What Happens to My Driving Privileges After Being Arrested for DWI in TX?
When a TX driver is found guilty of operating a motor vehicle with a BAC level of 0.08 or higher, they are not only going to be arrested for DWI, but they will also be faced with several different consequences for their actions. One of those consequences if having their driving privileges revoked or suspended. After a motorist fails their field sobriety test or refuses to submit to one, they are then served with a notice that their license will be suspended, and the arresting officer will take their license and issue them a temporary driving permit.
After the individual has received their notice, they then have 15 days to request a hearing. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, if the driver fails to request their hearing within those 15 days, their suspension will automatically take effect on the 40th day after being served the notice, which is typically given at the time of their arrest. The source does state that if you are able to provide a valid reason, “the 40 days can be retroactive or back-dated from the date of notice.”
How long will my license be suspended for?
Now, despite whether a DWI offender requests their hearing or not, they are still at risk of having their license suspended for a period of up to two years. This timeframe only applies to first-time offenders as those who are convicted of DWI for the second or even third time will likely be subjected to losing their license for a longer period. If the courts do decide not to suspend a DWI offender’s license, they will place them on probation and they will need to complete the following:
- A 12-hour class in an authorized Alcohol Education Program. It is at the presiding judge’s discretion to waive this requirement.
- After completing the Alcohol Education Program, the offender must submit their certificate to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) within 180 days from the date of conviction or their driver license will be revoked. Areinstatement fee will be required if the driver license is revoked.
Something to keep in mind when reviewing this information is that when you hire a TX DWI attorney to represent you, they can work to get your charges reduced so that you don’t lose your driving privileges or they are only suspended for a short period of time. The fact is, the circumstances of each DWI case differs so before assuming you will lose your license and won’t be able to drive, contact the DWI defense attorney John L. Corn who provides his legal services to those residing in Dallas, TX and the surrounding area.
Will I have to have an ignition interlock device installed in my vehicle if convicted of DWI?
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), anyone who is a first time or subsequent DWI offender will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in all the motor vehicle he/she owns during the time of their suspension. If the offender chooses a hard suspension, the NCSL says they won’t be subject to having one of these devices installed in their vehicle(s).
How do I reinstate my driver’s license if it was suspended or revoked for DWI in Texas?
Before a DWI offender can regain their driving privileges, they must satisfy all the court’s requirements before doing so. Once all these obligations are met, an individual looking to have their license reinstated after having been convicted of DWI in Texas would need to do the following:
- Pay any fees associated with getting their license reinstated. Generally, there is a $125 reinstatement fee that will need to be paid but this doesn’t include any additional costs that apply to your case.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety says that they would then need to obtain a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) from an authorized insurance company and submit it to DPS (an SR-22 must be maintained for two years from the date of conviction); and
- If they are a repeat offender, they must also submit the certificate of completion for the appropriate Repeat Offenders’ DWI Drug Education Program to DPS if the courts required this. DPS must receive this certificate before to the expiration of the suspension to prevent from having their license revoked for an additional period of time.
As we mentioned above, when a DWI offender is represented by an experienced Dallas, TX DWI lawyer, they stand a better chance at not losing all of their driving capabilities. So, if you were recently arrested for driving while intoxicated in Dallas, TX and are ready to begin receiving some legal assistance, contact The Law Office of John L. Corn P.C. today. Attempting to handle a DWI case on your own or without a reputable and skilled lawyer is never advisable so take the time now to contact this firm to learn more about how attorney John L. Corn can help you fight your charges and potentially get them reduced.
You can visit or call The Law Office of John L. Corn P.C. at:
4054 McKinney Avenue, Suite 303
Dallas, TX 75204
Office- 214-528-4529
Cell- 214-502-5183
Website: www.johnlcornlawoffices.com
