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Last Modified on Jan 28, 2026
Getting arrested can be frightening. It helps to know what to do when arrested for DUI along I-45, I-10, and the 610 Loop in Texas.
When police pull you over, take a moment to calm yourself. Answer the officer’s questions respectfully without admitting guilt. Keep in mind that the refusal to take a breathalyzer test can lead to an automatic license suspension. Respectfully exercise your right to request a lawyer.
Even an exceptional DUI attorney cannot overcome a bad decision to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, when you hire an experienced Multiple DUI lawyer, you’ll get legal guidance and support throughout the legal process. DUI and DWI cases can escalate into a criminal case if you are arrested at the scene of an accident where another person was injured or killed.
Texas DUI Laws
According to 2024 data from the Texas Open Data Portal, more than 37% of automobile accidents are caused by DUI. Currently, Texas invests in programs run by the state and other organizations to help educate residents on the dangers of driving intoxicated. The objective is to prevent automobile accident fatalities and injuries in Texas by 2050.
Drivers need to understand the dangers of driving while intoxicated and how it can severely and permanently affect their lives as well as the lives of others. Texas DUI laws and offense penalties comprise Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code. The actual penalties you can get charged with depend on the severity of the offense and special conditions.
Special conditions include driving impaired with a child in the vehicle or if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious injuries or death. DUI convictions also result in a permanent criminal record. Having a criminal record impacts your career, insurance rates, and the ability to qualify for social programs.
DUI Penalties
Texas DUI Laws are stricter than most U.S. states, especially for repeat offenders and higher intoxication levels. Texas DUI laws can include penalties, such as:
- Jail or prison time
- Hefty fines
- License suspension
- Alcohol awareness programs
- Community service
- Ignition interlock device
The severity of the penalties may increase based on the number of charges, prior convictions, and if there were aggravating factors involved, such as having a child in the car at the time of arrest.
If testing results in an alcohol or drug concentration of 0.15%, charges increase to a third-degree felony that includes mandatory jail time and increased fines.
Additional negative impacts of a DUI conviction include:
- Civil charges from victims.
- Loss of child custody rights.
- Inability to qualify for college financial aid or scholarships
Hire a DUI Lawyer
When you choose to work with the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, expect assertive defense of your rights, ongoing support, and guidance. DWI/DUI cases in Texas move fast. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
We carefully evaluate every aspect of your case, such as the legality of the stop, how law enforcement handled the administration of field sobriety tests, and whether your constitutional rights were violated in any way. Our team also helps you navigate court appearances and any filing requirements.
With the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, you get a dedicated advocate focused on protecting your future. We work to minimize the long-term impacts of your charges and get you the strongest possible outcome in your case.
FAQs About DUI Laws in Texas
How Do I Get a DUI Dismissed in Texas?
To get a DUI charge dismissed in Texas, hire a DUI lawyer with experience in criminal defense. An attorney can seek a DUI case dismissal if there is evidence that the police lacked credible evidence to conduct the arrest or violated your civil or constitutional rights. Prosecutors can offer defendants a plea bargain for lesser charges, offering fewer penalties in exchange for a guilty plea.
What Are the Steps to Take After a Person Is Arrested in Texas?
The steps to take after being arrested in Texas start with understanding your rights and how to respond to officers. If you are pulled over, you have the right to refuse field sobriety testing, including a preliminary breath test. Officers can still arrest based on the evidence of alcohol or drug use, but they must support those claims in court. Once you refuse testing, you are subject to license suspension under the Administrative License Revocation program.
What Is the New Law in Texas for DUI?
The newest DUI law in Texas is known as Bill SB 2320, which seeks to deter drunk driving by increasing the severity of penalties. The bill enhances existing laws to increase the penalty for first-time DUI/DWI offenders, increases the penalty for driving under the influence with an open container, and increases the penalty for a DUI/DWI offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony when the drug concentration level reaches 0.15%.
What Happens to First-Time DUI Offenders in Texas?
First-time DUI offenders in Texas are assigned penalties based on the severity of the DUI offense and any past criminal history. Most first DUI or DWI offenses are charged as a Class B misdemeanor. If convicted of a Class B misdemeanor DWI offense, you may face hefty fines, jail or prison time, and license suspension.
Find the Right DUI Attorney to Defend Your Rights
The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, understands how an arrest can propel a person into the criminal justice system, leaving them confused and unable to defend their rights. The right defense attorney helps ensure you understand your legal rights and the consequences you face fighting a DUI charge.
Our legal team can help identify legal options for defending against charges and can guide you through negotiations or court proceedings efficiently and effectively. Contact our office today for more information on what to do when arrested for DUI along I-45, I-10, and the 610 Loop in Texas. Let our team help defend your rights, advocate for you before the prosecution, and build a strong defense strategy that protects your future.
