Getting arrested for DWI has consequences on your driver’s license, as well as criminal consequences. Below, we discuss these potential consequences:
- You have 15 days to request a hearing with DPS to contest the initial suspension of your driver’s license.
- If you do not contest the DPS ALR or you lose the ALR hearing, your driver’s license can be suspended for up to 180 days for a first offense; 1 year for a second DWI offense; and 2 years for a third offense.
- If you are convicted of DWI, your driver’s license can be suspended again.
- For a first-time DWI, the Judge can suspend your driver’s license from 90 days to 1 year (make sure your attorney requests 90 days at the time of the plea) if you do county jail time as punishment, but no suspension if you chose probation
- For a second DWI, the Judge can suspend your driver’s license from 180 days to 2 years (make sure your attorney requests 180 days at the time of plea). This suspension is required whether you do jail time or probation.
- For a third DWI, the Judge can suspend your driver’s license from 1 year to 2 years (make sure your attorney requests 1 year). Again, this suspension is required whether you do jail time or probation.
- If your driver’s license is suspended:
- You will be required to have 3 years of annual surcharges to DPS. The amount varies depending on if it is a first, second, or third DWI.
- You will be required to obtain a SR 22.
- You will be required to pay a reinstatement fee.
- If ordered by a court, you will be required to install a guardian interlock devise on your vehicle
- Your driver’s license is not good after a suspension until you receive a clearance letter from the court.
- If you drive while your license is suspended and receive a traffic ticket, DPS will send you a letter stating it will re-suspend your driver’s license.
- You have 15 days to request a hearing contesting this suspension. Hire an attorney quickly.
The Stornello Law Firm, P.C. is here to assist with all aspects of your DWI case, from the criminal side to the driver’s license suspension side. Call us today at (281) 761-7160, or contact us online by filling out a case evaluation form. Our Fort Bend County DWI defense lawyer will meet with you free of charge!