The holiday season in San Antonio brings family gatherings, office parties, travel, and celebrations. Unfortunately, it also brings a noticeable uptick in DWI arrests. Every year, local law enforcement agencies including San Antonio Police, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas DPS increase patrols and set up additional enforcement initiatives aimed at stopping suspected drunk drivers.
If you plan on getting behind the wheel this holiday season, it’s important to know what to expect and what your rights are if you are stopped or arrested for DWI.
Why Holiday DWI Arrests Increase
Texas law enforcement steps up activity during November and December for several reasons:
Higher alcohol consumption during holiday events
More vehicles on the road due to travel
More late-night driving after celebrations
Funding for statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns
This means that even drivers who otherwise never have trouble with police may find themselves stopped or questioned this time of year.
More Saturation Patrols and Checkpoints
While Texas does not typically run traditional sobriety checkpoints in the same way other states do, officers can and do:
Increase the number of saturation patrols
Assign more officers to holiday weekends
Patrol outside bars, event venues, and entertainment districts
Look for erratic driving, speeding, or minor traffic violations to make legal stops
If you are pulled over, law enforcement only needs reasonable suspicion of impaired driving to begin a DWI investigation.
What Officers Will Look For During a Traffic Stop
If you’re stopped in San Antonio this holiday season, officers may watch for:
Slurred speech
Bloodshot or glossy eyes
Unsteady balance
Odor of alcohol
Difficulty following instructions
They may also ask questions like:
“Have you had anything to drink?”
“Where are you coming from?”
“How much have you had?”
Remember: You do not have to answer questions that may incriminate you, and you have the right to politely decline to discuss alcohol consumption.
Field Sobriety and Breath Tests
If officers believe you are impaired, they may request:
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
These include:
Walk-and-turn
Horizontal gaze nystagmus
One-leg stand
These tests are subjective and often challenged in court.
Breath or Blood Testing
Texas is an “implied consent” state, meaning that refusing a chemical test can result in a driver’s license suspension, even if you are never convicted. However, refusal can limit certain evidence against you, which is why legal guidance matters.
Penalties for a DWI in Texas
A DWI conviction—even a first offense—can carry serious consequences, including:
Fines with Texas state surcharges
Possible jail time
Driver’s license suspension
Mandatory classes or treatment
A permanent criminal record
Court costs, probation fees, and higher insurance rates
If an accident, high BAC, prior record, or child passenger is involved, penalties increase significantly.
What to Do If You’re Arrested During the Holidays
If you are arrested for DWI in San Antonio:
Stay calm and be respectful.
Use your right to remain silent—you do not have to explain yourself.
Ask to speak with an attorney immediately.
Do not discuss your case with police or others until you have counsel.
A skilled defense lawyer can challenge:
The legality of the traffic stop
Field sobriety testing procedures
Breath or blood test reliability
Officer observations
Any rights violations
Law Office of Roberto Ambrosino, PLLC – Protecting Your Future
A DWI arrest during the holidays can be overwhelming, especially when you are worried about your job, finances, and future. Attorney Roberto Ambrosino has extensive experience defending clients facing DWI charges in San Antonio and throughout Bexar County. The firm works quickly to protect your rights, build a strong defense, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Arrested This Holiday Season? We Can Help.
If you or someone you love has been charged with DWI in San Antonio, contact the Law Office of Roberto Ambrosino, PLLC immediately.