Texas law gives you just 15 days from your DWI arrest to request a hearing to protect your driver's license. Most people don't know this until it's too late. Get the facts — and get connected with a proven Austin DWI defense attorney.
Confidential. No obligation. A qualified Austin DWI attorney will review your situation and contact you within 1 hour.
A qualified Austin DWI attorney will reach out within 1 hour. Check your phone — most calls come within 20 minutes during business hours.
What you do in the hours and days after your arrest can dramatically affect the outcome of your case. Do not wait.
```The moment you were arrested, a 15-day clock started. You must request an Administrative License Revocation hearing with Texas DPS to contest your license suspension. An attorney can do this for you — but only if you call fast.
A DWI attorney isn't just for the courtroom — they file the ALR hearing request, challenge the traffic stop, analyze breathalyzer and blood evidence, and potentially have your case reduced or dismissed before trial.
While memory is fresh: document the stop, what was said, field sobriety instructions, whether a blood or breath test was given, and any equipment you noticed. These details become defense evidence. Share only with your attorney.
Do not post anything on social media about the incident. Do not discuss the arrest with anyone except your attorney. Prosecutors actively review social media and statements made before legal representation begins can be used against you.
Texas does not go easy on DWI. Understanding exactly what you're facing is the first step to building the best defense.
```The most common charge for first-time offenders with BAC between .08 and .14.
| Jail | 3 – 180 days |
| Fine | Up to $2,000 |
| License | Up to 1 year suspension |
| Surcharges | $1,000–$2,000/yr (3 yrs) |
| Classification | Class B |
A higher BAC or prior conviction escalates the charge significantly with doubled penalties.
| Jail | Up to 1 year |
| Fine | Up to $4,000 |
| License | Up to 2 year suspension |
| Ignition | IID device required |
| Classification | Class A |
A third DWI or driving drunk with a passenger under 15 becomes a state jail felony or worse.
| Prison | 2 – 10 years |
| Fine | Up to $10,000 |
| Record | Permanent felony record |
| Rights | Loss of voting & gun rights |
| Classification | Felony |
Texas DWI cases move on a specific track. Knowing the milestones helps you make better decisions at every step.
Get Legal Help Now →From the moment of arrest, you have 15 calendar days to request an ALR hearing. Your license will be confiscated and a temporary driving permit issued. Contact an attorney immediately.
Your attorney files the ALR hearing request with Texas DPS. This buys time and creates an early opportunity to question the arresting officer under oath — valuable intel for your criminal defense.
The Travis County DA's office files the criminal charge. You appear in court for arraignment, enter a not guilty plea, and your attorney begins discovery — requesting dashcam footage, blood test results, and officer reports.
Your attorney reviews all evidence and may file motions to suppress. Many cases are reduced or dismissed at this stage — a good attorney identifies weaknesses in the stop, the test, or chain of custody before trial.
Most Austin DWI cases resolve without trial — through dismissal, deferred adjudication, or a plea to a lesser charge. If necessary, your attorney takes the case to a Travis County jury.
Answers to the questions most people have in the hours after a DWI arrest in Austin, Texas.
```The best DWI outcomes in Austin start with immediate action. A qualified attorney can begin protecting your license and your case today.
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