What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Houston: Your First 15 Days (A Complete Guide)
Arrested for DWI in Houston? A ticking clock starts now. You have only 15 days to request an ALR hearing and save your license. Protect your future—call today.
Written by Andrew J. Salinas, Managing Partner & Founder, Salinas Defense Law Firm, PLLC · Two-Time Texas Rising Star (2025–2026) · National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 · Former ADA, Kings County DA, Brooklyn, NY · NHTSA-Certified · Crimmigration Specialist
You just got arrested for DWI in Houston. Your head is spinning. You're worried about your job, your license, your family, your future. You don't know what happens next. And somewhere in the back of your mind, a clock is already ticking — one you probably don't even know about yet.
Here is everything you need to know about the 15 days following a DWI arrest in Texas — and why the actions you take right now can determine the outcome of your entire case.
The Most Important Thing Nobody Tells You: The 15-Day Rule
When you were arrested for DWI in Texas, the Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) automatically initiated the process of suspending your driver's license. Under Texas law, your license will be suspended — unless you request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of your arrest.
This is not automatic. You must request it. And if you miss the deadline, it is gone. No exceptions.
⚠️ THE 15-DAY DEADLINE: What You Must Do Right Now
From the date of your DWI arrest, you have exactly 15 days to request an ALR hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended — 90 days for a first DWI, 180 days if you refused a breath/blood test.
This hearing is separate from your criminal case. Your attorney must request it on your behalf immediately.
Call Andrew Salinas now: (832) 202-8409. This deadline cannot be extended.
Why the ALR Hearing Matters Beyond Your License
Most people think the ALR hearing is only about keeping their license. It is much more than that.
The ALR hearing gives your attorney early access to the arresting officer's sworn testimony and the evidence the state intends to use in your criminal case. This is discovery that typically takes months to obtain through the normal criminal court process — but the ALR hearing creates an opportunity to depose the officer and lock in their testimony before they've had months to refine their story.
An experienced DWI defense attorney uses the ALR hearing as a strategic tool to build your criminal defense. Andrew Salinas requests this hearing for every single DWI client.
Day-by-Day: What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Houston
| Timeframe | What Happens | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Day of Arrest | Booked into Harris County Jail. Fingerprinted, photographed (mugshot). Blood or breath test administered (or refused). Officer issues DIC-25 Notice of Suspension. | Invoke your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions without an attorney. Call (832) 202-8409 immediately. |
| Day 1–2 | Arraignment or initial appearance. Judge sets bail. You or family can post bond. | Contact Andrew Salinas. He can file an emergency motion for bond reduction. Do not discuss the case with anyone, including on jail phones. |
| Day 1–15 | The ALR clock is running. TxDPS will suspend your license on Day 40 (or sooner) unless a hearing is requested. | Your attorney must request the ALR hearing within 15 days. Do not delay. This is the single most time-sensitive action in your case. |
| Day 15–40 | If ALR hearing is requested, license stays valid pending the hearing. If not requested, suspension begins. | Attend all court dates with your attorney. Gather any evidence you remember: receipts, witness names, timeline of events. |
| Day 40+ | Criminal case proceeds through the Harris County court system. Pre-trial motions, negotiations with DA, potential jury trial. | Follow your attorney's guidance. Do not post on social media. Do not discuss the case with anyone but your attorney. |
What Happens to Your Driver's License After a DWI Arrest?
Texas has two separate legal proceedings after a DWI arrest: the criminal case in court, and the civil ALR administrative hearing regarding your license. Understanding the difference is critical.
If You Took the Breath or Blood Test
- First DWI offense: 90-day automatic suspension if ALR hearing not requested
- If BAC was .15 or higher: 180-day suspension
- If ALR hearing requested: license stays valid pending the hearing outcome
If You Refused the Breath or Blood Test
- 180-day automatic suspension if ALR hearing not requested
- Refusal can be used against you at trial as evidence of consciousness of guilt
- An experienced attorney can challenge the admissibility of refusal evidence
The Booking Process at Harris County Jail
After a DWI arrest in Houston, you will be taken to Harris County Jail (1200 Baker Street) or a local municipal jail depending on where you were stopped. The booking process typically includes:
- Identity verification and warrant check
- Fingerprinting and photographs (mugshot)
- Medical screening
- Property inventory and storage
- Assignment to a holding area pending bail hearing
Release time after bond is posted typically takes 6 to 12 hours. During this entire period, do not discuss your case with anyone — including fellow inmates. Jail calls are recorded.
What Should You NOT Do After a DWI Arrest?
- Do not answer any questions from police, detectives, or investigators without your attorney present
- Do not post anything on social media — not a word about the arrest, your day, or anything adjacent
- Do not discuss the case with family, friends, or cellmates — prosecutors can subpoena these conversations
- Do not contact the alleged victim or any witnesses
- Do not miss any court dates — a warrant will be issued immediately
- Do not delay calling an attorney — every hour of the 15-day window matters
Can You Beat a DWI Charge in Harris County?
Yes. Many DWI charges are reduced or dismissed entirely. The specific defenses available in your case depend on the facts, but Andrew Salinas evaluates every DWI case for:
- Whether the officer had legal justification for the traffic stop (reasonable suspicion)
- Whether the field sobriety tests were properly administered per NHTSA standards
- Whether the breath test machine was properly calibrated and maintained
- Whether a blood draw was administered with proper warrant and protocol
- Whether your constitutional rights were violated at any point in the process
Andrew Salinas is NHTSA-certified and a 2025 Texas Trial College participant — meaning he understands the technical requirements for DWI evidence at a level that allows him to challenge both the stop and the evidence at a granular level.
What Does a DWI Conviction Cost in Texas?
| Item | First Offense | Repeat Offense |
|---|---|---|
| Jail Time | Up to 180 days | Up to 1 year (2nd) / 2–10 years state prison (3rd+) |
| Fine | Up to $2,000 | Up to $4,000 (2nd) / Up to $10,000 (3rd+) |
| License Suspension | 90–365 days | 180 days – 2 years |
| Annual Surcharge | $1,000–$2,000/year for 3 years | Higher amounts |
| Insurance Increase | $1,000–$3,000/year | Significantly higher |
| Criminal Record | Permanent (Class B Misdemeanor) | Felony record (3rd+) |
These numbers don't include attorney fees, court costs, ignition interlock device costs, DWI education classes, and the career consequences of a criminal record. The total cost of a first-offense DWI conviction in Texas often exceeds $17,000 over three years.
SALINAS DEFENSE — QUALITY LEGAL DEFENSE WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Houston, don't wait.
Andrew Salinas handles every case personally — delivering experienced, aggressive, and results-driven defense.
Call us at 832 202-8409 or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Get In Touch Today - We're Open 24/7 365 Days A Year.
At Salinas Defense, your consultation request is confidential, and our team is here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
