Austin, TX DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for your first DUI in Austin can be one of the most stressful and confusing experiences of your life. You may be filled with fear, shame, and uncertainty. You’re probably asking yourself: Will I go to jail? Will I lose my license? What does this mean for my job or my future? These questions are completely valid—and you’re not alone in facing them.

As an experienced Austin DUI lawyer, I’ve helped countless first-time offenders navigate the legal system with confidence and clarity. I understand the emotional weight this carries, and I want to provide you with practical, compassionate guidance. Whether you’re still in shock from your arrest or already looking ahead to your court date, there are immediate steps you should take and key legal considerations you need to understand.

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Austin, call 1-888-839-4384 or use our online contact form to speak with a top rated Texas DUI lawyer for a free consultation today!

What To Do Immediately After a First DUI Arrest in Austin

The first hours and days after a DUI arrest are critical. What you do next could influence not only your legal outcome but your ability to retain your driver’s license, avoid jail time, and preserve your future.

Here are the essential steps you should take right away:

1. Stay Calm and Composed

The arrest process can be jarring, but remaining calm and respectful during interactions with law enforcement can help your case later. Avoid resisting arrest or becoming argumentative.

2. Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent

After identifying yourself, you are not required to answer questions about where you were, what you drank, or how much. Politely assert your right to remain silent and wait to speak to an attorney.

3. Do Not Discuss Your Case on Social Media

Anything you post—photos, comments, opinions—can potentially be used as evidence. Stay off social media until your case is resolved.

4. Write Down Every Detail

As soon as you are able, record everything you can remember about the traffic stop and arrest: what you were doing before the stop, what the officer said, how the tests were conducted, and how you were treated. This information can be incredibly valuable to your attorney.

5. Request a DMV Hearing

In Texas, you only have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to try to save your driver’s license. This is separate from your criminal case, and the deadline is strict.

6. Contact an Experienced Austin DUI Lawyer Immediately

Time is of the essence. An attorney familiar with Travis County courts and Texas DWI laws can begin working on your defense and represent you at the ALR hearing.

Why You Need an Austin DUI Lawyer for Your First DUI Offense

A first DUI in Austin is not just a traffic ticket, it’s a criminal charge with the potential for lasting consequences. In Texas, a first-time DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in:

• Up to 180 days in jail
• A fine of up to $2,000
• Driver’s license suspension (90 days to 1 year)
• Mandatory alcohol education programs
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (in some cases)

These penalties can increase significantly if your BAC was 0.15% or higher, if there was an open container in the vehicle, or if you were involved in an accident.

An experienced Austin DUI lawyer knows how to evaluate the strength of the state’s evidence, challenge the validity of the traffic stop or breath test, and advocate for reduced charges or even case dismissal. They will guide you through every step, from your arraignment to potential trial, and will help you understand your options, including whether a plea bargain or pretrial diversion is available.

Understanding the Court Process for a First DUI in Austin

If you’ve been arrested for your first DUI in Austin, you will likely be required to appear at the Travis County Criminal Courts, located in downtown Austin. The process typically includes:

• Arraignment: Where you are formally charged and enter a plea.
• Pre-trial hearings: Where your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or negotiate with the prosecutor.
• Trial or Plea Negotiation: Depending on your case strategy, you may go to trial or accept a negotiated plea deal.
• Sentencing: If found guilty or if you plead guilty, this is where the judge imposes penalties.

The court process can be intimidating, but your attorney will help you prepare thoroughly and ensure your rights are protected at every stage.

How an Austin DUI Lawyer Can Help You Move Forward

If this is your first DUI in Austin, you may be eligible for certain alternatives to conviction, such as:

• Deferred adjudication: In some cases, you may be able to avoid a conviction by completing probation and meeting specific conditions.
• Pretrial diversion: Travis County sometimes offers diversion programs for first-time offenders that can result in case dismissal upon successful completion.
• Occupational license: If your license is suspended, your lawyer can help you apply for a restricted license to drive for work, school, or essential needs.

Every case is unique. A knowledgeable DUI attorney will tailor a defense strategy to the facts of your arrest and your personal circumstances, with the goal of minimizing the impact on your life and helping you move on.

Don’t Let a First DUI in Austin Define Your Future

Facing a DUI charge is undoubtedly serious—but it does not mean your life is over. The decisions you make now are critical. Don’t leave your future to chance. With a committed and experienced Austin DUI lawyer by your side, you can fight the charges, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a first DUI in Austin, contact a trusted Austin DUI lawyer immediately.

The sooner you take action, the more options you’ll have to protect your record, your license, and your future.

Call 1-888-839-4384 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a top-rated DUI attorney in Austin and begin putting this behind you.