What Happens After a DWI in San Antonio: Step-by-Step Guide
A DWI charge in San Antonio can turn your life upside down. Beyond legal consequences, it affects finances, employment, and your driving privileges. Most people ask: “What happens after a DWI arrest?” Understanding the process in Bexar County gives you a better chance of minimizing penalties and protecting your future.
Hiring an experienced San Antonio DWI lawyer immediately can make the difference between a manageable outcome and lifelong consequences.
Step 1: The Arrest and Initial Interaction
When police suspect you of intoxicated driving, they follow strict procedures:
- Traffic stop: Officers may notice erratic driving, weaving, speeding, or running stop signs. They also watch for alcohol odor, slurred speech, or bloodshot eyes.
- Field sobriety tests: These include the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand tests. Many people fail even when sober because tests require precise execution.
- Chemical tests: Police may request a breath, blood, or urine test. Refusing a test triggers an automatic license suspension under Texas law.
- Arrest and transport: If arrested, officers take you to the Bexar County Jail, where they book you, take fingerprints, and photograph you.
Pro tip: Document everything immediately. Note officer names, test procedures, and any irregularities. A skilled DWI lawyer in San Antonio can use these details to challenge your arrest later.
Step 2: The Booking and Bail Process
Booking can feel intimidating. You will:
- Be searched, fingerprinted, and photographed
- Provide personal information
- Have your property logged
After booking, a judge sets bail or bond. Factors influencing bail include:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at arrest
- Prior DWI convictions
- Whether an accident occurred
Posting bail quickly allows you to return home, reduce stress, and prepare your defense. Experienced San Antonio DWI attorneys often negotiate lower bail amounts.
Step 3: Administrative License Suspension (ALR)
Texas law allows DPS to suspend your license automatically if you fail or refuse a chemical test. You have 15 days to request an ALR hearing, and your attorney can:
- Verify if the officer followed proper procedure
- Challenge the validity of breath or blood tests
- Request restricted driving privileges during the suspension
Winning the ALR hearing can prevent job loss, maintain transportation independence, and reduce stress while your case proceeds.
Step 4: Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery
Once your case is filed, your attorney reviews evidence and may file pre-trial motions. These can include:
- Motion to suppress evidence: Challenges illegally obtained tests or stops.
- Motion for disclosure: Ensures prosecutors provide all evidence.
- Negotiations: Attorneys may seek reduced charges, probation, or alternative programs like alcohol education classes.
Example: A client in San Antonio had a field sobriety test conducted in poor lighting. The lawyer successfully challenged the test, resulting in reduced charges.
Step 5: Plea Negotiations or Trial
Most DWI cases resolve before trial, but some go to court. Your San Antonio DWI attorney will:
- Examine breathalyzer calibration records and maintenance logs
- Cross-examine arresting officers on procedure
- Challenge the reliability of field sobriety tests
Plea negotiation strategies often include:
- Reducing a DWI felony charge to a lesser misdemeanor
- Probation instead of jail
- Alcohol awareness programs instead of additional fines
In Bexar County, judges may favor defendants who hire experienced attorneys, recognizing that they understand court procedures and timelines.
Step 6: Sentencing and Long-Term Consequences
If convicted, penalties depend on the offense level:
- Fines and court costs: $2,000–$10,000
- Jail or probation: Up to 10 years for multiple offenses
- License suspension: 90 days to 2 years, possibly requiring an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
- Mandatory education or treatment programs
Hidden Long-Term Impacts:
- Insurance hikes: Can double premiums for years
- Employment risks: Some jobs, like CDL drivers or government positions, may become inaccessible
- Housing and financial implications: Convictions can affect loan approvals and rental applications
Your attorney works to minimize these hidden costs and helps preserve your financial and personal stability.
Common Questions About DWI Charges in San Antonio
1. How soon should I hire a DWI attorney?
Immediately. Early intervention increases the chances of dismissals, reduced charges, and license retention.
2. Can I drive while awaiting trial?
Possibly, with a restricted license. Your attorney can guide you through ALR hearings to maintain mobility.
3. Does hiring a lawyer really save money?
Yes. While legal fees may seem high, a skilled attorney often reduces fines, prevents long-term insurance spikes, and keeps your driving privileges intact.
4. What about DUI vs. DWI?
Texas only uses DWI for intoxicated driving charges. Some people search for DUI attorneys, but the correct charge in San Antonio is DWI.
Why Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers Are the Best Choice
When facing a DWI in San Antonio:
- Our attorneys know local judges and prosecutors
- We aggressively challenge evidence and procedural errors
- We guide clients through court, license hearings, and long-term consequences
- We aim to reduce costs, fines, and penalties
We’ve helped countless San Antonio clients avoid harsh consequences, keeping them on the road, at work, and financially secure.
Take Action Now
A DWI charge in San Antonio is serious. Waiting can increase penalties and costs. Call Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers today at (210) 893-0000 for a free consultation.
