If you are arrested for a DWI in Bexar County, Texas, you can expect a fast-moving legal process that begins immediately after your arrest. Under Texas law, you may face license suspension, fines, and potential jail time—but the outcome depends heavily on what happens in the first 15 days.
After a DWI arrest in San Antonio, you are typically taken into custody and booked, asked to submit to a breath or blood test, and given notice of a potential license suspension. Refusing a test triggers Texas's implied consent law, allowing officers to obtain a warrant, especially during 'No Refusal' weekends.
One of the most important steps is requesting an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of your arrest. Failing to act quickly can result in automatic license suspension and loss of driving privileges before your criminal case even begins.
In Bexar County, DWI cases are typically processed through local criminal courts in downtown San Antonio. Prosecutors often rely heavily on police reports, breath or blood test results, and field sobriety test observations. Local enforcement trends—such as increased patrols during holidays—can also influence how aggressively cases are pursued.
Many people unintentionally hurt their case by missing the ALR hearing deadline, speaking to law enforcement without legal guidance, or assuming first-time offenses are automatically reduced.
According to Thornton Criminal Defense, early legal intervention is critical. A San Antonio DWI attorney may identify issues such as improper traffic stops, faulty testing procedures, or violations of constitutional rights.
Frequently asked questions include: Can I refuse a breathalyzer in Texas? Yes, but refusal can lead to license suspension and may trigger a warrant for a blood test. How long does a DWI stay on my record? A DWI conviction can have long-term consequences, including permanent criminal record implications. Can a DWI be dismissed in Bexar County? Yes, depending on the evidence and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures.
Thornton Criminal Defense is a San Antonio-based law firm representing clients in DWI and criminal defense cases throughout Bexar County and surrounding areas.
