse screening , nor are drivers required to utilize ignition interlock devices, unless specifically ordered by courts

Looks like you are not a FIRST time offender.

Criminal penalties:

First offense convictions of DUI/DWI in Texas carry minimum incarceration of three days with a maximum of 180 days. Elevating factors and associated penalties include first offense with minor (person under age of 15) present carries incarceration ranging from one hundred and eighty (180) days to two (2) years

Fines not in excess of $2,000 applicable to regular DUI/DWI cases in Texas, but if minor present, fine maximums increased to not more than $10,000

State of Texas also employs surcharge program for DUI/DWI offenders, which requires payment of $1,000 annually for three (3) years for offenders as part of DWI surcharge program. If BAC higher than .16, surcharge increased to $2,000 annually for period of three (3) years

Convictions remain on record and influence future DWI criminal cases for period of ten (10) years

First Offense DWI/DUI in Texas: Laws, Penalties, and Plea Options | DrivingLaws.org

2+ DWI offense require interlock.

Texas DUI | Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines | DrivingLaws.org

Understand, but what advice would you give to OP, given everything you know, so he can provide somewhat respectably for himself and his family and not be on the street?

[LakeLifePA]

Originally Posted by doesnt fit

i made a mistake by drinking and driving...now my life is interrupted by losing my job after 20yrs of working driving a truck....the new texas law says i have to put a interlock in my car or any other car that i drive...i just found out that if im convicted it will be with me for the rest of my life ...cant travel outside the country and also i will have a criminal record...im not a criminal just a person made a mistake now i cant sleep can eat cant pay my bills and im mad.....i have been to rehab...i go to aa...im in a outpaitent..program but i still am mad because im now a unproductive loser..because no one will hire me...im 50 years old. so thanks alot its kind of hard to pay a morgage on minumum wage...

Did you have a question? Funny you say you are "a person that made a mistake" when I doubt that's the only time you drove drunk. If so, you must be the most unlucky person alive. Tell us honestly, how many times have you driven drunk and not gotten caught? (I doubt you'll ever answer that question) I can understand how having a drunk driving conviction on your record preclude you from a position driving a truck. Put yourself in the shoes of a perspective employer? I wouldn't want a drunk driving my vehicles. Statistics show time and time again that you will still drive drunk given the opportunity. Texas has it right.

Originally Posted by Houston321

I wonder how many innocent people have been killed by 1st time DUI offenders?

I doubt this was his first offense only the first time he got caught.

[War Beagle]

You had a job that is based on driving and yet you still chose to drink and drive? What did you think would happen? If my livelihood was based on driving, the last thing I would ever do would be to get in a vehicle after having consumed ANY amount of alcohol.

[oespinoza83]

All other comments aside, I still don't understand how he can't travel out of the country for a DUI? Did he maybe mean county with a spelling error (even that doesn't make sense though). I have known 3 people in my life that got DUI's. Two of them were 1st-time offenders and did the basic penalties but could travel freely. The other was his 2nd offense so he got jail time so the issue is mute.

Unless you are arrested and have a warrant, or out on bail, I don't see how they can keep you from leaving the country?

p.s. Don't drink and drive.

[NTexas2010]

P.P.S. This bridge smells of a troll, as many first time / one-time only posts with hot-button issues do.

[DejaBlue]

I don't feel bad for you. You're 50 years old not 20. You could have interrupted someone else''s life and put them in a casket yet it's poor you?

You are NOT a child. A mistake is drinking and driving at 16 because mom and dad are treating you like you're already an adult when you're still a child. You are 5 years from "senior citizen" age at 55. You are NOT a child so boo hoo for you.

That wasn't a mistake. It was a choice. Cry me a river.

No sympathy for you at all.

[RocketSci]

Originally Posted by oespinoza83

All other comments aside, I still don't understand how he can't travel out of the country for a DUI? Did he maybe mean county with a spelling error (even that doesn't make sense though). I have known 3 people in my life that got DUI's. Two of them were 1st-time offenders and did the basic penalties but could travel freely. The other was his 2nd offense so he got jail time so the issue is mute.

Unless you are arrested and have a warrant, or out on bail, I don't see how they can keep you from leaving the country?

p.s. Don't drink and drive.

Canada will not allow anyone with a DWI or DUI conviction from entering the country, even if it was a misdemeanor. Canada and the U.S. share criminal data, so you will get stopped at the border. This is a lifetime restriction. Other countries which require a visa may also deny access if you have a conviction.

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by RocketSci

Canada will not allow anyone with a DWI or DUI conviction from entering the country, even if it was a misdemeanor. Canada and the U.S. share criminal data, so you will get stopped at the border. This is a lifetime restriction. Other countries which require a VISA may also deny access if you have a conviction.

It will absolutely interfere with getting a visa to a number of countries.

[bilz987]

No sympathy. Innocent lives at risk. Don't drink and drive.