Driving offenses in Texas can leave a lasting impact, especially criminal ones. If charged or convicted of serious offenses such as a DWI or vehicular manslaughter, you’re probably wondering how long it will stay on your record—and what that means for your future.

Benavides Law Group strives to help clients understand how long serious driving offenses stay on your record in Texas, the potential consequences of not addressing them, and how our record sealing attorneys may be able to help combat or minimize the damage.

A Timeline for Criminal Driving Offenses on a Record in Texas

Judge's gavel and a small sign with the word driving offence

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

A DWI is a serious offense in Texas that affects multiple records:

  • Driving Record: A DWI remains permanently on your driving record. Employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement can access it anytime.
  • Criminal Record: A conviction also stays on your criminal record unless you meet strict eligibility criteria for sealing or expungement.

A DWI defense lawyer in Texas can help you explore expungement, record sealing, or other strategies to reduce the long-term consequences.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving goes beyond a minor traffic violation and is treated as a more severe offense.

Here’s how it leaves a mark:

  • Driving Record: This offense typically remains on your driving record for three to five years. Repeat violations may extend this timeline.
  • Criminal Record: Unless sealed or expunged, a reckless driving conviction will stay on your criminal record permanently.

Consulting with an experienced defense lawyer can help you understand your options for mitigating these effects and potentially improving your ability to secure employment, housing, and lower insurance rates.

Intoxication Manslaughter

This offense is one of the most severe driving-related crimes and carries permanent consequences:

  • Driving Record: Intoxication manslaughter stays on your record for life and is accessible by law enforcement and insurers.
  • Criminal Record: Such convictions rarely, if ever, qualify for expungement or sealing under Texas law.

An experienced attorney can advocate for reduced penalties or alternative resolutions. Early intervention can tackle the potentially life-altering effects of this conviction.

Driving Without Insurance (Causing an Accident)

Driving without insurance, especially if it results in an accident, carries serious penalties:

  • Driving Record: This offense typically remains visible for three to five years. However, it may extend further based on the severity of the situation.
  • Criminal Record: Without intervention, this may remain a permanent mark on your criminal record.

By acting quickly, you may lessen the impact through negotiated settlements, compliance measures, or eligibility for record sealing. A lawyer can chart a course toward stability and resolution.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Get Criminal Driving Offenses Removed from My Record?

Expunge of criminal record.

While many offenses have severe consequences, a lawyer can lessen their impact. Here’s how you might address a criminal driving offense.

Expungement

Expungement can completely remove an offense from your record, effectively making it like the incident never happened. However, Texas law only allows for expungement in specific circumstances. Eligibility often requires:

  • Charges being dismissed or dropped.
  • An acquittal in court.
  • Successful completion of a valid pre-trial diversion program.

If successful, expungement provides valuable benefits, including:

  • Complete removal of the offense from public and private background checks.
  • A “clean slate” for pursuing new opportunities, like job applications or housing.

The expungement process isn’t automatic, and filing errors can lead to costly delays or rejections. Seeking professional legal advice ensures your application is processed correctly and maximizes your chances of success.

Record Sealing (Non-Disclosure Orders)

When expungement isn’t an option, sealing your record through a non-disclosure order could offer significant relief. It prevents most entities from accessing certain offenses during background checks.

Eligibility often depends on:

  • Successful completion of deferred adjudication probation.
  • Meeting all required conditions set by the court.
  • Applying after any waiting period specified by law.

The potential benefits of record sealing include:

  • Limited visibility of offenses to employers, landlords, and others performing background checks.
  • Better opportunities for professional advancement, housing stability, or financial growth.
  • Privacy and peace of mind knowing your past isn’t easily accessible to the public.

Unlike expungement, record sealing does not eradicate the offense but provides a level of legal protection that can restore your ability to focus on future opportunities. It’s a practical avenue for individuals looking to overcome the barriers created by a criminal driving offense.

What Happens If I Don’t Address Driving Offenses on My Record?

Driving offenses can create problems affecting all aspects of your life, including but not limited to:

  • Employment opportunities: Employers running background checks may view these offenses as a liability, especially in fields like transportation or trusted positions.
  • Insurance rates: Premiums can remain elevated for years, costing you significantly over time.
  • Housing options: Landlords or housing authorities may see these offenses as a red flag, making it harder to secure stable housing.

Waiting it out doesn’t have to be your only option. By exploring legal remedies with the help of a criminal defense lawyer, you may open doors to a more secure future.

Benavides Law Group | Your Partner in Serious Driving Offenses

Serious driving offenses on your record don’t have to dictate your future. By taking action now, you can work to minimize the long-term effects on your job prospects, housing opportunities, and overall quality of life.

At Benavides Law Group, we are dedicated to helping individuals just like you regain control. Our team offers bilingual services in English and Spanish, ensuring accessible and compassionate guidance for all.

From exploring expungement and record sealing to fighting for your rights in court, we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs and circumstances.

Don’t wait for these offenses to create even greater obstacles. Every moment you delay could mean more missed opportunities. Contact Houston criminal defense lawyer at Benavides Law Group at (713) 222-2828 for a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you combat the challenges of serious driving offenses.

Get a Free Consultation

Every driving offense case is different, so for specific questions, please feel free to contact me directly at 713-222-2828. You can also contact me about your case by filling in the following information. The first consultation is always free.