ALR Hearings in Dallas, Tarrant, & Collin Counties
DWI Driver's License Suspension Process in Texas
After being charged with DWI, you only have 15 calendar days to contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) about scheduling an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This is your first and only opportunity to save your drivers' license from temporary suspension and for getting an occupational drivers' license.
In many ways, the ALR hearing is preparation for fighting your criminal case. That's why the Dallas DWI attorneys at Crain Lewis Brogdon, LLP help clients from the very beginning of the matter—not just with the criminal case, but also with the administrative proceeding. You may even have the option of having your attorney represent you in the ALR hearing in your absence (or you may be required to attend; it depends on the case).
Crain Lewis Brogdon, LLP can help you. Allow us to contact the Department of Public Safety on your behalf and handle your ALR hearing. Call (214) 301-5007to speak with our team and schedule a consultation.
Why the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing Is Important
The consequences of an administrative license revocation can be severe:
- If it’s your first offense, you face potential license suspension of 90 days—180 days if you refused the breath test
- If you have one (1) previous conviction within 5 years, you face possible license suspension of up to one (1) year
- If you have more than two (2) prior DWI convictions, your license can be suspended for up to two (2) years
Minors face slightly different license suspension periods, including 60 days for a first offense, 120 days for a second offense, and 180 days for a third offense. Typically it will take 2-3 months from date of your arrest for the ALR hearing to actually take place.
The purpose of an ALR hearing is to determine:
- If you pose a danger on the road
- If suspending your driver's license for an extended period would create significant hardship
Why Work with Our Dallas DWI Lawyers?
Your Crain Lewis Brogdon, LLP lawyer will prepare and present the strongest argument possible for letting you continue to drive. As experienced lawyers, we know what questions to ask and what strategies are most likely to succeed in challenging a license suspension (including what kind of evidence and circumstances the officer is likely to accept).
Once the ALR hearing occurs, if the hearing judge decides your license will be suspended, then we petition the county court for you to be granted an occupational driver’s license so you can continue essential driving to work, school, doctor appointments, etc.
Learn more about strategies for saving your drivers' license from suspension or revocation at the ALR hearing or criminal case. Contact our office at (214) 301-5007 or schedule a free consultation online.
