Houston, Texas DWI Penalties Decoded for CDL & Security License Holders

Can You Keep Your Security License in Texas With a DWI? Houston CDL & Guard Penalties Decoded

In many Houston cases, you can keep your security license in Texas with a DWI, but it depends on the facts of your arrest, the final outcome of the case, and how you handle reporting and deadlines with DPS and your licensing agencies. A DWI arrest is not automatically the end of your guard career, yet the timing of what you report, who you notify, and how you protect your driving privileges can make a big difference in what happens to your license and your job.

If you are a licensed security guard or hold a CDL and you were just arrested for DWI in or around Harris County, you are probably scared of one big question: “Is my career over?” This guide breaks down security license DWI Texas issues in plain English, explains how Texas DPS, ALR hearings, and background checks work, and gives you a practical order of steps so you are not guessing in the dark.

First Things First: A Tactical Timeline For Houston Security Guards After a DWI

Right now you need a simple, realistic game plan, not a law school lecture. Here is a short, tactical timeline that many Houston security officers use to get organized in the first days after an arrest.

One-sentence tactical timeline: In the first 15 days, focus on preserving your Texas license to drive, understanding immediate steps to take after a Texas DWI arrest, and learning what to report first to protect a professional license before you make any written statements to your employer or licensing agencies.

Broken down a bit more:

• Day 0 to Day 2: Get copies of your paperwork, including the DIC-23 or DIC-24 forms and any temporary driving permit. Write down exactly what happened while it is still fresh. Start reading about how to request an ALR hearing and preserve your license.
• Within 15 days of arrest: Decide whether to request an ALR hearing with DPS to fight the automatic driver’s license suspension. You can also review the Official DPS ALR hearing request and deadline page so you understand the basic process and timeline.
• Within the first few weeks: Evaluate whether, when, and how you need to notify your employer, your guard company, and any state licensing authority that governs your security license. The correct order and wording can protect both your driving status and your professional record.

If you are a Licensed-but-panicked security guard

Who Actually Controls Your Security License After a Texas DWI?

Part of why this feels so confusing is that several different entities may be involved in your future after a DWI:

• Criminal court in Harris County or a neighboring county handles your DWI charge itself.
• Texas DPS handles your driver’s license, including ALR suspensions and CDL disqualification.
• Your security licensing authority oversees your guard license and any required registrations.
• Your employer or contract security company decides whether you stay on the schedule, are reassigned, or are terminated.

These systems interact, but they do not all work the same way or on the same timeline. A criminal conviction for DWI can trigger professional discipline DWI Texas issues, but an arrest alone may not automatically revoke your guard license. Likewise, a driver’s license suspension through ALR is separate from what your employer and the licensing board decide to do.

If you are juggling guard work and a CDL, you also have commercial rules to worry about. CDL suspensions are often stricter and longer than standard Class C driver’s license suspensions, especially if you were in a commercial vehicle at the time of the arrest.

Security License vs CDL: Different Rules, Different Risks

Many Houston security officers drive as part of the job. Some hold a CDL to drive armored trucks, company vans, or other commercial vehicles. It is crucial to separate two questions in your mind:

• Question 1: Can I keep my security license and keep working armed or unarmed security?
• Question 2: Can I keep my driver’s license or CDL so I can legally drive to work or operate a company vehicle?

The law treats these differently. Your guard license is a professional credential. Your driver’s license or CDL is a driving privilege. Losing one does not always mean you automatically lose the other, but problems in one area often make the other harder.

For CDL holders, Texas Transportation Code Chapter 522 spells out specific disqualification rules for commercial drivers after DWI and related offenses. You can review the Texas statute on CDL disqualification and DWI consequences to see how criminal convictions and administrative actions affect CDL status, especially if the incident involved a commercial vehicle.

When you read about Houston DWI employment impact, be careful not to mix up these categories. A coworker might lose a CDL but still keep some types of non-driving security work. Another person might avoid a conviction but still have trouble with company insurance rules or site-specific clearance.

Texas DPS DWI Reporting and the 15-Day ALR Deadline

Right after a DWI arrest, the most urgent deadline is usually administrative, not criminal. In most adult cases, you have 15 days from the date of your arrest or notice of suspension to request an ALR hearing with DPS. If you miss this window, your driver’s license can be automatically suspended, typically for 90 days or more for a first offense, and significantly longer for refusals or prior alcohol related contacts.

This is where Texas DPS DWI reporting becomes critical. An officer often seizes your physical license and gives you a temporary permit, which warns about the suspension and the hearing deadline. DPS then opens an administrative case on your privilege to drive separate from any criminal court dates.

To protect your driving privileges, you or your lawyer must take affirmative steps to request the hearing. For deeper detail on the process, many drivers read guidance on how to request an ALR hearing and preserve your license and then compare it with the instructions on the Official DPS ALR hearing request and deadline page.

If your work involves patrolling a large facility at night or driving between sites, an ALR suspension can hit your job just as hard as any professional discipline DWI Texas action. You might be technically licensed as a guard yet unable to drive to the job or operate the company vehicle that the post requires.

Background Check DWI Texas: What Shows Up and When

Most security companies and contract clients run regular background checks. After a Houston DWI arrest, guards often learn that something is already showing up when they apply for a new post or a promotion.

Here are several common stages where a DWI can appear on a background check in Texas:

• Immediately after arrest: Local jail and arrest records may appear in some databases quickly, even before charges are formally filed.
• Once charges are filed: A formal DWI case in Harris County or another Texas county becomes part of the court record, which many commercial background services pull from.
• After conviction or plea: A final judgment can show up clearly on standard criminal checks and can be easier for HR to understand at a glance.

This is why background check DWI Texas results can be confusing. You might not yet have a conviction, but an employer sees an “arrest” or “pending” status. For a security guard, that can raise questions about trust, firearm access, client policies, and assignment to sensitive posts like hospitals, schools, refineries, or government buildings.

If you are a Career-risk executive reading this for one of your security team members, you may be less concerned about the technical label and more about discretion and risk. Early, accurate information about the DWI status, ALR status, and the likely range of outcomes lets you make better staffing and public relations decisions without overreacting to a single arrest.

What To Report First: Employer, Licensing Agency, or DPS?

When you are holding that stack of papers from your arrest, it can feel like everyone needs to know something right away. In reality, the order of your steps matters a lot.

Generally, you are dealing with three different types of reporting or notice:

• Texas DPS notices and responses about ALR and driver’s license status.
• Employer and HR notifications, which may be required by company policy, union agreements, or site-specific contracts.
• Professional licensing authority disclosures, which may depend on whether you are reporting an arrest, a charge, or a final conviction.

Before you send emails or online forms, it is usually wise to understand what to report first to protect a professional license. Many guards discover that their main risk is not the existence of the DWI case but an inaccurate or incomplete statement that later conflicts with court records.

For most Houston security guards, a practical order looks like this:

1. Secure the ALR hearing to protect your ability to drive.
2. Review your employer handbook, post orders, and any licensing rules that apply to your position.
3. Gather accurate information about what is actually filed in court and in DPS records.
4. Then make any required notifications using careful, fact-based language that does not overshare or speculate.

Remember, administrative reporting does not automatically equal revocation. Many Houston guards keep working while their DWI case is pending, sometimes with temporary adjustments such as non-driving posts or unarmed positions.

Micro‑Story: How One Houston Guard Avoided Losing His Credentials

Consider this anonymized example. A Houston security officer with a Class C license and a CDL was arrested for DWI after leaving a family gathering. He refused the breath test and received a temporary permit with the 15-day ALR notice. He panicked and almost told his employer that his license was “suspended” when in reality no suspension had started yet.

Instead, he paused, requested an ALR hearing in time, and reviewed his company handbook. He learned the company required notification of any arrest within 24 hours, but did not automatically terminate guards with a pending misdemeanor DWI. With guidance, he reported that he had a pending DWI, that he was contesting both the criminal and ALR cases, and that he could still legally drive at that moment.

During the ALR process, the officer’s driving privileges were preserved while the case moved through court. The company temporarily reassigned him off a high-profile driving post but kept him employed. Eventually, the criminal case resolved without a DWI conviction, which avoided the most serious CDL consequences and made it easier to explain future background checks.

Your facts may be very different, but this story shows a key point: the timing and wording of what you report can change the outcome for your security license and your driving career.

What “Professional Discipline DWI Texas” Really Means For Security Guards

Professional discipline after a DWI can take many forms. For a Houston security guard, that might include:

• Warnings or probation on your license, including conditions like counseling or alcohol education.
• Restrictions on armed status or assignments to certain locations.
• Temporary suspension or, in more serious or repeated cases, revocation of the license.

One common misconception is that a first DWI automatically means your guard license is gone forever. In reality, licensing authorities often look at the total picture: your record before the incident, whether anyone was injured, your BAC level, whether you complied with conditions, and whether you are making changes to avoid repeat problems.

If you are a Solution-seeking professional, you likely want real-world probabilities, not scare tactics. While no one can guarantee an outcome, many first-time DWI security guards in Texas are able to continue working in some capacity, especially when the case is handled carefully, evidence is thoroughly reviewed, and deadlines are met.

What Experts Check Early In a Security License DWI Texas Case

If you are the type who wants a checklist, here are some of the early items experienced Texas DWI lawyers and licensing counsel often review when a guard or CDL holder is arrested for DWI:

• Whether the ALR request deadline has been met and how to preserve the right to contest a suspension.
• Exact criminal charges filed, including any enhancements or additional counts, and immediate steps to take after a Texas DWI arrest that fit your fact pattern.
• Job description, employer policies, and any contract language for specific posts like refineries or hospitals.
• Security licensing rules that apply to your specific license class and whether they require reporting arrests, charges, or only convictions.
• CDL status, driving history, and how a possible suspension or disqualification overlaps with your job duties.

For a Career-critical nurse reading this with a family member in security, the same logic applies: professional boards and licensing agencies usually care most about honesty, timelines, and whether the final record shows a pattern of risky behavior or a one-time event addressed with real changes.

Employer Notification and Houston DWI Employment Impact

Guard companies vary widely in how they treat a DWI arrest. Some have zero-tolerance policies for any alcohol related driving incident. Others look at the facts and the outcome before deciding whether to terminate or reassign you.

From an employment perspective, the biggest issues tend to be:

• Client site rules, such as hospitals, schools, or petrochemical facilities that require clean driving records or no pending alcohol charges.
• Company insurance policies about who can drive company vehicles or carry firearms.
• Union or internal HR policies that require notification within a certain number of days.

When you read about Houston DWI employment impact, it can be tempting to assume the worst. In reality, many guards stay employed with some adjustments, especially if they are honest within the rules, keep their driving privileges through ALR, and work on a realistic defense strategy. For more detail on workplace steps, some readers explore step-by-step advice to preserve employment after DWI as they plan conversations with HR.

If you are a Career-risk executive, you may need to balance safety, compliance, and fairness. Clear policies, consistent enforcement, and fact-based discussions reduce both legal risk and workplace resentment, especially when multiple employees have different types of driving records.

Costs and Consequences: A Wake‑Up Call For the Ignorant Young Worker

Ignorant young worker

The long-term hit can be even bigger. A DWI on your record can limit where you can work, whether you can move into higher paying supervisory roles, and whether you will ever qualify to drive armored trucks or specialized vehicles. Missing the 15-day ALR deadline can turn a bad night into months of walking, rideshares, or limited job options.

The good news is that learning these rules now gives you a chance to make better decisions going forward. Understand the deadlines, show up for every court date, and take the process seriously. Many young workers recover from a first mistake, but it takes effort and follow-through.

Record Sealing, Reputation, and the High-Net-Worth Client

If you identify with the High-net-worth client persona, your focus may be more on privacy, reputation, and long-term record control than on day-to-day guard scheduling. After many Texas DWI cases, especially for first-time offenders without aggravating factors, some form of record relief may later be available through mechanisms such as nondisclosure, if you qualify under Texas law.

The specifics depend heavily on how the case is resolved, which charges are filed, and what the final judgment says. While no lawyer can promise that a record will disappear, early attention to how the DWI case is handled, what is in the plea paperwork, and whether alternative dispositions are possible can improve your chances of later limiting public access to the incident. Discretion is usually better protected when you act early, not years after the fact.

CDL-Specific Concerns For Guards Who Drive Commercial Vehicles

Many security officers in Houston hold a CDL because they drive armored cars, buses, or other heavy vehicles. For these guards, the DWI arrest can have two separate layers of consequences.

• Layer 1: CDL status and disqualification rules under Texas and federal law, which can be triggered by a single DWI conviction, sometimes even when the incident occurs in a personal vehicle.
• Layer 2: Employer rules and client contracts that may require a valid CDL and clean motor vehicle record as a condition of assignment.

This means that even if you can keep your security license, losing your CDL may limit you to non-driving posts or lower paying roles. Preserving your CDL status whenever possible can keep more career options open.

If you are a Solution-seeking professional with a CDL, take time to understand the difference between a standard license suspension through ALR and CDL disqualification rules that can last longer and follow different criteria. These are technical, but learning the basics puts you in a better position to ask good questions and make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can You Keep Your Security License in Texas With a DWI

Is a Houston DWI an automatic loss of my security license in Texas?

No, a Houston DWI is not automatically the end of your security license in Texas. Licensing agencies and employers usually look at factors like whether this is your first offense, whether anyone was hurt, your BAC level, and how the case is ultimately resolved. Many guards continue working during a first-time DWI case, sometimes with modified duties or restrictions. The outcome often depends on both your legal strategy and how you handle reporting and deadlines.

Do I have to tell my Houston security employer about a DWI arrest?

In many jobs, your handbook or contract requires you to report any arrest or driving related offense within a certain time, often 24 to 72 hours. Failing to follow that policy can be its own reason for discipline, even if the DWI is later reduced or dismissed. Before you report, it is smart to review your written policies and get clear on the exact status of your case so you do not accidentally overstate or understate what happened. When in doubt, a short, accurate statement is usually better than silence.

How does a Texas DWI affect my CDL if I also drive commercially?

A DWI can trigger CDL disqualification rules that are stricter than regular license suspensions, especially if the incident involved a commercial vehicle or a high BAC. Even a first offense may lead to a period where you cannot use your CDL, which can limit your ability to work certain security posts that require commercial driving. Because CDL rules depend on both state and federal law, it is important to look at your exact charge, vehicle type, and prior record before assuming what will happen.

What happens if I miss the 15-day Texas DPS ALR deadline after a DWI?

If you miss the 15-day deadline to request an ALR hearing, your driver’s license is usually set for automatic suspension on a specific date shown on your paperwork. For many first-time cases, this can mean a suspension of around 90 days or longer, which can affect your ability to drive to work or operate a company vehicle. You may still have options like occupational licenses, but missing the ALR deadline usually closes off the chance to contest the suspension itself.

Will a first-time DWI stay on my record forever in Texas?

A DWI conviction in Texas generally stays on your criminal record permanently and can be seen on many background checks. In some situations, if your case is reduced, dismissed, or resolved in certain ways, later record relief such as an order of nondisclosure might be available, which can limit public access. Eligibility is fact specific, so it is important to understand how any plea or judgment you accept today may affect your record years down the road.

Why Acting Early Matters For Houston Security Guards After a DWI

The biggest advantage you have in the days right after a DWI arrest is time, and that advantage disappears quickly. Within the first 15 days, your ALR deadline can come and go. Within weeks, background check entries begin to show “pending” cases. If you wait until a supervisor calls you into the office, your choices are more limited.

By acting early, you can:

• Protect your ability to drive, which is a foundation for most security jobs in Houston and surrounding counties.
• Plan required notifications to DPS, your employer, and your licensing authority in an order that makes sense and uses accurate, limited language.
• Review the strength of the evidence, including videos, reports, and lab results, instead of assuming every DWI is automatically a conviction.
• Think ahead about long-term record and career impact, not just the next court date.

If you are a Career-risk executive or High-net-worth client, early action is also how you protect reputation and confidentiality. Quiet, organized handling of the case is almost always easier than damage control later.

For any Houston guard asking “can you keep your security license in Texas with a DWI,” the honest answer is that results vary, but your choices in the first days and weeks can either limit or expand your options. Learning the rules on Texas DPS DWI reporting, ALR hearings, CDL disqualification, and professional discipline gives you a real chance to protect both your license and your livelihood.

Use this guide as a starting point, make note of your key dates, and consider speaking with a qualified Texas DWI lawyer who understands both criminal defense and professional licensing issues for security and CDL holders. Clear information and timely action are your best tools to steady the situation and move forward.

For guards who hold a CDL, it can help to hear the rules explained visually and in more depth. The following short video, titled “Can You Get a CDL with a DUI in Texas? CDL DWI Laws, Penalties, & Tips From A Houston CDL DWI Lawyer,” walks through CDL specific DWI laws, penalty ranges, and practical tips to protect commercial driving credentials while you work through the separate steps for your security license.

Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer
11500 Northwest Fwy #400, Houston, TX 77092
https://www.thehoustondwilawyer.com/
+1 713-236-8744
RGFH+6F Central Northwest, Houston, TX
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