Easter weekend in Texas is usually a time for family gatherings, Sunday brunch, and travel. But if your holiday ended with blue lights in the rearview mirror and a DWI arrest, your focus has likely shifted from "where am I going?" to "am I allowed to go anywhere at all?"
At The Alband Law Firm, we understand that a single mistake or a misunderstanding of your sobriety level shouldn't result in a locked door to the rest of the world. Here is the reality of your travel privileges following a Texas DWI charge.
The Immediate Aftermath: The Driver’s License Issue
In Texas, the moment you are arrested for a DWI, two separate "clocks" start ticking: your criminal case and your Administrative License Revocation (ALR).
The 15-Day Rule: You have exactly 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing. If you don't, your license will be automatically suspended.
The Paper Permit: If the officer confiscated your plastic license, your formal "Notice of Suspension" serves as a temporary driving permit for 40 days.
Can you travel during this time? Within the state of Texas and the U.S., generally yes—provided you haven't been ordered otherwise by a judge. However, driving yourself becomes a legal minefield the moment that the temporary permit expires.
Bond Conditions: The "Invisible Fence"
When you are released from jail after an Easter arrest, you are usually out on bond. It is vital that you read your bond paperwork carefully. Judges have the authority to set "conditions of release," which may include:
Geographic Restrictions: Some bonds stipulate that you cannot leave your county or the state of Texas without written permission from the court.
Ignition Interlock Devices (IID): If you are ordered to install an IID, you cannot legally drive any vehicle—including a rental car on vacation—that does not have one.
Travel Waivers: If you have a pre-planned business trip or family vacation, we can often petition the court to allow you to travel, but this must be done proactively.
Crossing Borders: The International Problem
If you were planning an international getaway to celebrate the spring season, you may hit a wall.
Canada: Our neighbors to the north are incredibly strict. Even a pending DWI charge or a misdemeanor conviction can make you "criminally inadmissible" to Canada.
Mexico: While usually more lenient than Canada, Mexico technically reserves the right to deny entry to those with recent alcohol-related offenses.
Why Your Easter Arrest Needs a Dedicated Defense
A DWI charge is not a conviction, but the state of Texas moves fast. Between the ALR deadline and your first court appearance, the window to protect your freedom of movement is small. You need an advocate who treats your case with the personal attention it deserves—someone who recognizes that you have a life, a job, and a family that may require you to be on the road.
Don’t let a holiday weekend arrest ground you indefinitely. At The Alband Law Firm, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and keeping your life on track.
If you’re worried about how your arrest will impact your ability to travel or work, contact us today at (817) 997-4366 for a consultation.