What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Houston: Your First 15 Days (A Complete Guide)

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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This is not automatic. You must request it. And if you miss the deadline, it is gone. No exceptions.

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⚠️  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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Day-by-Day: What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Houston

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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

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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.

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What Does a DWI Conviction Cost in Texas?

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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.

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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.