Being charged and found guilty of driving while under the influence (DWI) can be a costly venture both financially and personally. Attorney fees, fines, possible restitution and a tarnished reputation but is there a way to put it all behind you?

If you reside in Texas, you and your attorney may find solace in the non-disclosure process described within Government Code 411.081(d). Often viewed as a method to provide those guilty of a misdemeanor to begin the process of regaining control of not only their private but public life. The process known as non-disclosure involves petitioning for a deferred adjudication and if successful can seal all records from dissemination from public view by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

As originally legislated, this process was confusing as even though a person charged with a DWI offense who received a reduction and further deferred adjudication his or her DWI arrest record was still available as a public record.