UBCNews - Business - Can a DWI Cost You Your Teaching License? What Texas Educators Should Know

Episode Date: January 30, 2026

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that can really shake up a teacher's career in Texas - a DWI charge. If you're an educator, this is information you definitely need to hear. Joining me is someone who works closely with these cases. Thanks for being here. Texas Criminal Defense Group City: Austin Address: 316 W 12th St suite 400 Website: https://texascriminaldefensegroup.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that can really shake up a teacher's career in Texas, a DWI charge. If you're an educator, this is information you definitely need to hear. Joining me is someone who works closely with these cases. Thanks for being here. Thanks for having me. You know, this topic hits close to home for a lot of teachers. I remember talking to one educator who thought a DWI was just a traffic ticket

until she realized her teaching license was on the line. Right, and that's the scary part. A DWI in Texas involves both criminal court and potential disciplinary action by the Texas Education Agency, or TEA, and the State Board for Educator Certification, known as SBEC. These bodies have their own fitness to teach standards, totally separate from the criminal system. Exactly.

So you're fighting on two fronts. The criminal side is one thing. Fines, possible jail time, license suspension, but then S. Beck can suspend, restrict, or even revoke your teaching certificate, especially if the offenses related to school property or duties. And DWI offenses are a significant reason for teacher sanctions in Texas. Teachers are held to high standards of professional conduct, both inside and outside the classroom. They must comply with the Code of Ethics and Standard. practice for Texas educators. Yeah, and these violations can lead to serious consequences. Teachers are expected to be role models in their communities, so any criminal offense, especially one involving intoxication, raises concerns about judgment and fitness to teach. I've seen cases where teachers think they can keep it quiet, but the reporting requirements make that nearly impossible.

Makes sense. So let's talk about the criminal side first. A first DWI in Texas is typically a Class B misdemeanor. What does that actually mean for someone? It means you're looking at potential fines up to $2,000, jail time up to 180 days, and a driver's license suspension. For a first offense, that suspension is typically up to one year, though it can be longer under certain aggravating circumstances, like refusing a chemical test. If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.15 or higher, it can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor, which carries even harsher penalties. And losing your driver's license makes it tough to even get to work, right? But the bigger threat for teachers is what S-BEC can do. How does that process work? Well, S-BEC evaluates

each case individually. They consider the nature and seriousness of the crime, its relevance to teaching, and the potential for future offenses. For a first-time DWI, they may impose requirements like mandatory drug or alcohol counseling and probationary periods, rather than immediate suspension or revocation. But what if it's not a first offense? I imagine things get more serious. Absolutely. Multiple DWI offenses, particularly two or more within 12 months, are viewed much more severely. SBEC considers these crimes directly related to the teaching profession, and they can lead to longer suspensions or permanent revocation of your certificate.

a felony DW I can automatically disqualify you from teaching. In other words, repeated offenses can end your career. There's just no way around it. That point about reporting requirements and disclosure obligations sets up our next piece. The actual disciplinary actions and background checks. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're a Texas educator facing DWI charges,

you need specialized legal defense that understands both criminal law and the specific rules of the TE. and SBEC. Texas Criminal Defense Group has over 25 years of experience defending DWI cases statewide, with offices in Amarillo, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, and San Antonio. Their attorneys are trained in breath test analysis, blood alcohol testing, and field sobriety tests, and they work to protect your teaching certificate while fighting your criminal charges. Learn more at Texas Criminal Defense Group.com.

Picking up on those reporting requirements, what happens when a teacher fails to disclose a DWI arrest or conviction? That's actually where a lot of teachers get into even deeper trouble. Teachers are required to report their criminal history and any new arrests or convictions to SBEC. Lying about or failing to disclose a DWI charge is an ethical transgression under the Code of Ethics. That alone can put your teaching credentials at risk, even if the DWI case is eventually dismissed. Right, exactly. And school districts conduct background checks, so even a misdemeanor DW, I can be a disqualifying factor for employment. Definitely. All educators in Texas are subject to criminal background checks, including fingerprinting, which reveal all criminal offenses unless they've been expunged. Texas Education Code has specific sections requiring criminal history checks for certification applicants and school employees.

A DWI conviction is permanent on your record unless it qualifies for expunction or a nondisclosure order. So to everyone listening, have you ever wondered how one mistake could impact your entire career? Because the consequences go beyond just the criminal penalties. Oh, absolutely. SBEC looks at several factors when deciding disciplinary action. The seriousness of the violation, whether the misconduct was premeditated, if there was attempted concealment, any prior misconduct, and the potential danger to students. Disciplinary actions can range from non-inscribed or inscribed reprimands to suspension or permanent cancellation of a certificate.

Wow. And Texas is an at-will employment state, which means school districts have significant discretion in hiring and firing decisions. ADWI conviction can put a teacher's job at risk due to concerns about negative publicity. or their suitability as a role model. Exactly. Some districts may have stricter policies than SBEC, potentially mandating immediate termination for a DWI conviction. Even if you keep your certificate, your employer might let you go.

And let's be honest. It's hard to teach kids about making good choices when you're dealing with a DWI on your record. That's a fair point. So what can teachers do if they're facing a DWI charge? What are some legal strategies? The first step is to seek specialized legal help that understands both criminal charges and the specific rules of the TEA and SBEC. You need someone who can defend your teaching certificate while also fighting the criminal charges.

Strategies might include challenging the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of breath or blood tests, or negotiating for reduced charges or deferred adjudication. And timing matters, right? The sooner you get help, the better. Absolutely. Early intervention can make a huge difference. An experienced attorney can sometimes prevent charges from being filed or negotiate outcomes that minimize the impact on your career. They can also help you work through SBEC hearings and ensure you meet all reporting requirements. A time really is of the essence here. I mean, it really comes down to protecting your livelihood. Teaching is a profession built on trust, and a DW, I can undermine that in the eyes of administrators, parents,

and the community. Yeah, and rehabilitation is key. Teachers who complete substance abuse treatment programs, attend regular counseling, and maintain a clean record during probation can mitigate the long-term impact. SBEC and many school districts recognize the possibility of rehabilitation and may provide opportunities to demonstrate you've addressed underlying issues. I see, go on. The thing is, a DWI is serious, but it doesn't have to be the end of your teaching career.

Be proactive, be honest, and get the help you need. The stakes are high, but there are paths forward if you handle it correctly. Prevention matters too. If you're out and you've been drinking, just call a ride. It's a lot cheaper than a DWI. Well said. Thanks so much for breaking this down with us today. For everyone listening, take this seriously.

If you're facing DWI charges, don't wait, reach out to someone who can help you protect your future. Until next time, stay safe out there.