Your license after a DWI arrest in Texas
This is the case that moves first. It runs at Texas Department of Public Safety, not at the court, and it is decided on a different question from whether you are guilty of anything.
calendar days to
request a hearing
Counted from the date you were served notice. Those are not always the same day.
The suspension takes effect and the right to contest it is lost. A timely request holds the suspension until the hearing is decided.
Tex. Transp. Code 524.031
The hearing request is the step with a deadline, and it is decided at Texas Department of Public Safety rather than in your criminal case. A lawyer can file it for you.
DWI lawyers in TexasWhat to do this week
- 01
Find the notice you were given
It is usually the document that starts this clock, and it often doubles as a temporary permit.
- 02
Work out the date
Count 15 calendar days from the date you were served notice. Put a reminder several days before it falls, not on the day.
- 03
Request the hearing
It goes to Texas Department of Public Safety, by a written request, including by fax, received at the department headquarters in Austin. Missing it ends the matter without anyone reviewing it.