An administrative law judge listens to evidence presented by all parties regarding the suspension or revocation of your Texas driver’s license. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, an administrative license revocation (ALR) hearing is your opportunity to contest the loss of your license and request reinstatement from the court.
Some elements that could influence the court’s ruling include:
- Considerations into your criminal history
- The strength of the evidence against you
- Measures you have taken to prevent the incident from happening again, such as enrolling in an alcohol awareness course
- Whether anybody was injured or killed as a result of your actions
The ALR hearing process can quickly become time-consuming and complicated. You must file your hearing request within 15 days of your license suspension or risk losing your driving privileges. This factor, and a myriad of other legal implications, could impact the success of your case. For this reason, you may want to consider working with a lawyer who can approach the court with a legal strategy that promotes a fair outcome.
What Generally Happens at an ALR Hearing
As we mentioned before, if your driver’s license is suspended or revoked due to a traffic violation, you have 15 days to request an ALR hearing. It may take up to 120 days for the department to schedule your hearing.
The judge presiding over your case makes the final determination after reviewing the evidence, and hearing presentations from both sides. An ALR hearing grants you the ability to speak in your defense or argue as to why you should be able to keep your license.
The decision is typically announced at the end of the hearing. If you do not agree with what happened at your ALR meeting, you can appeal the court’s decision.
Texas DWI and License Suspension
The Texas Department of Public Safety reports that being pulled over for driving while intoxicated (DWI) can result in the loss of your license and driving privileges.
There are several ways you can face suspension:
- Refusing to take a blood or breath test
- Taking a blood or breath test that registers a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08% or higher
- Taking a blood or breath test that registers a BAC level of .04% or higher when driving a commercial vehicle
Motorists suspected of driving under the influence or refuse to take a sobriety test face an automatic suspension of their license for up to 180 days. That is the equivalent of up to six months, leaving you dependent upon others for transportation.
A DWI conviction can result in jail time, heavy fines, and other undesirable consequences. If you are currently facing a pending DWI charge, again, you may want to consider legal representation.
How a Lawyer Can Serve Your Case
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that when compared to the national average, Texas sees a marked increase in the amount of drinking and driving-related incidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, every 20 minutes, somebody loses their life in a drunk driving accident. While this information speaks to the gravity of a DWI charge, if you are currently facing this offense, you have legal options.
A criminal defense lawyer can:
- Determine whether the charges against you are legitimate
- Gather evidence that supports a reduction in charges or an acquittal
- Evaluate the circumstances of your arrest
- Determine whether there was probable cause for an officer to stop your vehicle
- Take into account your criminal history when contemplating the charges against you
- Negotiate for a plea deal with the prosecution
- Advocate for your legal rights
A DWI is a serious charge in Texas. The TxDOT notes that even for a first-time offense, you could be facing a fine of up to $10,000, 180 days in jail, and the loss of your license for up to a year.
Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg Today For a Free Consultation
Randall B. Isenberg has more than 30 years of legal experience, including time as a prosecutor and state district judge. He now puts this knowledge to work for clients in need of a criminal defense lawyer.
We understand what a stressful situation this is for you. We will patiently explain what happens at an ALR hearing so that you know what to expect.
If your driver’s license was suspended due to a DWI arrest, you do not have to face the ALR process alone. We can help you. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg now for a free consultation at (214) 696-9253.