A DWI arrest can leave you feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, and unsure of what to do next. The reality is, life doesn’t stop. You still have responsibilities—work, family, bills—and you need a plan to move forward. The choices you make in the first days after your arrest can significantly impact your case, your driver’s license, and your future.

If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Texas, here’s what you must do right away.

Act Fast to Protect Your Driver’s License

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a DWI arrest is waiting too long to take action. In Texas, you have just 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing.

Why does this matter?

• If you don’t request a hearing, your license will automatically be suspended.
• If you do request a hearing in time, you can legally drive with no restrictions for several months while your case is pending.

That extra time can be crucial—it allows you to figure out your next steps and focus on your defense without the added stress of losing your driving privileges.

Preserve Evidence Before It’s Too Late

Too many people wait months—or even years—before telling their lawyer about key evidence that could have helped their case. Witnesses move away, memories fade, and crucial text messages, photos, or receipts can get lost.

If you have anything that could support your defense, secure it immediately and get it to your attorney.

Here’s what to gather:

• Witness statements – If you were with someone at the time of your arrest, ask them to write down everything they remember as soon as possible.
• Photos and videos – If you have pictures of your meal, receipts, or anything else that proves how much you drank (or didn’t drink), save them.
• Text messages and call logs – These may help establish a timeline for the night in question.

Getting this information to your attorney early gives them the best chance to build a strong defense for your case.

Choosing the Right Lawyer Matters

Not all lawyers are the same, and hiring the wrong one can seriously hurt your case. DWI law is complex, and you need an attorney who focuses on criminal defense—not someone who just takes DWI cases on the side.

Look for a lawyer who:

✔️ Has handled hundreds, if not thousands of DWI cases.
✔️ Understands the science behind breath and blood tests.
✔️ Is trial-ready and willing to fight, rather than just pushing you to take a plea deal.

If a lawyer suggests pleading guilty at your first court date, they’re not fighting for you. Your case takes time. Evidence must be reviewed, challenges must be made, and every defense strategy should be considered before rushing to any resolution.

Don’t Get Trapped by Hidden Fees

Many people worry about legal costs after a DWI arrest, and some law firms take advantage of that uncertainty.

🚩 Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Lawyers who won’t tell you upfront how much your defense will cost.
• Law firms that charge by the hour, leading to unpredictable bills.
• Attorneys who add fees later for trial or additional court appearances.

At BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys, we believe in flat fees—what you pay upfront covers everything, no matter how long your case takes or how many times we have to go to court.

How Long Will My DWI Case Take?

There’s no single answer to this question, but most DWI cases take months or even over a year to resolve. Why?

• Your lawyer needs time to review all evidence and challenge anything that’s not accurate.
• If the prosecution refuses to offer a fair deal, your case may need to go to trial.
• The legal system moves slowly—especially if your case involves complex issues.

While waiting can be frustrating, rushing into a bad plea deal can have lifelong consequences. The right defense strategy takes time, and patience is key to getting the best possible outcome.

Should I Just Plead Guilty?

Many people assume that if they were arrested for DWI, they’re automatically guilty. That’s not how the law works.

There are several possible defenses to a DWI charge, including:

• Challenging the traffic stop – Did the officer have a legal reason to stop you in the first place?
• Questioning breath/blood test accuracy – These tests aren’t always reliable and can be challenged.
• Examining the arrest process – Were your rights violated at any point?

Never assume you have no defense—a strong attorney can analyze the facts and fight for the best possible result in your case.

What If I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

You can’t afford NOT to have a lawyer for a DWI case. A conviction can mean:

🚗 License suspension – Losing your ability to drive for months or years.
💰 Expensive fines – Thousands of dollars in court costs and fees.
🔴 A criminal record – Making it harder to get jobs, housing, or loans.

BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys offers payment plans to make sure you get the legal defense you need—without the stress of surprise fees.

Take Action Now

A DWI arrest doesn’t have to ruin your life—but ignoring it will make things worse. The clock is ticking, and the choices you make right now matter.

✔️ Request your ALR hearing within 15 days to keep your license.
✔️ Secure evidence immediately before it’s lost.
✔️ Choose an attorney who fights for YOU—not just a quick plea deal.
✔️ Avoid law firms that nickel and dime you with hidden fees.

At BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys, we know what it takes to win a DWI case, and we’re ready to fight for you.

What Happens If I’m Convicted of DWI in Texas?

If you’re convicted of DWI in Texas, the consequences can be severe—and they increase with every additional offense. A first-time DWI may not seem like a big deal, but it can result in:

• Up to 180 days in jail (with a mandatory minimum of 3 days)
• A fine of up to $2,000
• A driver’s license suspension of up to one year
• Higher insurance rates that can cost you thousands over time

If you get a second or third DWI, the penalties only get worse. You could face months or years in jail, heavier fines, and even a felony record.

But here’s what many people don’t realize: A DWI conviction follows you for life. Unlike some other charges, DWI convictions in Texas cannot be expunged. That means a conviction will stay on your record permanently, affecting your ability to get jobs, loans, and even housing.

This is why fighting your DWI charge is so important. The right legal strategy can mean the difference between a conviction and a reduced charge—or even a dismissal. Don’t leave your future to chance. Get a defense team that knows how to win.

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