Being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Cedar Park, TX, can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time dealing with the criminal justice system. A DWI charge in Texas is serious, but how you respond after your arrest can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
As a local Cedar Park DWI lawyer, I want to share practical, step-by-step advice to help you protect your rights, minimize penalties, and move forward with confidence.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Know Your Rights
When you're pulled over and arrested for DWI, it’s natural to feel scared or frustrated. But it’s important to remain calm and polite. Cooperate with law enforcement, but remember:
- You have the right to remain silent
- You have the right to speak with a criminal defense lawyer
- You don’t have to answer questions about where you were, how much you drank, or anything else that could incriminate you
- You don’t have to perform field sobriety tests
- You don’t have to voluntarily provide a sample of breath or blood
Avoid arguing or resisting — that only makes things worse. Let your attorney do the talking for you later.
Step 2: Understand What You’re Facing
In Texas, you can be charged with DWI if:
- Your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or
- You appear to lack normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs
Penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas may include:
- Jail time
- Fines up to $2,000 or more
- Driver’s license suspension
- Annual surcharge fees
- A permanent criminal record
Penalties can increase if your BAC was very high, if there was a child in the vehicle, if you have prior convictions, or if someone was injured.
Step 3: Act Fast to Protect Your Driver’s License (You Have 15 Days!)
Many people don’t realize this: You only have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This is your chance to fight the automatic suspension of your driver’s license.
If you miss this deadline, your license can be suspended even if you haven’t been convicted yet. A local DWI defense lawyer in Cedar Park can help you file this request quickly.
Step 4: Hire an Experienced Cedar Park DWI Lawyer
The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better. A skilled Texas DWI attorney can help:
- Review the police report and evidence
- Challenge whether the traffic stop or arrest was legal
- Examine the accuracy of field sobriety tests or breathalyzer results
- Represent you at the ALR hearing and in court
Every DWI case is different. A local attorney familiar with Williamson County courts and judges can build a defense strategy tailored to your case.
Step 5: Write Down Everything You Remember
As soon as possible, write down your version of what happened. Include:
- Where and when you were pulled over
- What the officer said and did
- Any tests they asked you to perform
- Whether you were read your rights
- How long you were held and what you were told
Your memory will fade, and these details can help your lawyer challenge inconsistencies in the police report.
Step 6: Don’t Drive Without a Valid License
If your license has been suspended, don’t drive unless your lawyer has helped you obtain an occupational license. Driving on a suspended license is a new criminal offense that can lead to more jail time and fines.
Step 7: Stay Off Social Media
This is important: Do not post about your arrest on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or anywhere else. Even a joke or meme can be used as evidence in court. Set your accounts to private and avoid discussing the case with anyone except your attorney.
Step 8: Take Court Dates and Bail Conditions Seriously
After a DWI arrest, the court may impose bail conditions such as:
- Attending court hearings
- Abstaining from alcohol
- Installing an ignition interlock device
- Random drug or alcohol testing
Missing a court date or violating conditions can result in a warrant for your arrest. Your lawyer will help you understand what’s expected and keep you informed.
Why Hiring a Cedar Park DWI Lawyer Matters
Hiring a defense attorney who knows Cedar Park and Williamson County courts gives you a real advantage. I regularly work with local prosecutors and judges and know how to navigate the system to:
✅ Fight for a dismissal
✅ Negotiate for reduced charges
✅ Limit or avoid jail time
✅ Protect your driver’s license
✅ Help you move on from this
Arrested for DWI in Cedar Park? Get Legal Help Today
If you or a loved one was arrested for DWI in Cedar Park, don’t wait. The sooner we get started, the better your options. Contact me for a confidential, no-obligation consultation today.
📞 Call: (512) 926-8850
📍 Visit: 1304 Nueces Street, Austin, Texas 78701
📧 Email: will@atxlawyer.com