A DWI arrest in Gunter may feel like a one-time mistake. However, how you handle the days immediately after can shape everything—your record, your job, your license and your options in court. Prosecutors take these cases seriously, and even small missteps early on can make things harder than they need to be. Too often, Texans do not realize how much is at stake until it is too late.
Missing the 15-day deadline for a license hearing
The clock starts ticking the moment officers arrest you. You have 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing from the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you miss that deadline, the state will suspend your license, no questions asked. The ALR hearing is your first real opportunity to challenge that suspension, but only if you act fast.
Assuming a first-time DWI is “just probation”
Even one DWI can lead to jail time, steep fines, license suspension and a permanent record. Texas law allows up to 180 days in jail for a first offense. In 2024, over 85,000 DWI arrests were made in the state. Courts do not treat these charges lightly, even if you have no prior record.
Trying to explain your side to police or prosecutors
Some people believe that giving more details will help, but it usually does the opposite. Any statement you make, even after the arrest, can strengthen the case against you. You cannot talk your way out of a charge that the prosecutor has already filed.
Posting about your case online
Nothing good ever comes from putting your arrest, your side of the story or your frustrations on social media. Screenshots and metadata are admissible in court. The state can twist even a meme or comment shared in frustration into “evidence of attitude or guilt.”
Delaying legal help until the first court date
By the time your arraignment arrives, key opportunities may already be gone. Breath test records, video footage, officer body cams and witness accounts are often time-sensitive. If you move quickly, you give your defense the best chance to work.
If you were arrested in or around Gunter, your best chance to protect your license, job and reputation is to act just as fast. Avoid these mistakes, and you keep control over what happens next instead of letting the system decide for you.