Travis County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Travis County, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Travis County can be a disorienting experience. With a population of over 1.2 million, Travis County sees a significant number of DUI arrests annually. This guide is designed to provide immediate, practical information to help you navigate the complex legal and administrative processes you'll face in the coming days and weeks. This guide will help you understand what to do next, from requesting an essential hearing to potentially getting your license back.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are crucial. Here’s a general timeline of what you can expect:

• Arrest: You'll be pulled over by law enforcement (typically Austin PD or the Travis County Sheriff), and if suspected of DUI, you'll undergo field sobriety tests and potentially a breathalyzer or blood test.
• Booking: If arrested, you'll be taken to the Travis County jail for booking.
• Processing: The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and gathering personal information. Processing times can vary, but it's important to remain calm and cooperative.
• Phone Call: You'll be allowed to make a phone call. Use this call wisely to contact family, a friend, or an attorney.
• Bail: Bail is set to ensure your appearance in court. The amount can vary depending on the circumstances of your arrest.
• Release: Once bail is posted, you'll be released from custody.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines in a DUI case can have severe consequences. Here are the most important ones to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing Request: 15 Days. This is the most critical deadline. You have only 15 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended. Failing to request this hearing within 15 days results in an automatic license suspension, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case!
• Court Appearance: You'll receive a notice with the date and time of your first court appearance. This is when you'll be formally arraigned on the DUI charge.
• License Suspension: If you don't request an ALR hearing, your license suspension will automatically take effect 40 days after the date of the Notice of Suspension (DIC-25) which is typically the date of arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Travis County

While specific details on DUI checkpoint locations are not available in the provided data, Travis County, like many areas in Texas, conducts sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, especially during holidays and peak drinking hours. Stay informed about local news and announcements to be aware of any planned enforcement activities.

Local Resources

• Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center: 509 W. 11th St, Austin, TX (Courthouse)
• North Lamar Driver License Office (Central Austin): 5805 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752. Phone: (512) 424-2000. (General Driver License Services & Administrative Intake - Building A for ALR Hand Delivery)
• Austin North Lamar (South Entrance/Commercial): 6121 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752. Phone: (512) 424-2076. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Open until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays.
• Austin-Pflugerville Mega Center: 216 E. Wells Branch Parkway, Pflugerville, TX 78660. Phone: (512) 486-2800. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Northwest Austin Driver License Office: 13730 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78750. Phone: (512) 464-3700. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Open until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays.
• Austin Regional Service Center (TxDMV): 1001 E. Parmer Lane, Suite A, Austin, TX 78753. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Vehicle Title and Registration issues)
• ALR Hearing Request Portal: https://www.dps.texas.gov/apps/DriverLicense/customer_service/HEARINGREQUESTS.aspx
• License Eligibility & Reinstatement: https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/dleligibility/login.do
• Appointment Scheduler: https://www.txdpsscheduler.com
• Bail Bondsmen: Search online for "bail bonds Travis County TX" (We do not recommend specific companies).
• DUI Attorneys: Search online for "DUI attorney Travis County TX" (We do not recommend specific attorneys).

What Makes Travis County Different

Travis County presents some unique challenges and considerations for DUI cases:

• The 15-Day Rule is King: The ALR hearing request deadline is strictly enforced. Missing it results in an automatic license suspension. Don't delay.
• The Location Trap: The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process involves two distinct state entities with separate roles: the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). It's critical to understand the separation between the "Enforcer" (DPS) and the "Adjudicator" (SOAH). The physical separation of these agencies in Austin creates a "Location Trap" for many unprepared defendants.
• ALR Hearing Hand Delivery: If you choose to hand-deliver your ALR hearing request, take it to Building A, Director of Hearings at 5805 N. Lamar, Austin.
• Occupational Driver's License (ODL) Logbook Requirement: If granted an ODL in Travis County, you must maintain a detailed logbook in any car you drive, recording the date, time, destination, and reason for every trip. This logbook will be examined by law enforcement if you are stopped.
• Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 (Judge Chu): Located at 1000 Guadalupe St. Known for specific ODL procedures for downtown arrests.
• The 45-Day Rule for ODLs: Once the judge signs the ODL order, that paper order serves as the legal driver's license for 45 days. During this 45-day window, the driver must send the order, the SR-22 insurance certificate, and the reinstatement fees to DPS in Austin. If the plastic Occupational License card is not received from DPS within 45 days, the court order expires as a permit, and the driver is technically unlicensed again until the card arrives.

Your next step: Immediately locate your DIC-25 form (the Notice of Suspension you received at the time of your arrest) and confirm the date. Mark 15 days from that date on your calendar. This is the absolute deadline to request an ALR hearing! Start the process online via the DPS portal here: https://www.dps.texas.gov/apps/DriverLicense/customer_service/HEARINGREQUESTS.aspx