I Got a DUI, Now What Steps Should I Take If This Happened In Texas?

If you are thinking “I got a DUI, now what in Texas,” your next 15 days are critical: you must protect your license, track court and DMV deadlines, and start gathering evidence before it disappears. In Texas, a DWI or DUI arrest triggers a separate license suspension process on top of the criminal case, so what you do in the first few days can affect your ability to drive, your job, and your long term record.

This guide walks you through what to do right after a DWI arrest in Houston or anywhere in Texas, using a simple checklist. We will cover how to protect your Texas driver license, how to request an ALR hearing, what paperwork to collect, how the court process generally works, and what a DWI specialist can do with that information.

Step 1: Take a Breath, Then Follow a Houston TX DWI Next Steps Checklist

Right now you may be replaying the arrest in your head and worrying about your license, your job, and what your family will think. If you are a mid career provider like Mike in construction, or working shifts at the Medical Center, your ability to drive is tied directly to your paycheck. The best thing you can do in the first 24 to 48 hours is slow things down with a clear, written checklist.

For a deeper walk through, you can review this detailed step-by-step immediate checklist after a DWI arrest in Texas, then come back here and work through the items that apply to you.

Immediate “Right After Arrest” Checklist

Here is a simple list you can follow starting the day you get home or are released from jail:

• Secure your personal items and release paperwork. Put your bond conditions, charging documents, and temporary driving permit in one folder. Take a picture of every page on your phone.
• Write out a timeline of what happened. From the moment you were first stopped or contacted by law enforcement up to your release from jail. Include times, places, what officers said, and any problems with the breath or blood tests.
• Save contact information for witnesses. Coworkers, friends, bar staff, family members, or Uber/Lyft drivers who saw you before or during the arrest may later help document how you were acting or what you had to drink.
• Check your temporary driving permit. If your Texas license was taken, DPS usually gives you a yellow or white temporary permit that is valid for 40 days, unless extended by an ALR hearing request.
• Make a folder for all DWI related records. This includes receipts, texts, photos, video, medical paperwork, and court notices. To keep your future self from feeling overwhelmed, put everything in one physical folder and one digital folder.
• Mark your calendar with every date you see. Court dates, reporting dates, and especially the deadline to request a license hearing if noted on your paperwork.

If you want a court process overview from arrest through final court date, you can also look at this first-steps checklist after a Texas DWI arrest, which lays out typical Harris County court stages.

A Micro Story: Mike’s First 48 Hours After His Houston DWI

Mike is a Houston construction manager who was stopped on 290 on a Friday night driving home from a job celebration. He spent the night in jail, missed a Saturday kid’s soccer game, and walked out of the substation holding a bag of property, his release sheet, and a temporary license. He thought the ticket itself was the main problem and almost threw the papers in a drawer.

On Sunday, he read the small print and saw he only had 15 days to fight for his license suspension. That one detail changed how he handled the rest of his case. Instead of waiting, he requested an ALR hearing, started gathering texts and receipts from the night, and created a basic timeline. Those early steps gave his future lawyer more to work with and helped him keep limited driving so he could stay on the job.

Step 2: Understand What Happens To Your License And The 15 Day ALR Deadline

One of the most urgent questions after a Texas DWI is: “Am I going to lose my license, and when?” The arrest launches an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process through the Texas Department of Public Safety that is separate from your criminal DWI case.

Texas License Hearing Deadlines: The 15 Day Rule

If you gave a breath or blood sample at or above the legal limit, or if you refused testing, DPS will try to suspend your license. In most cases, you have 15 days from the date you receive the suspension notice to request a hearing to contest that suspension. That notice is often printed on the temporary driving permit the officer gave you.

Texas law explains ALR procedure and suspension triggers in Texas Transportation Code Chapter 524 (ALR rules). You do not need to memorize statutes, but it is important to know this is a real, statewide process, not just a local Harris County policy.

If you miss the 15 day window, DPS can automatically suspend your license after your temporary permit expires. For many first time DWI cases, that can mean a suspension starting around the 40 day mark after your arrest, and sometimes longer for refusals or prior alcohol contacts.

How To Request An ALR Hearing To Protect Your License

You or your lawyer can request a hearing by mail, fax, or online. The specifics may change over time, so always confirm the current procedure. As of today, many people use the DPS online system to Request an ALR hearing (Texas DPS portal) and get their request logged quickly.

If you are doing this yourself, keep it simple and accurate. You can use plain language similar to this when making the request by letter or form:

• “I am requesting an Administrative License Revocation hearing regarding the suspension of my Texas driver license related to my DWI arrest on [date] in [county], Texas. Please confirm receipt of this request in writing.”

Include your full name as it appears on your license, driver license number, current mailing address, date of birth, and the date of your arrest. Keep a copy of everything you send and proof of submission or mailing.

For a more detailed breakdown of deadlines, hearing strategy, and what to expect, see this step-by-step ALR hearing checklist to protect license. It explains how long suspension periods can last and how hearings fit into the bigger DWI picture.

Why ALR Matters If You Are Supporting A Family

If you commute from Katy or Cypress into Houston job sites like Mike, even a short license suspension can mean missed shifts, lost overtime, and added costs for rides. Protecting your license through an ALR hearing request is often the single most important early step if you are worried about your income. Even when a suspension still happens, handling ALR correctly can help set up options for occupational or restricted licenses later so you can continue driving to work, school, and essential household duties.

Step 3: Collecting Paperwork And Evidence Before It Disappears

When people search “i got a dui now what,” they are often thinking about court dates and fines, but evidence is just as important. Many of the best defense options rely on details that are easiest to capture in the first days after your arrest. Memory fades. Surveillance footage gets overwritten. Receipts and texts get deleted.

Key Documents To Gather Right Away

Create a checklist and work through it over a couple of evenings so it feels manageable. Here are the main categories to focus on.

• Official paperwork from the arrest:
  • Bond or release conditions
  • Charging documents or complaint
  • Citation or ticket that lists the DWI offense
  • Temporary driving permit or license suspension notice
• Evidence from the scene and the night:
  • Receipts from bars or restaurants showing what and when you drank
  • Gas, food, or parking receipts placing you at specific times and locations
  • Text messages, emails, social media posts, or ride share logs that show your condition or movements
  • Photos or videos from you or friends that evening
• Medical and personal records:
  • Any medical records from that day, especially if you were sick, injured, or on prescription medication
  • Proof of conditions like diabetes, neurological issues, or mobility challenges that might affect field sobriety tests
• Employment and schedule records:
  • Clock in / clock out records
  • Emails or work logs showing long shifts or overtime that may explain fatigue

Think of this process as building a small case file about your life and that specific night. If you later consult a Texas DWI lawyer, walking in with organized evidence can save time and help them focus quickly on the strongest issues.

Digital Evidence And Surveillance

Many Houston DWI arrests are recorded on body cameras, dash cameras, or in station video. Stores, parking garages, and apartment complexes around Harris County often have surveillance that auto deletes footage after 7, 14, or 30 days. If a video could help, you want it preserved before it disappears.

You can make a simple written request to a business or complex to preserve video of you from a certain date and time. If you later have a lawyer, they can follow up with formal preservation or subpoena requests. The key is acting early, ideally within the first two weeks after the arrest.

Step 4: What To Do Right After A DWI Arrest In Texas Court Terms

Once you have secured your license hearing request and started gathering evidence, it helps to understand what comes next in the Texas criminal case. The exact steps differ slightly between Harris County, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, and other nearby counties, but the general pattern is similar.

Typical Early Court Steps After A DWI Arrest

• First court setting: Usually within a few weeks of arrest. You will be told where to appear, often a county criminal court at law in downtown Houston if your case is in Harris County.
• Conditions of bond: The judge may check that you have complied with bond conditions such as ignition interlock, no alcohol use, or travel limits.
• Discovery phase: Over the next several weeks or months, police reports, breath or blood test records, videos, and lab results are shared with the defense.
• Negotiations and settings: Many DWI cases have several court dates while lawyers review evidence, file motions, and negotiate. This process can take several months and sometimes longer if there is a blood draw still in the lab.

The important point for you as someone thinking “I got a DUI now what in Texas” is that the criminal case usually moves slower than the license suspension process. That is why the first two to three weeks are so deadline heavy, then the case pace slows and becomes more about careful review and planning.

Step 5: DOs And DO NOTs For Protecting Your Job And License

If you are a provider for your family, your main stress probably centers on whether you will be able to keep driving to work and whether your employer will find out. Here are some general DOs and DO NOTs that many people in your position find helpful.

DO: Get Clear On Your Driving Status

• Confirm whether you currently have a valid temporary license or your physical license in hand.
• Track when your temporary permit expires and whether you requested an ALR hearing.
• Ask a qualified Texas DWI lawyer about options for an occupational license if a suspension becomes unavoidable.

DO: Read Your Bond Conditions Carefully

Violating bond conditions can lead to a warrant, new charges, or stricter terms, which then adds more pressure at work and home. Conditions might include no drinking at all, installing an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive, or regular check ins. If something in the order does not fit your job schedule, ask about options instead of ignoring it.

DO NOT: Assume Your Employer Will Automatically Fire You

Many people in Houston think a DWI arrest automatically ends their career. That is often not true. Some employers are more concerned with showing that you are addressing the problem, following the law, and keeping your duties covered than with the fact of the arrest alone.

Before you tell anyone at work, it can be wise to get general guidance from a lawyer about employment policies, reporting duties, and how to frame the situation honestly without oversharing details that are still being investigated.

DO NOT: Post About Your Case On Social Media

Jokes, rants about the police, or even “I am fine, that cop was wrong” posts can be taken out of context and might later appear in a file with your name on it. Treat your DWI like any other serious legal matter. Discuss it privately with trusted family, counselors, and legal professionals, not on public platforms.

Step 6: Special Concerns For Different Types Of Readers

Elena (Nurse, Problem Aware): Quiet Steps To Protect Your License And Career

If you are a nurse, respiratory therapist, or other licensed medical professional, you may be thinking less about your commute and more about your Texas nursing or professional license. Many boards look at patterns of alcohol related incidents, not just a single arrest. They also pay attention to whether you are taking responsible steps early.

Quiet, behind the scenes steps like getting an alcohol evaluation, starting a brief education program, or documenting counseling can later help show your board that you reacted responsibly if the DWI ever has to be reported. A Texas DWI attorney who has worked with licensed professionals can also coordinate timing and language with any licensing or employment counsel you have so you are not sending mixed messages to your employer or board.

Daniel/Ryan (Analytical Professional): What A DWI Specialist Actually Does With Your Evidence

Analytical readers often want to know exactly how an attorney uses ALR hearings, discovery, and early evidence work. At a high level, a Texas DWI specialist will usually:

• Review every minute of video from dash cams, body cams, and station recordings, looking for inconsistencies between the report and what the camera shows.
• Analyze the legal basis for the stop, detention, and arrest, including issues like reasonable suspicion and probable cause.
• Evaluate field sobriety tests for improper instructions, non standardized clues, or physical and medical reasons for poor performance.
• Scrutinize the breath test machine maintenance or the blood draw chain of custody and lab procedures.
• Use the ALR hearing as a chance to question the officer under oath early and lock in testimony that might later help in court.

If you like clear processes, walking into a consultation with your timeline, documents, and questions written down can turn a confusing experience into a more structured planning session. That way, “what to do right after DWI arrest” becomes a checklist, not a swirl of anxiety.

Jason/Sophia (Status-Conscious) And Chris/Marcus (Most Aware, High Net-Worth): Discretion, Speed, And Reputation

If you hold a leadership or public facing role, you may be less worried about the fine and more worried about news searches, Google results, and what your board or investors might hear. For readers like Jason/Sophia and Chris/Marcus, three things usually matter most: confidentiality, speed, and a plan to shield your reputation as much as the law allows.

Early, informed moves can sometimes limit what becomes public record and how long it stays at the top of searches. This can include exploring non trial resolutions when appropriate, managing media exposure, and being careful about what is filed in court records versus what is discussed privately. High level professionals also often want coordinated advice that considers company policies, contracts, and public relations alongside straight criminal law.

Tyler/Kevin (Young Unaware): Simple Facts About Costs And Why Acting Now Matters

If you are early in your career or still in school, you may feel like this is just a bad weekend that will eventually fade. It is important to understand that a Texas DWI conviction typically stays on your record permanently. That can affect insurance rates, job applications, rental applications, and professional opportunities for many years.

Even for a first DWI, by the time you add court costs, classes, license reinstatement fees, time off work, probation fees, and increased insurance, the total cost can easily reach several thousand dollars over a few years. Taking your situation seriously now, instead of waiting, is often the difference between a one time setback and a long term barrier.

Common Misconceptions About DWI Arrests In Texas

When people type “I got a DUI now what in Texas” into a search bar, they often carry a few misunderstandings that can cause real damage if left uncorrected.

Misconception 1: “If I Pass Some Of The Tests, The Case Will Be Dropped.”

Officers usually base an arrest on the total picture, not whether you did well on one or two field tests. Even people who feel they did fine on the walk and turn or one leg stand can still be arrested. The tests are also voluntary and are not perfect measures of sobriety. The real question often becomes whether the stop and arrest met legal standards and whether the breath or blood testing process was reliable, not whether your performance looked “good enough” to you.

Misconception 2: “My License Is Safe As Long As I Show Up To Court.”

The ALR process is separate from the criminal court case. That is why Texas license hearing deadlines are so important to track. You can appear at every single court date and still face a license suspension if you miss the 15 day hearing request window or do not follow through on DPS requirements.

Misconception 3: “I Should Just Plead Guilty Quickly To Get It Over With.”

It is understandable to want this experience behind you as fast as possible, especially if you feel ashamed or worried about your job. But making a decision without understanding the evidence, long term consequences, or alternatives can create bigger problems down the road. Taking a little time up front to review your options with someone who handles Texas DWI cases regularly usually leads to more informed choices, even if you ultimately decide not to fight the case in a contested hearing or trial.

Quick Snapshot: Penalties And License Suspensions For A First Texas DWI

Every case is different, but it helps to have realistic ranges in mind when you are trying to budget time and money and explain things to your family.

• First DWI (no prior convictions, no serious injuries, BAC below 0.15): Class B misdemeanor, up to 180 days in jail, up to a $2,000 fine, and a license suspension ranging from 90 to 365 days depending on test results and prior contacts.
• First DWI with BAC 0.15 or higher: Often charged as a Class A misdemeanor with higher potential penalties, including up to a year in jail and higher fines, plus additional license and ignition interlock consequences.
• License reinstatement costs: DPS reinstatement fees, surcharges in some situations, and increased insurance premiums can add hundreds of dollars per year for several years.

Again, these are rough ranges, not predictions for your situation. A Texas DWI lawyer can walk you through the penalties and options that actually apply to your specific combination of facts, prior record, and county practices.

Deep Dive Resources For Texas DWI Next Steps

If you want to keep reading beyond this article, there are several Texas focused resources that can help you understand the big picture and next steps in more depth. In addition to the Butler firm guides already linked, you can also use an interactive Q&A resource for common Texas DWI questions to explore scenarios, deadlines, and definitions in a conversational way while you think about your own situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About “I Got A DUI Now What In Texas”

How long will a DWI stay on my record in Texas?

In most cases, a Texas DWI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently and does not automatically drop off after a set number of years. It can show up on background checks for jobs, housing, and some professional licenses. Certain limited records in Texas may be eligible for nondisclosure, but the rules are strict and depend on the outcome of the case, your prior record, and waiting periods.

Is a DWI in Houston the same as a DUI?

In Texas, most adult drunk driving cases are charged as DWI, which stands for Driving While Intoxicated. The term DUI is usually used in Texas law for under 21 drivers with any detectable alcohol, but many people still say “DUI” in everyday conversation. If you are an adult in Houston charged with driving while intoxicated, your paperwork will typically call it DWI even if you think of it as a DUI.

Can I still drive to work after a Texas DWI arrest?

Immediately after a DWI arrest, you may be able to drive using your regular license or a temporary permit for a limited time. If your license is later suspended, you might qualify for an occupational license that lets you drive to work, school, and essential household duties with restrictions. Whether you can keep driving and under what conditions depends on ALR deadlines, prior history, and how your case is handled.

What happens if I miss the 15 day ALR hearing deadline in Texas?

If you miss the ALR hearing deadline, DPS can move forward with suspending your license after any temporary permit expires, sometimes with no further hearing. You may still have options like an occupational license, but you lose the chance to challenge the suspension itself through the ALR hearing process. This is why tracking your 15 day window is one of the first and most important steps after a DWI arrest.

How much does a first DWI in Texas really cost?

The total cost of a first DWI in Texas usually goes far beyond the base fine listed in the statute. Many people end up paying court costs, probation fees, alcohol education or intervention classes, license reinstatement fees, ignition interlock costs if required, and higher insurance premiums for several years. It is common for the combined financial impact over time to reach several thousand dollars, which is why taking the case seriously from the start can actually save money in the long run.

Why Acting Early Matters If You Just Got A DWI In Texas

If you are asking “I got a DUI now what in Texas,” it means you care what happens next. That alone puts you ahead of many people who ignore deadlines until it is too late. In the first 15 days, your focus should be on protecting your license with an ALR hearing request, organizing paperwork, and preserving evidence. Over the next several weeks, your attention shifts to understanding the court process, bond conditions, and long term impacts on driving, employment, and family life.

Whether you are a construction supervisor like Mike, a nurse like Elena, a data focused professional like Daniel/Ryan, or a younger driver like Tyler/Kevin, the pattern is the same: early, informed steps usually create better options later. Use this article as your starting checklist, take the deadlines seriously, and consider speaking with a qualified Texas DWI lawyer who can apply these general principles to the specific facts of your arrest and your life.

Video Walkthrough: Immediate Next Steps After A Texas DWI Arrest

If you learn better by watching and listening, this short video titled “👉 Texas DWI Arrest? Houston DWI Lawyer Jim Butler Reveals How to Fight Back and Protect Your Case” walks through immediate actions that line up with the checklist in this article. It covers what to do in the first days after a Texas DWI arrest, how to think about an ALR hearing, and what evidence to preserve so you can protect both your license and your case.

Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer
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