After an arrest for drunk driving in Richardson, you must attend a hearing to determine if — and for how long — the state will suspend your driver’s license. This proceeding, called the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing, takes place separately from the criminal portion of your case. As a result of this hearing, you could lose your license — the suspension time depends on the circumstances of your arrest and whether you have any prior drunk driving-related arrests or convictions. An ALR suspended license lawyer in Richardson can help you fight to keep your license or lessen the length of your suspension.
Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253 to schedule a free consultation.
A Richardson DWI Charge Can Cost You Your Driver’s License
Simply being charged with a DWI in Richardson can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license — even if the court dismisses your case or the prosecution does not obtain a guilty verdict.
In fact, if you fail to formally request a hearing within 15 days of your arrest, you relinquish your right to challenge the suspension of your license at all.
When you first obtained your Texas driver’s license, you agreed that you would not drive while legally intoxicated. You further agreed that you would not refuse to submit to chemical testing for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when requested by the police. If you fail or refuse a test, the state will suspend your license.
However, you do have the right to challenge your suspension. Having an ALR suspended license lawyer by your side can help you fight to keep your license, but your lawyer will also provide several other key benefits during this process.
Why You Want an ALR Suspended License Lawyer on Your Side?
When you call on the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg to assist you with the ALR process, you will benefit from the knowledge and experience of our extensive legal team and network of resources.
We will handle every aspect of the ALR process, starting with the scheduling of your hearing and confirming the date and time.
Overseen by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS), your ALR hearing will take place at the Office of Administrative Hearings or a designated satellite location near Richardson. An Administrative Law Judge presides over the hearing and will render a decision regarding your suspension. This civil (administrative) process does not require the same standards of evidence as a criminal proceeding.
We Will Protect You Against Self-Incrimination
At the hearing, the arresting officer will give sworn testimony about the circumstances of your arrest and the prosecutor will present arguments as to why the judge should suspend your license.
You will also give testimony under oath. Both your testimony and that of the officer become of the record, which means that the prosecutor can use anything you say at this hearing against you.
When we represent you at the ALR hearing, we will ensure that you do not make any potentially harmful statements. We will argue against your license suspension, based on any potential problems we have identified with your case.
We Will Learn More About the Prosecution’s Case Against You
We will also have the opportunity to question the officer under oath. And we can use that testimony to our advantage.
The ALR hearing is our first chance to get a good look at the prosecution’s evidence and to question the officer in pursuit of any weaknesses or errors the police may have committed. This helps us craft our criminal defense strategies accordingly.
If the prosecution’s case appears weak, we may negotiate with the prosecutor to have your charges reduced or dropped. We can also use this insight to argue against license suspension or to minimize the duration of your suspension.
If the judge does elect to suspend your license, we can appeal the decision. We can also petition the court to grant you an occupational driver’s license, which will allow you to drive for specific purposes like work, school, and to handle any necessary personal errands such as going to the grocery store and medical appointments.
Understanding the ALR Process and Timeline
As soon as the police establish probable to arrest you for DWI, the ALR process begins.
The officer will advise you of your arrest and confiscate your driver’s license. The officer will then issue you Notice of Suspension and Temporary Driving Permit, TxDPS Form DIC-25. This form provides you with permission to drive until your ALR hearing.
You must submit your formal request to schedule your hearing, either in writing or using the online form provided by TxDPS.
If you fail to schedule your hearing, or if you fail to complete the hearing request form correctly, DPS will suspend your license on the 40th day after the date of your arrest.
This illustrates the importance of having our legal team handle these important tasks on your behalf, to ensure you do not lose your license due to a timing or paperwork error.
Free Case Review with an ALR Suspended License Lawyer in Richardson
Randall Isenberg has more than 35 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, felony prosecutor, and district court judge. This experience provides unique insight that our team will put to work on your behalf.
Contact our office today at 214-696-9253 to learn more about how we can help you, or to schedule your no-cost consultation and case evaluation.
