Holiday DWI Arrests in Houston: What Happens Next and How to Protect Yourself

The holidays are one of the busiest times of year for Houston DWI arrests. From Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Day, HPD, Harris County Sheriff’s deputies, and DPS troopers significantly increase patrols across the city. Even a minor traffic stop near a holiday party, bar, or family gathering can quickly escalate into a serious criminal charge.

If you or someone you know was arrested for DWI in Houston during the holidays, understanding what comes next is critical. The days immediately following the arrest — especially during court closures and holiday schedule shifts — can determine whether your driver’s license stays active, whether your case strengthens or weakens, and how much leverage you will have moving forward.

This guide explains exactly what to expect in Houston, how holiday DWI cases work in Harris County, and what steps you should take right away.

Why Holiday DWI Arrests Spike in Houston

Every year, Houston law enforcement agencies roll out enhanced holiday enforcement, including:

• HPD saturation patrols in Midtown, Downtown, Washington Ave, Montrose, and the Galleria
• Harris County Sheriff’s Office DWI task forces on major highways (I-10, 45, 59, Beltway 8, 610 Loop)
• Texas DPS patrol increases focused on holiday travel periods
• “No-Refusal” holiday weekends, especially Christmas and New Year’s
• Heightened traffic stops for minor violations — headlights, signals, lane drifting, speeding, rolling stops
• More enforcement near holiday hotspots such as bars, restaurants, sports events, and private parties

Even drivers who are below the legal limit may be questioned, detained, or asked to complete field sobriety tests.

What Happens Immediately After a Holiday DWI Arrest in Houston

Holiday DWI arrests follow a predictable process, but because the system is overloaded this time of year, there are delays and complications unique to Houston.

1. You’re taken to Jail. Usually Harris County Joint Processing Center

Most Houston DWI arrests involve being taken to the Harris County Joint Processing Center (JPC) downtown. Processing may include:

• Booking
• Fingerprinting
• Mugshots
• Breath or blood test (if not already done)

Holiday staffing shortages and higher arrest numbers often mean longer wait times before release.

2. Your license isn’t suspended yet — but Houston ALR deadlines move FAST

When you’re arrested for DWI, HPD or HCSO will take your physical driver’s license and give you a temporary permit.

This starts the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process.

You have 15 days to request your ALR hearing.

Many people miss the deadline because:

• Harris County offices are closed for the holidays
• They don’t understand the notice paperwork
• They delay looking for an attorney
• They expect a “January reset”

But once the 15-day window closed, the suspension becomes automatic,

3. You may be released on bond, or you may wait for a magistrate judge

Depending on the timing:

• Evening arrests may allow rapid release
• Late-night or holiday arrests often require waiting for a magistrate judge the next morning at the JPC

Bond conditions in Houston may include:

• No alcohol consumption
• Ignition interlock device
• Regular check-ins
• No new offenses
• Travel limitations (especially during holidays)

4. Your DWI case moves into the Harris County court system

Your case will be assigned to a Harris County Criminal Court (for misdemeanors) or District Court (for felony DWI).

• The prosecutor will review:
• Breath or blood test results
• Bodycam and dashcam footage (HPD, HCSO, DPS)
• Police reports
• Field sobriety test performance
• Whether a warrant was properly obtained

Holiday enforcement often leads to rushed procedures — and that can create defense opportunities.

Holiday DWI Penalties in Houston: What You’re Up Against

Here’s a Houston-specific breakdown of potential consequences:

• First DWI. Class B misdemeanor. Up to 180 days jail, fines up to $2000, license suspension up to 1 year
• Second DWI. Class A misdemeanor. Up to 1 year jail, fines up to $4,000, longer suspension
• Third DWI. Third-degree felony. 2–10 years prison, up to $10,000 fines, felony conviction
• DWI with .15+ BAC. Class A misdemeanor. Harsher penalties + mandatory ignition interlock.
• DWI with child passenger. State jail felony. 6 months–2 years in state jail

Harris County judges often impose strict bond conditions during holiday periods due to increased arrest volume.

ALR Deadlines Matter Even More During Houston Holidays

The ALR deadline is one of the biggest pitfalls for holiday DWI arrests in Houston.

Because the 15-day window often overlaps with:

• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Eve
• New Year’s Day
• Court closures
• Limited office hours

Many people miss the deadline without realizing it and lose their license for months.

A Houston DWI lawyer can file the hearing request for you and prevent automatic suspension.

What to Do in the First 24–72 Hours After a Houston Holiday DWI Arrest

1. Write down everything you remember

Houston DWI cases often hinge on:

• Exact location of the stop (HPD area divisions, major freeways)
• Bar or venue you were leaving
• Officer statements
• Bodycam interactions
• Whether proper procedures were followed

Small details can make or break the case.

2. Request your ALR hearing immediately

This delays the suspension and allows your attorney to review:

• HPD or HCSO reports
• Dashcam/bodycam footage
• Test machine logs
• Blood results or warrant documents

During the holidays, this step is extremely time-sensitive.

3. Do NOT speak to police, investigators, or prosecutors

You do not need to explain:

• Where you were
• How much you drank
• Who you were with
• Why you were driving

Politely decline questioning and invoke your right to counsel.

4. Contact a Houston DWI attorney as early as possible

A local attorney familiar with Harris County judges, prosecutors, and procedures can:

• Challenge the traffic stop
• Contest breath/blood test reliability
• Review bodycam footage for errors
• Fight for dismissal or reduction
• Help keep your license active
• Protect you from harsh holiday bond conditions

Charged With a Holiday DWI in Houston? Get Help Today.

A holiday DWI arrest in Houston can affect your license, job, insurance rates, and future. You don’t have to face this alone. The steps you take right now matter.

For immediate help, contact The Law Office of Greg Tsioros for a confidential case evaluation.
We’ll guide you through your next steps and fight to protect your rights in the Harris County court system.