In Texas, a single mistake behind the wheel can leave a lasting mark. But thanks to the Second Chance Law, some first-time DWI offenders now have a legal pathway to move forward—without their past following them at every turn.

What Is the Second Chance Law?

The Texas Second Chance Law allows certain individuals convicted of a first-time, non-violent DWI to seal their criminal record through an Order of Nondisclosure. This means the record is hidden from public view—employers, landlords, and most background checks won’t see it—but it’s still accessible to law enforcement and government agencies.

Who Qualifies for the Second Chance Law?

To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• First-time DWI offense (no prior convictions)
• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) below 0.15%
• No accident involving another person involved in the incident
• Completed all court-ordered requirements, including probation, fines, and alcohol education
• No additional criminal charges before or after the DWI

If your case involved a child passenger, bodily injury, or a BAC above 0.15%, you are unfortunately disqualified from this relief.

Waiting Periods

The law includes mandatory waiting periods before you can apply:

These timelines are designed to ensure that applicants demonstrate sustained good behavior before sealing their records.

How to Apply

Here’s a simplified roadmap:

1. Gather documentation: Court records, proof of completed requirements, and personal identification.
2. File a petition: Submit to the court that handled your case.
3. Attend a hearing (if required): Be prepared to show compliance and good conduct.

Why It Matters

A sealed record can open doors that a DWI conviction might otherwise slam shut—especially when applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. In a state like Texas, where DWI penalties have grown stricter in recent years, this law offers a rare and valuable lifeline.

What the Second Chance Law DOES NOT Do

It’s important to note: This is not expungement. Your record isn’t erased—it’s just hidden from public view. Law enforcement and courts can still access it, and it may still impact certain legal proceedings or licensing applications.

If you or someone you know is navigating the aftermath of a DWI, the Second Chance Law might be the key to a fresh start. It’s not a free pass—but it is a powerful reminder that one mistake doesn’t have to define your future.

Want help exploring how this might apply to your situation? Please contact the DWI Lawyers at The Coffey Firm for a free consultation today!

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She even sued the Texas Department of Public Safety in federal court on the Texas DPS surcharge program. When the Pantego Police Department started using officers to draw blood in DWI cases. Mimi even sued the individual officer in civil court. She has won the President’s Heart of a Champion Award from the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) numerous times. She has spoken at and been the course director for many TCDLA DWI seminars. Mimi has also co-chaired the “Mastering Scientific Evidence” seminar in New Orleans for many years. Mimi Coffey is the author of Texas DWI Defense published by Lawyers and Judges Publishing, now in its second edition.

Here, Mimi combines DWI/DUI defense and the ethical concerns involved in representing a client who has someone else paying for the representation in her lecture. This is a complex legal question that many clients, and their families, might deal with during representation.

The post Mimi Coffey At The Blood, Breath & Tears XXVI in Florida (2019) appeared first on DWI Attorneys and Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Mimi Coffey is a nationally-renowned trial attorney, board-certified in DWI by the NCDD. She has been practicing for over 24 years and is an author of multiple DWI Defense textbooks and is a national and state-wide lecturer on the law. She is also a Regent with the NCDD. Furthermore, She is the chairman of the NCDD Forensics Committee. She is the founder of The Coffey Firm. With offices in both Dallas and Tarrant Counties, The Coffey Firm serves the entire metroplex.

Mimi has appeared as a legal commentator for CNN, National Fox News, and local Dallas/Fort Worth stations on DWI-related stories. She is also a frequent speaker at both national and state-wide seminars on DWI Defense and other topics. Mimi is an experienced attorney with a proven trial record (over 300 cases, with 80% of them being jury trials). Her successes include everything from .21 breath tests, blood tests to 3 car accident cases.

Mimi’s DWI Defense case law

Mimi’s cases have also made excellent case law for the State of Texas. She even sued the Texas Department of Public Safety in federal court on the Texas DPS surcharge program. She has won the President’s Heart of a Champion Award from the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) numerous times. Mimi also led the effort to get the Texas Board of Legal Specialization to recognize the NCDD’s DWI Certification. Mimi has been active over 4 legislative sessions in fighting against bad DWI laws. Her efforts prevented the breath/blood test refusal as being a separate crime. She has also argued for true deferred adjudication for DWI.

State Representative Charlie Geren passed Mimi’s bill that entitles citizens accused to a copy of their DWI video tape, previously forbidden by law. Mimi has four (national) and six (Texas) published DWI related articles. She is the author of Texas DWI Defense published by Lawyers and Judges Publishing, now in its second edition.

More about Mimi Coffey

When people look for a Top DWI Attorney or Best DWI Attorney, they look for experience, certification, and respect in the legal community. Mimi Coffey is a nationally-renowned trial attorney, board-certified in DWI by the NCDD. She has been practicing for over 24 years and is an author of multiple DWI Defense textbooks. She is also a national and state-wide lecturer on the law.

The Coffey Firm handles a wide variety of cases, including Unlawful Carrying Weapon (UCW), Assault (including family violence), Theft and Possession charges.

Mimi is also listed on several “top” directory listings such as DWI Lawyers for Wise County, DWI Lawyer Tarrant County, DWI Lawyer Dallas County, DWI Lawyer Collin County and DWI Lawyer Parker County. Mimi is a caring DWI Lawyer in DFW, She is also involved in the Texas Tech School of Law foundation and enjoys using the skills she has developed to give back to the community.

The post Mimi Coffey DWI/Criminal Defense Lawyer Credentials appeared first on DWI Attorneys and Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Texas DWI Authority (frequent lecturer on DWI)

More about Mimi Coffey

When people look for a Top DWI Attorney or Best DWI Attorney, they look for experience, certification, and respect in the legal community. Mimi Coffey is a nationally-renowned trial attorney, board-certified in DWI by the NCDD. She has been practicing for over 24 years and is an author of multiple DWI Defense textbooks. She is also a national and state-wide lecturer on the law.

The Coffey Firm handles a wide variety of cases, including Unlawful Carrying Weapon (UCW), Assault (including family violence), Theft and Possession charges.

Mimi is also listed on several “top” directory listings such as DWI Lawyers for Wise County, DWI Lawyer Tarrant County, DWI Lawyer Dallas County, DWI Lawyer Collin County and DWI Lawyer Parker County. Mimi is a caring DWI Lawyer in DFW, She is also involved in the Texas Tech School of Law foundation and enjoys using the skills she has developed to give back to the community.

The post Mimi Coffey is Board Certified in DWI Defense by the NCDD. appeared first on DWI Attorneys and Criminal Defense Lawyers.