If you were just arrested for DWI in Texas, you're facing two separate cases at once — a criminal charge in court, and a quiet civil case to suspend your driver's license that almost nobody warns you about. That license case has a hard 15-day deadline running right now, and missing it lets the suspension take effect automatically on the 40th day. Before you do anything else, call 1-844-690-0555. It's free, 24/7, and you'll get clear information about both tracks — including the deadline most people blow past while waiting for their court date.
Free legal information. Not legal advice. Available 24/7 across Texas.
Find the paper notice the officer handed you when they took your plastic license — in Texas it's usually the DIC-25, and it doubles as a 40-day temporary permit. That document started a 15-day countdown to request your ALR license hearing from Texas DPS. Do not wait for your criminal court date; that's a completely separate case. Request the ALR hearing in writing within 15 days to keep driving and force DPS to prove its case before an administrative judge. Call 1-844-690-0555 now and we'll walk you through exactly how and where to file before the window closes.
Here's what blindsides almost everyone arrested for DWI in Texas: you don't have one case, you have two — and the second one has a deadline most people miss completely. The moment the officer took your plastic license and handed you that paper DIC-25 notice, a 15-day clock started to request your ALR hearing from DPS. That hearing is the only thing standing between you and an automatic license suspension on the 40th day. People naturally focus on their criminal court date — which is often weeks away — and let the 15-day window quietly expire. By the time they realize, the right to fight the suspension is already gone. Don't let that happen. Call 1-844-690-0555 now for free information on the deadline and how to act on it.
If you can't afford a private attorney, Texas has real options — but the system is county-by-county, with no statewide public defender. These resources are genuinely relevant to a DWI charge and the separate ALR license case. They're independent of the Legal Hotline.
What's the 15-day rule everyone keeps mentioning after a Texas DWI?
When you were arrested, the officer took your plastic license and gave you a paper notice (usually a DIC-25) that doubles as a 40-day temporary permit. That started a 15-day clock to request an ALR hearing from DPS to fight your license suspension. Miss it and the suspension takes effect automatically on the 40th day — no hearing, no fight. Call 1-844-690-0555 for free information on how to request it before the window closes.
Is it DWI or DUI in Texas — what's the difference?
In Texas, adults are charged with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) under Penal Code § 49.04, meaning a BAC of 0.08+ or loss of normal faculties. 'DUI' is a separate, lesser charge under Alcoholic Beverage Code § 106.041 reserved for drivers under 21 with any detectable amount of alcohol — true zero tolerance. They're different statutes with different penalties. Not sure which applies to you? Call 1-844-690-0555 for free, instant information.
Will I lose my license even if I beat the criminal charge?
Possibly, yes — and this surprises people. The ALR license suspension is a separate civil case from your criminal charge. Winning or even getting your criminal case dismissed does not automatically undo an ALR suspension; only a criminal-trial acquittal does. That's why both tracks have to be handled. Call 1-844-690-0555 to understand how they interact in your situation.
I refused the breath test in Texas — did that help me?
Refusing usually means a longer license suspension — 180 days on a first refusal versus 90 days for failing the test. And on a Texas 'no-refusal' weekend, a magistrate is on call to sign a warrant for a forced blood draw, so refusing often doesn't stop the testing anyway. Implied consent (Transportation Code § 724.011) is the rule here. Call 1-844-690-0555 for free information on what your refusal means.
How much jail time does a first DWI carry in Texas?
A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor: anywhere from 72 hours up to 180 days in jail, though it's often probated, plus a fine up to $2,000 and a license suspension up to a year. If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, it's a Class A — up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Call 1-844-690-0555 to talk through where your case might fall.
Can I still drive to work if my license is suspended?
You can petition a court for an occupational driver's license under Transportation Code Ch. 521, Subchapter L, which lets you drive for work, school, and essential household duties. After a DWI conviction, § 521.246 generally requires an ignition interlock as a condition. The petition is filed in court, not with DPS. Call 1-844-690-0555 for free information on whether you qualify and how to apply.
Can a first-time DWI in Texas get deferred adjudication?
Since September 1, 2019 (HB 3582), yes — first-time DWI deferred adjudication is available again after being barred for about 35 years. But it's not allowed if your BAC was 0.15 or higher or if anyone was injured, and it requires an ignition interlock. Older guidance saying it's impossible is simply out of date. Call 1-844-690-0555 to learn how it could apply to you.
What happens if I had a child in the car?
DWI with a passenger under 15 is charged under Penal Code § 49.045 as a state jail felony — 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and a fine up to $10,000 — even on a first DWI. It turns a misdemeanor situation into a felony one. Call 1-844-690-0555 right away for free information on what you're facing.
Where will my Texas DWI case actually be heard?
Misdemeanor DWIs (first and second offense) go to a County Criminal Court at Law. Felony DWIs — a third offense, child passenger, intoxication assault, or intoxication manslaughter — are tried in a District Court. Your separate ALR license case is decided by an Administrative Law Judge at SOAH, not in either criminal court. Call 1-844-690-0555 to understand both forums in your case.
Do those old yearly DWI surcharges still apply in Texas?
No. The Driver Responsibility Program surcharges — $1,000 to $2,000 a year just to keep your license — were repealed effective September 1, 2019. If you're reading older articles that mention them, that information is outdated. For current, accurate information about the costs you actually face, call 1-844-690-0555 free, anytime.
Does an ALR suspension mean I automatically have a DWI conviction?
No — and this is the part people get backwards. The ALR suspension is a civil action against your license that can happen even if your criminal DWI case is later dismissed or you're acquitted. Conversely, you can lose the ALR hearing and still beat the criminal charge. They're two independent tracks decided in two different forums. Call 1-844-690-0555 for free information on handling both.
We connect Texans facing DWI charges with licensed Texas defense attorneys who handle both the criminal case and the ALR license track. If you're a Texas-licensed DWI lawyer and want vetted, ready-to-act referrals, we'd like to hear from you. Mention you're an attorney when you call 1-844-690-0555, or use our attorney contact path — this strip is for lawyers, not clients seeking help.
General legal information, not legal advice. We research every page from primary sources — legislation, the courts, and government legal-aid bodies — and check it for accuracy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at admin@platfirm.ai.
A Texas DWI hits you with two cases at once, and the ALR license deadline doesn't wait for you to be ready. Calling costs nothing, takes a few minutes, and gives you clear information about both tracks plus the single most important thing to do first. It's available 24/7, in plain English (and Spanish), with no web form and no income test. This is legal information, not legal advice, and creates no attorney-client relationship — but it's the fastest way to understand where you stand. Call 1-844-690-0555 now, before the 15 days run out.
Free legal information. Not legal advice.