DIC-24-Statutory Warning
After a DWI arrest is made, the arresting officer must read what is termed the "DIC-24" Statutory Warnings. Most people do not know what this means, and it is completely understandable. It uses language that can be very confusing, misleading, and difficult to comprehend and process (especially immediately after an arrest occurs and one is about to be, or already has been, taken to jail. In the shortest summary possible, in my opinion, the "DIC-24" Statutory Warnings is nothing more than a very wordy, and long-winded way of explaining what will happen if an individual either submits or refuses to the taking of a chemical specimen related to their "BAC" level. And it further explains what the license ramifications will be for one who chooses either option. The license suspensions vary given the specific scenario of any given case, especially if an individual has any prior DWI arrests. You can read more about license suspension periods HERE. If it is a first time arrest for DWI, and one refuses to the taking of a chemical specimen, their license privileges could be suspended for 180 days. If one does consent to the taking of a chemical specimen, and it their first time to be arrested for a DWI, they could be subject to a 90-day suspension. I am personally of the opinion that they use this differential (180 days vs. 90 days) to entice people into taking a chemical specimen of their breath. This is precisely the reason why everyone should know their legal rights if you find yourself pulled over, and subsequently arrested for a charge of Driving While Intoxicated. A sample copy of a blank "DIC-24" is located below, and can be located HERE on the Texas DPS website.
Once a person is arrested, regardless of whether they submit to a specimen or not, they will then be given what is known as the "DIC-25" paperwork, which is a temporary driving permit, and advises one regarding their right to request an "ALR Hearing" within 15 days of an arrest, and the paperwork given will serve as their driving license until and whenever the suspension is actually lifted.
