2008 Woodie Awards
SAPD officers cruise late during Fiesta on lookout for drunken drivers
DWI, alcohol convictions affect job prospects and other opportunities.
By Monte Ashqar
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
Originally published: 4/17/08 at 9:18 PM CSTLast update: 4/17/08 at 10:17 PM CST
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They will not be partying though. Instead, they will be on the lookout for drunk drivers.
Sgt. Gabe Treviño, public information officer for the San Antonio Police Department, said the DWI unit will be in force during those days.
A driving while intoxicated conviction could yield the suspension or revocation of the person's driver's license, even if it was a first offense.
It is completely up to the court to decide, according to the Texas Penal Code.
Convictions of DWI have lasting consequences in Texas.
Charges could affect employment and future ambitions.
Psychology Professor Edwin Bergen said, "It is always preventable with the right precautions."
He recommended that when deciding to party and drink alcohol, it is important to assign a designated driver, someone who does not consume alcohol and can provide a safe method of transportation.
Despite charges from drunken driving, a possible end result could be vehicular manslaughter with lost lives, Bergen said.
Depending on legal action taken, the recklessness of drunken driving can create an imprint on public records.
It can damage an individual's opportunity when applying for jobs when background checks are conducted, Bergen said.
A person measuring 0.08 blood or breath alcohol concentration is legally intoxicated in Texas and may be charged or arrested with a DWI, according to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Web site.
When suspected of drunken driving, those who are stopped by a police officer must show a driver's license and proof of financial responsibility in the form of auto insurance.
If drivers refuse to comply with a blood or breath test, the driver's license will be automatically suspended, said Sgt. Ben Peña of the district's department of public safety.
The driver will be arrested and charged with a DWI, Peña said.
Possessing an open alcohol container in a vehicle is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine for the first offense.
Punishment for DWI can vary.
When offenders are under the age of 21, they receive similar punishment with the enforcement of alcohol awareness classes.
With multiple charges of DWI, the convictions are not easily erased from public records and can cause problems when applying for a job or even with a current employer.
Those charged with DWI may call a Texas attorney for assistance, for listings check out www.dui.com and to learn more about state laws research http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/cr.toc.htm.
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