If you love traveling, you know how important it is to have a valid driver’s license. Not only does it allow you to drive legally, but it also serves as a form of identification for various purposes. However, when you get arrested for DWI in Texas, the police will confiscate your driver’s license and issue you a temporary driving permit that is valid for 40 days. After that, your license will be suspended for a period of time, depending on your prior record and the circumstances of your arrest.
But that’s not all. You may also face other restrictions and consequences that could limit your ability to travel freely. For example, the court may impose bond conditions that require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, submit to random alcohol or drug testing, attend alcohol education classes or counseling, report to a probation officer regularly, or stay within a certain geographic area. If you violate any of these conditions, you could face serious consequences such as having your bond revoked and being sent to jail, facing additional criminal charges or penalties, or losing your eligibility for deferred adjudication or probation.
Therefore, it is crucial that you follow the court’s orders and consult with a McKinney DWI attorney before you plan any trips.
How to Travel After a DWI Arrest in Texas
Traveling is one of the joys of life. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, exploring new places and cultures can enrich your mind and soul. But what happens if you get arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas? Can you still travel by car, plane, or even abroad? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more. We will also explain how hiring an experienced McKinney DWI attorney can help you protect your rights and minimize the impact of a DWI arrest on your travel plans.
Is it Possible to Travel After a DWI Arrest?
The short answer is: it depends. When you get arrested for DWI in Texas, the police will confiscate your driver’s license and issue you a temporary driving permit that is valid for 40 days. After that, your license will be suspended for a period of time depending on your prior record and the circumstances of your arrest.
However, even if you have a temporary permit or a valid license, you may not be able to travel freely. That’s because the court may impose bond conditions that restrict your ability to drive and travel. For example, you may be required to:
Not drink alcohol
Not take any drug that is not prescribed to you - including Marijuana
Install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle
Submit to random alcohol or drug testing
Attend alcohol education classes or counseling
Report to a probation officer regularly
Stay within a certain geographic area
If you violate any of these conditions, you could face serious consequences such as:
Having your bond revoked and being sent to jail
Facing additional criminal charges or penalties
Losing your eligibility for deferred adjudication or probation
Therefore, it is crucial that you follow the court’s orders and consult with your attorney before you plan any trips.
If your driver’s license has been suspended or may be suspended in the near future, you should contact a McKinney driver’s license suspension attorney as soon as possible. Getting your license reinstated can be a long and costly process but resolving the problem may be less complicated than you imagine. At NO Law Firm, we have the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle all aspects of your driver’s license suspension case. We will work hard to protect or recover your driver’s license and help you travel with confidence and peace of mind.
REAL ID and Air Travel Without a Valid Driver’s License
Another issue that you may face after a DWI arrest is air travel without a valid driver’s license. Starting from May 3, 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all travelers to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification at airport security checkpoints. This means that your driver’s license must meet certain standards set by the federal government, such as having a star in the upper right corner.
If your driver’s license is confiscated, suspended, or expired, you may not be able to use it as a REAL ID. However, there are other forms of ID that you can use instead, such as:
A passport or passport card
A military ID or veteran ID card
A DHS trusted traveler card (such as Global Entry or Nexus)
A permanent resident card or foreign passport with an I-94 form
You can find a full list of acceptable IDs on the TSA website. You should also check with your airline if they have any additional requirements for boarding.
To avoid any hassle or delays at the airport, here are some tips on how to prepare for business trips without a driver’s license:
Apply for an alternative form of ID as soon as possible
Keep a copy of your temporary driving permit and court documents with you
Arrive at the airport early and allow extra time for security screening
Be polite and cooperative with TSA agents and explain your situation
Contact your attorney if you encounter any problems or questions
International Travel Issues After a DWI Arrest
Traveling abroad after a DWI arrest can be even more complicated than traveling within the US. Depending on the country you want to visit, you may face different challenges, such as:
Visa requirements: Some countries may deny you entry or require you to obtain a special visa if you have a criminal record. For example, Canada considers DWI a serious offense and may bar you from entering unless you apply for a temporary resident permit or criminal rehabilitation.
Customs and immigration: Some countries may ask you about your criminal history or conduct background checks when you arrive at their borders. You should be honest and prepared to explain your situation and provide any relevant documents.
If you are not a US citizen, traveling abroad after a DWI arrest can be even more risky. You may face additional issues such as:
Loss of immigration status: If you are a permanent resident, visa holder, or undocumented immigrant, a DWI conviction could jeopardize your status and make you subject to deportation or removal proceedings.
Inadmissibility: If you leave the US and try to re-enter, you may be denied admission or face additional scrutiny based on your criminal record or immigration history.
Citizenship eligibility: If you are applying for US citizenship, a DWI conviction could affect your eligibility and delay or deny your naturalization process.
To avoid these problems, you should consult with an immigration attorney as well as a McKinney DWI attorney before you travel abroad. At NO Law Firm, we have the expertise and experience to handle both DWI and immigration cases. We can advise you on how to travel safely and legally after a DWI arrest in Texas. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights and your travel plans.
How Hiring an Experienced Attorney Can Help
As you can see, traveling after a DWI arrest in Texas can be challenging and stressful. However, you don’t have to face this situation alone. Hiring an experienced McKinney DWI attorney can help you in many ways, such as:
Fighting your DWI charges and protecting your rights
Negotiating with the prosecutor and the judge to reduce or dismiss your charges or penalties
Applying for an occupational driver’s license (ODL) that allows you to drive for essential purposes
Requesting a hearing to challenge your license suspension or revocation
Advising you on how to comply with your bond conditions and travel restrictions
Assisting you with any legal issues related to air travel or international travel
Representing you in any administrative or criminal proceedings
At NO Law Firm, we have the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle all aspects of your DWI case. We understand how important it is for you to travel for work, family, or pleasure. We will work hard to protect your freedom and minimize the impact of a DWI arrest on your travel plans. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get back on the road.
Conclusion
Traveling after a DWI arrest in Texas can be difficult but not impossible. You need to be aware of the potential issues and challenges that you may face, such as bond conditions, license suspension, REAL ID requirements, visa restrictions, and immigration consequences. You also need to be prepared and proactive in dealing with these issues and planning your trips. Most importantly, you need to hire a McKinney driver’s license suspension attorney who can help you fight your charges and protect your rights. If you have been arrested for DWI in Texas, don’t hesitate to contact NO Law Firm. We are here to help you travel with confidence and peace of mind.