Bail and personal bonds

A magistrate sets bail after weighing the charge, your record, your ties to the community and public safety. You can post a cash bond, use a surety bond through a licensed bondsman, or be released on a personal bond, which is a promise to appear (Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 17).

The ALR hearing after a DWI arrest

You have 15 days from the notice of suspension to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing. Without one, the suspension takes effect on day 40. The hearing is also a chance for your lawyer to question the arresting officer (Transportation Code Chapter 524). More on Texas DWI →

Occupational driver’s license

If your license is suspended, a court can grant an occupational license that lets you drive for work, school and essential household duties, often with an ignition interlock (Transportation Code §§521.241 to 521.253).

Deferred adjudication

After a guilty or no-contest plea, the judge can defer a finding of guilt and place you on community supervision. If you complete it, the case is dismissed without a conviction. Some offenses are not eligible (Code of Criminal Procedure art. 42A.101 and following).

Expunction

An expunction orders the arrest records destroyed. It is generally available when you were acquitted, pardoned, or the charge was dismissed or never filed, subject to waiting periods (Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55A).

Order of nondisclosure

A nondisclosure order seals your criminal record from most private employers and landlords. It is most often used after deferred adjudication, and some first-time DWI and misdemeanor convictions also qualify after a waiting period (Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1).