In Texas, gun and illegal weapons offenses carry the potential for huge monetary fines as well as jail time. Upon conviction, you will have a criminal record and potentially lose the right to ever own or carry a gun in the future. A weapon offense lawyer in Garland from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help protect your legal rights and work diligently on your behalf to quickly resolve the situation.

Call us today at 214-696-9253.

What Penalties Can I Face for Illegal Weapons Charges in Texas?

In Garland, some of the most common weapons offenses relate to illegally carrying a firearm or carrying an illegal or banned weapon.

Another common weapon offense concerns people with prior felony convictions (in the last five years), active restraining orders, or prior domestic assault convictions.

A simple weapon offense typically carries class A or class B misdemeanor charges.

Conviction on a class B misdemeanor means the potential of a $2,000 fine and up to 6 months’ in jail. Conviction on a class A misdemeanor means a potential $4,000 fine and as much as 1 year in jail.

Under certain circumstances, prosecutors can increase weapons charges to felony status. In Texas, felony convictions carry the following penalties:

What if your weapon offense occurred along with another crime?

You may face aggravated charges if you carried a weapon in the course of committing another crime — whether or not you used or even pulled the weapon.

In the case of a robbery, for example, having a weapon during the commission of the crime qualifies you for aggravated robbery charges.

The penalties for an aggravated weapon offense will depend on the nature of your charges, whether you have any prior convictions on your record, and whether a child was present during the commission of the crime.

In some cases, the prosecution may seek federal weapons violations charges in addition to or instead of Texas state charges. If so, you may face a federal indictment or even a grand jury.

What are Texas’s firearms and weapons laws?

In accordance with Section 46 of the Texas Penal Code (TPC), most Texas residents can legally own a gun but they must keep it out of sight either in their car or their home. However, there are certain weapons that residents cannot possess, as well as certain places in which residents cannot carry a weapon.

Texas Gun Laws

In Texas, the law prohibits you from possessing, manufacturing, transporting, working on, or selling the following items:

• Machine guns
• Armor-piercing ammunition
• Silencers
• Short-barrel guns

The law also prohibits you from carrying ammunition or accessories for any of the above weapons.

The TPC prohibits open carry of a firearm in the following locations:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Churches
• Prisons
• Bars
• Amusement parks

In Garland, Title 7 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) permits you to carry a concealed weapon. However, you must also possess a handgun license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS). You must also keep the gun holstered.

You may not, however, carry a concealed handgun in any of the following locations.

• Airports
• Schools
• State or federal buildings
• Open voting sites
• Racetrack or OTR betting sites

Texas law also prohibits possessing or owning a gun if you belong to a known criminal street gang or if any court has prohibited you from firearms ownership.

Non-Firearm Weapon Laws

Under Texas law, you may not own, possess, carry, sell or trade any of the following items.

• Brass knuckles
• Grenades, bombs, rockets, or other explosive devices
• Nightsticks, maces, tomahawks, blackjacks, or other clubs
• Zip guns
• Fake bombs
• Chemical dispensing devices

As of September 1, 2017, it is legal to openly carry knives with blades longer than 5.5 inches.

How can a weapon offense lawyer in Garland help?

The first advantage that a weapon offense lawyer offers is an in-depth knowledge of both Texas and federal weapons laws.

Your attorney will also understand how to quickly identify and recover evidence relevant to your case and review it for potential weaknesses. Your lawyer can use this evidence to negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction of your charges or even a dismissal.

In fact, if the state has not yet pressed charges against you, getting your lawyer on board as soon as possible may help you avoid formal charges.

The other invaluable service that a weapon offense attorney provides is wise counsel. Your lawyer can ensure that you understand your options and assist you in making the right choice for your future.

If you have a criminal record, having an attorney becomes even more important, due to the harsh penalties you face. And, if your charges include weapon offenses at a government facility (e.g., school, airport, etc.) or other restricted location, having a Garland gun charges lawyer on your side may be the only way to avoid a lengthy prison sentence.

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Call Randall B. Isenberg for a FREE Consultation Today.

Act quickly if you face a Texas weapons offense, especially if the prosecution has not yet pressed charges.

Weapon charges do not automatically lead to a conviction and an attorney can work quickly to build a case in your defense. Your lawyer can endeavor to negotiate your charges down or away or, if necessary, present a robust court case in your defense.

Attorney Randall Isenberg will bring more than three decades of experience to your case, including time spent working as a felony prosecutor and as a state judge. This experience, combined with an in-depth knowledge of Texas and federal laws, can help ensure the protection of your legal rights and produce the best possible outcome in your case.

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg provides a free consultation and case review for potential clients facing Texas weapons charges. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to speak directly with a weapon offense lawyer in Garland: 214-696-9253.

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Prostitution and sex crimes carry severe penalties that can potentially ruin your life. Even seemingly minor offenses may require you to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life.

To protect your legal rights and ensure you understand the serious implications of the charges you face, you need a lawyer who understands the laws surrounding sex crimes.

A prostitution and sex crime lawyer in Garland at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help you through this frightening experience. Contact us today for help: 214-696-9253.

What Constitutes Prostitution and Sex Crimes in Garland?

Title 9, Chapter 43 of the Texas Penal Code defines prostitution and sex crimes as follows.

Prostitution/Solicitation

Texas law considers engaging in sexual conduct for a fee to be both prostitution and solicitation. Likewise, so is agreeing or offering to engage in sexual conduct for a fee.

The prosecutor can charge you with either prostitution or solicitation, even if no money changed hands, and even if no physical contact took place.

The fee need not be currency either. Agreeing to sexual conduct in exchange for anything of value constitutes prostitution or solicitation.

Promoting Prostitution

Promoting prostitution, sometimes called pimping, occurs when an individual shares in the proceeds resulting from prostitution or solicitation.

You may also face sex crimes charges for any of the following offenses:

• Public lewdness
• Indecent exposure
• Disorderly conduct
• Child pornography
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated sexual assault

The specific charges you face depend on the nature of the offense and the circumstances of your arrest.

Engaging the services of a prostitution and sex crimes lawyer in Garland can help protect your legal rights and determine the best option to take.

What Penalties Will You Face for Prostitution or Sex Crimes in Garland?

Most prostitution and solicitation crimes in Texas bring class B misdemeanor charges. However, the state might elevate your charge to a class A misdemeanor or felony depending on any prior convictions.

If you attempt to solicit someone younger than 18, you will also face more severe charges.

For example, promoting prostitution carries a class A misdemeanor charge. However, if the prosecutor asserts that you promoted two or more prostitutes, an offense known as a “prostitution enterprise,” you may face third-degree felony charges.

And, if one of alleged prostitutes is under 18, you will face first-degree felony charges.

Below is a breakdown of the penalties associated with each level of prostitution sex crime charges:

Class B Misdemeanor

• $2,000 fine
• Up to 6 months in jail

Class A Misdemeanor

• $4,000 fine
• Up to a 1-year sentence

State Jail Felony

• $10,000 fine
• Between 6 months and 2 years in jail or state prison

Third-Degree Felony

• $10,000 fine
• Between 2 and 10 years in prison

Second-Degree Felony

• $10,000 fine
• Between 2 and 20 years in prison

First-Degree Felony

• $10,000 fine
• Between 5 and 99 years, or life, in prison

Does Conviction Require Registration as a Sex Offender?

If the court convicts you of prostitution or sex crimes in Garland, you must register as a sex offender, as long as your crime qualifies as a reportable offense in the Texas statutes.

Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure (TCCP) details all sex offender registry provisions. Your information will go into a variety of electronic databases accessible to the public.

The first location your info will appear is in the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (TxDPS) online sex offender database. The Garland Police Department also maintains a registry of its own and provides a link to the TxDPS registry on the department’s website.

Determining whether your crime is reportable under the state statutes requires evaluating the level of threat represented. Many violations require lifetime sex offender registration.

The categories of sex offender threat are as outlined below.

Level One Sex Offender

This level poses a low risk to the community and minimal risk of recidivism.

Level Two Sex Offender

This level poses a moderate risk to the community and moderate risk of recidivism.

Level Three Sex Offender

This level poses a high risk to the community and a likely risk of recidivism.

To determine your level of risk, you may have to undergo an assessment from the TxDPS. If so, you must meet with a seven-member committee who can ask virtually anything it chooses — which you must answer.

How Will a Prostitution Sex Crime Conviction Affect Your Future?

If the state convicts you for a prostitution or sex crime charge in Garland, you must pay your fine, serve your time in jail or prison, and register as a sex offender. This applies even if no sexual conduct occurred or no fee exchanged hands.

As a registered sex offender, you will struggle significantly to get a job or find a home or apartment to rent. Federal Fair Housing standards do not protect sex offenders from discrimination by landlords. Federal laws also allow employers to discriminate against individuals convicted of sex crimes in many cases.

Click to contact our Sex Crimes Lawyers today

(214) 696-9253

How Can a Prostitution or Sex Crime Lawyer Help You?

You may feel embarrassed to admit what you are going through but that is not a good reason for accepting this fate. Unless you are willing to plead guilty to your prostitution or sex crimes charges and suffer the potentially life-altering consequences, you should get a lawyer and fight for your future.

A solicitation and sex crime attorney can ensure that you understand your options and how they may affect your life.

Prosecutors often assume that individuals facing this type of charge will not fight back. Your lawyer will evaluate all the facts of your case and negotiate with the prosecutor to have your charges dropped or reduced. And, if necessary, we can build an aggressive defense and take your case to court.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

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Make Your Appointment with a Garland Sex Crime Lawyer Today

You need an attorney who will fight on your behalf, all the way to the courtroom if necessary.

To find the right sex crime or prostitution lawyer, look for a law firm that recognizes how difficult your circumstances are and who understands that, sometimes, bad things happen to good people.

In Garland, attorney Randall Isenberg of the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg does understand. With more than three decades of experience — including working as a felony prosecutor and judge — Randall knows how the other side operates and will put this insider knowledge to work for your case.

Schedule your free consultation today: 214-696-9253.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

Violating your probation in Garland can land you in jail, potentially for much longer than your original sentence. Once the state moves to adjudicate or revoke probation, you lose many of your legal rights. One right you do not lose is the right to defend yourself against probation violation allegations.

If you hope to avoid going back to jail — potentially for the maximum sentence allowed for your crime — you need help from a probation violation lawyer in Garland.

Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg to get started: 214-696-9253.

How Can a Probation Violation Lawyer Help You?

To get probation for a Texas criminal conviction, you agreed to comply with the terms set forth by the court. In exchange for your pledge, the court agreed to grant you your freedom — based on certain conditions.

When you violate those terms, however, the court can, and will, revoke your agreement. When that happens, you will go back to jail. But, rather than serving the sentence you received originally, the court can compel you to serve the maximum sentence allowable for your crime.

To avoid this fate, you must make a persuasive case to the court. And, to do this, you need a probational violation lawyer in Garland to represent you and to protect what few legal rights you have left once you violate your probation.

What Rights Do You Lose and Keep as a Probation Violator?

Once you violate your probation in Texas, you lose the right to a jury trial. Instead, the judge who passed sentence originally will typically hear your probation revocation hearing and decide what happens next.

You also lose the right to the reasonable doubt standard. The state needs to only prove its case by a preponderance of the evidence, rather than the typical reasonable doubt standard.

You do, however, retain some key legal rights:

• You have the right to legal counsel.
• You have the right to present evidence in your defense.
• You have the legal right to enter a plea in response to your alleged violation.

Your probation violation attorney can ensure the protection of those rights you do have left, and work within those rights to improve the outcome of your case.

What Happens When You Violate Probation in Garland?

When you violate probation in Garland, the punishment depends on what type of probation the court originally gave you.

Probation (sometimes called community supervision) refers to the conditions, sanctions, programs, and requirements the court assigns to a defendant in lieu of a jail or prison term. The Texas probation statutes establish the parameters of probation in Garland, using two main categories of agreements for accomplishing this objective.

Suspended Sentence

Also known as “regular” or “straight probation,” the court uses this type of agreement upon conviction or the acceptance of a plea deal. In a suspended sentence agreement, the court agrees to suspend some portion of the jail or prison sentence the defendant must otherwise serve. If you violate a suspended sentence agreement, the court issues a Motion to Revoke the probation agreement. After a violation hearing, the court will order incarceration for the remainder of your sentence.

Deferred Adjudication

The court uses this type of agreement in the absence of a conviction. In other words, the court gave the defendant a probation agreement rather a trial. Upon the full and successful completion of all the terms of the agreement, the court will drop the original charges. If the defendant fails to complete the agreement, the court files a Motion to Adjudicate. After a violation hearing, the court will impose a guilty verdict and order you to serve the maximum statutory sentence.

If you have a probation violation attorney, however, your lawyer can potentially push through a third option. Your lawyer can work with the court to negotiate a modification of your original agreement.

This may add conditions or time to your original agreement. But it may also keep you from going back to jail.

What Constitutes a Probation Violation in Garland?

The original probation agreement establishes the restrictions and conditions of your arrangement. Whenever you violate any of those terms, you violate your probation.

Some actions commonly associated with a probation violation include the following:

• Breaking the law or committing a crime
• Associating with known criminals
• Drinking alcohol
• Taking drugs
• Leaving the state or county without permission

In most probation agreements, you must avoid certain actions while completing specific obligations imposed by the court. The following list includes the requirements that most courts require:

• Holding a job
• Reporting to a probation officer
• Performing community service
• Completing specific counseling or education programs
• Reporting for periodic substance testing

Although this list contains some of the most common types of violations, you will violate your probation if you fail to meet any of the requirements of your agreement.

Click to contact our Probation Violation Lawyers today

(214) 696-9253

What Can I Expect After Violating Probation?

Upon an arrest for probation violation, the court will schedule a hearing on the matter. If you had deferred adjudication, the court will release you on bond in most cases. If yours was a suspended sentence agreement, the court will hold you in jail without bond.

Unless you get a lawyer, you may remain in jail until you serve out your sentence.

When you have an attorney, however, you may discover options you never knew existed. Probation violation attorneys understand how to negotiate with the court and hammer out an acceptable agreement that often does not require you to serve out your sentence.

And, even if the court revokes your probation, your lawyer can negotiate to have it reinstated later.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

(214) 696-9253

Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg Today

If you are facing charges for a probation violation, your future and freedom is at stake. You need an attorney who understands the laws and how to work with the system.

Attorney Randall Isenberg has more than 30 years’ experience, including time spent as a felony prosecutor and district court judge. Not only can he protect your legal rights and assist you through every aspect of the process, but he will also put this insider’s perspective to work to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case: 214-696-9253.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

If you were arrested for family or domestic violence in Garland, you are facing significant monetary fines, time behind bars, and a permanent criminal record. Do not put your future at risk by facing these charges alone; talk to a family and domestic violence lawyer in Garland. A domestic violence attorney can explain your options and help protect your legal rights.

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg provides professional legal representation to clients facing family domestic violence charges in Garland. Call us today at 214-696-9253 for help.

What Is Domestic or Family Violence in Texas?

The Texas statutes define family violence as the threat or commission of violent acts against your spouse, domestic partner, dating partner, roommate, or family member.

The Family Code portion of the Texas Statutes defines a family member as a person who is related to you, biologically or by marriage (in law). Besides those individuals related to you biologically, a family member may be your child’s co-parent, a co-foster parent, a current or former spouse, a current or former dating partner, or a current or former live-in partner. Even non-romantic roommates fall under this definition.

In most cases, you need not actually harm someone for the police to charge you with domestic violence. Simply the threat of imminent harm (i.e., assault) is sufficient for the state to press charges. Using or threatening to use a weapon and intimidating the alleged victim also violate the law.

Will I Go to Jail for Domestic or Family Violence?

You could easily land in jail based on an allegation of family or domestic violence.

The prosecutor will charge you based on the circumstances of the incident, any injuries suffered by your accuser, and any past convictions you may have on your record.

If the incident involved only the threat of violence or incidental contact, the prosecutor will likely pursue misdemeanor charges.

If the incident caused injuries, or if you used or threatened to use a weapon, the prosecutor will likely pursue felony domestic violence charges. If the prosecutor judges the incident as life-threatening, it involved smothering, choking, or strangling, or it involved a child, the state will pursue enhanced charges.

The following chart details the potential penalties for each level of domestic violence charge.

The prosecutor has discretion for determining the level of charges to file, based on what the victim experienced. If the incident especially traumatized the accuser, if the accuser sustained severe injuries, or if the accuser feared for her life, the state will likely elevate the charges.

If you contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg immediately, we can intervene on your behalf and, in many cases, convince the prosecutor to pursue a less serious charge.

How Does a Family Domestic Violence Conviction Affect My Future?

The most significant consequence of a domestic family violence conviction is a permanent criminal record.

And, the court will never expunge or seal your conviction.

This can affect every aspect of your life, from child custody decisions to getting a job. You will never again be able to legally own or possess a firearm or hunting license. You might not even be able to obtain a fishing license with a domestic violence conviction on your record.

If you work (or ever wish to work) in a field that requires professional licensure, you may want to consider another line of work. A domestic family violence conviction may lead to licensure issues for teachers, realtors, medical professionals, attorneys, hair stylists, and others.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me Fight Domestic Family Violence Charges?

In Texas, the police do not need any witnesses or corroborating evidence to arrest you on a family domestic violence charge. Once your accuser makes a police report, the state will proceed with criminal charges — even if your accuser later recants or does not want to pursue legal action.

Upon conviction for these charges, you may go to jail — potentially for as long as 99 years, depending on the specific charges you face. Monetary fines range from $500 all the way to $10,000.

An attorney from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help you fight for your freedom and your future by building a strong case in your defense.

We can obtain and analyze the prosecution’s evidence to determine the strength of the state’s case. Because the prosecution must prove every element of its case to win a conviction, we can identify potential areas of weakness and capitalize on them to your benefit.

If our team identifies questionable information in the police report, especially if witness statements fail to support the report’s version of the incident, we can negotiate for reduced charges or even a full dismissal.

If this approach does not work, your lawyer can begin building a case to defend you in court.

Some potential defense strategies include:

• Self-defense
• Defense of others
• False accusations

Your attorney may also argue that the incident in question was simply an accident or misunderstanding.

If the state has a strong case against you, your lawyer may recommend that you take preemptive steps to help reduce your sentence. This may involve enrolling in a counseling or anger management program. This conveys to the court your willingness to make positive life changes.

However your case proceeds, your attorney will ensure that you understand your options and make the best possible choice for your future.

Schedule a FREE Consultation With a Garland Domestic Violence Lawyer.

The sooner you engage the services of a family domestic violence attorney, the sooner your lawyer can start building a case for your defense. Randall Isenberg, of the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, will help protect your legal rights and negotiate with the prosecutor to potentially have your charges reduced or dismissed.

And, if necessary, we will represent you in court and attempt the best possible outcome for your case.

Randall has more than 30 years’ experience, including time spent working as a felony prosecutor and district court judge. This in-depth knowledge of the legal system can help you get the results you seek.

Contact our office today to schedule a free case review: 214-696-9253.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

In Garland, breathalyzer and blood test evidence gives the police the evidence they need to press charges. Worse, when the prosecutor uses these test results in court, they can be highly persuasive to the jury. What many people fail to realize, however, is that breath and blood tests may be inaccurate.

Attorney Randall Isenberg wants you to know that breathalyzer and blood alcohol content tests do not mean an automatic conviction. In fact, the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can challenge these results and potentially convince the prosecutor to reduce or even dismiss your charges. Call a breathalyzer and blood test lawyer in Garland to learn more: 214-696-9253.

When Can Officers Conduct Breathalyzer or Blood Tests?

In Garland, official breathalyzer or blood testing cannot take place at the site of a traffic stop. Instead, the officer must arrest you and transport you back to the police station to perform these tests.

However, before the officer can legally arrest you, he must first establish probable cause that you were driving while intoxicated.

Some officers use field sobriety tests to establish probable cause, while others use portable breath testing devices. Unfortunately, neither of these methods provide a reliable means of determining intoxication.

A breathalyzer and blood test lawyer can potentially leverage the unreliability of these tests to challenge the prosecution’s evidence in your case.

How Do the Police Conduct Breathalyzer and Blood Tests?

When you get to the police station, the arresting officers will ask you to take a blood alcohol content (BAC) test. In Garland, the police usually use the Intoxilyzer 5000 to perform breath testing.

Only a certified breathalyzer operator can administer this testing. The operator must perform at least two tests to compare the samples and to prove that the machine is working correctly. After the testing, the operator will generate a toxicology report.

The Texas Department of Public Safety’s (TxDPS) crime lab oversees and regulates all Garland breath alcohol testing requirements.

For the Garland police to perform breath alcohol testing, they must obtain certification from TxDPS. Likewise, any person who performs breathalyzer testing in Garland must obtain an individual certification to operate the equipment. Finally, the Garland police must maintain, calibrate, and test their breath testing equipment in accordance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) standards.

These standards help to protect the legal rights of Garland drivers accused of DWI.

Officers do have the option to request blood testing to measure BAC, rather than breath testing. However, blood testing must also conform to the standards established by law for BAC toxicology.

We understand these standards and can identify those occasions when the police fail to follow the rules. This can also invalidate the test results.

What Defense Strategies Might Apply in My Case?

Even if your breathalyzer or blood testing results indicate that you were over the legal limit for DWI in Texas, your breathalyzer and blood test lawyer can often spot problems that can convince a judge to throw this evidence out.

We will start by analyzing every aspect of your traffic stop, arrest, and chemical testing to identify any aspect of the process that did not comply with the governing laws and standards.

These are just a few potential defense strategies a lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg might use to fight your case:

Reasonable Suspicion

A police officer needs a valid reason to pull you over and stop your car. Driving erratically, speeding, or failing to signal a turn are all valid reasons, if they are true. If the officer does not have a good reason to pull you over, however, and your lawyer can prove it in court, the rest of the evidence collected by the police may not be admissible in court.

Probable Cause

Both field sobriety and portable breath testing may offer your lawyer an opportunity to question whether the officer had probable cause to request breathalyzer or blood testing.

Illegal Breathalyzer Testing

Breathalyzer technicians must obtain training and certification on the equipment used to test you. The police department must maintain, test, and calibrate the equipment regularly. Technicians must follow protocols and the police must provide you with a statutory Texas DIC-24 DWI warning before testing. Any violation may invalidate test results.

We have two Intoxilyzer 5000s on-site, so we know how they work, what certifications are necessary, and how often you must test and calibrate the equipment to ensure accurate test results. This knowledge can allow us to find and exploit an issue with any testing conducted by technicians.

Confounding Factors

Some substances can affect breathalyzer test results. For example, diabetes medications, your diet, and even mouthwash can skew breath testing results. Your lawyer can explore these factors and potentially argue that your BAC testing results resulted from any confounding factors.

Faulty Blood Testing

If the police department tested your blood (rather than having you take a breathalyzer), your lawyer will look into the lab that drew your blood and processed it for results. Labs can lose or mix up samples, accidentally contaminate samples, or commit errors in the drawing or testing phase.

Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg Today

The sooner you enlist the help of a Texas DWI lawyer, the sooner he can begin analyzing the prosecution’s evidence. If your attorney identifies potential problems that could get BAC testing evidence thrown out, he can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss your charges.

And, if you must take your case to court, a Garland DWI attorney can make a strong case on your behalf. The prosecution’s burden of proof is high, and your lawyer can potentially find one or more ways to establish that all-important reasonable doubt.

Attorney Randall Isenberg spent much of his career working as a felony prosecutor and state district court judge. When he puts his more than 30 years’ experience to work for you, he will work diligently to protect your legal rights and obtain the best possible outcome for you.

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg uses a variety of tools to help our clients, including two Intoxilyzer 5000 models we have on-site that Texas uses for breathalyzer testing. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and case review, or to speak with a breathalyzer and blood test lawyer in Garland: 214-696-9253.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

If you have a pending DWI charge in Garland, you have much to worry about. In addition to the criminal charges against you, you must also schedule an Administrative License Revocation hearing within 15 days; otherwise, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) can suspend your license.

Hiring a DWI lawyer in Garland might help you avoid jail time, stiff fines, a suspended driver’s license, and a permanent criminal record.

The Law Offices of Randall B Isenberg represents clients facing Garland DWI charges, fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact us today at 214-696-9253 to get started.

Do You Need an ALR Suspended License Lawyer?

Although you can attempt to navigate this complex legal proceeding on your own, having an attorney can provide numerous benefits. Your lawyer can protect your legal rights and put his knowledge and experience to work for you, ensuring the best possible outcome in your case.

These are just some of the ways an ALR suspended license lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can assist you:

• Schedule Your ALR Hearing. Your lawyer will ensure there are no mistakes on the hearing request form, verify TxDPS received your request, and confirm that TxDPS schedules your hearing. Because TxDPS will not contact you until after it schedules your hearing, you might not know of any missteps until after the deadline is over. We will ensure everything is complete.
• Represent You at the ALR Hearing. This is a legal proceeding similar to a court hearing, using the legal procedures and rules of evidence. Because the prosecution can use your testimony against you in court, you need an attorney to protect your interests.
• Argue Against License Revocation. If you lose your driver’s license, you will be unable to get to work or school or handle many aspects of your life. Your lawyer will fight for you at the hearing, arguing against suspension. If the judge decides to uphold the suspension, we can work to get you a restricted driving permit that will allow you to get to work, medical appointments, grocery shopping, etc.
• Shore Up Your Criminal Case. The ALR hearing will provide us with important information about your criminal DWI case. We can leverage this information to potentially negotiate to have your drunk driving charges dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense or, if necessary, use this information during your trial.

What Is the Garland Administrative License Revocation Process?

At the time of a DWI traffic stop, the police will determine whether they have probable cause to test your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for possible DWI charges.

If you test above the legal limit or refuse BAC testing, they will seize your driver’s license then and there. This initiates the ALR process.

When the officer takes your license, you will receive a Notice of Suspension Temporary Driving Permit, known as Form DIC-25. You must schedule a formal ALR hearing within 15 days or TxDPS will suspend your license.

A Texas ALR suspended license hearing is crucial to the disposition of your driver’s license. Unfortunately, you may be so worried about the criminal aspect of your case that you neglect to handle it.

An ALR suspended license lawyer can help. Whether your ALR hearing is coming up or you already missed it, your attorney can fight to help you keep your license — or get it back.

How Does ALR Affect Your Garland DWI Charges?

DWI charges in Texas involve the criminal aspect of the charges and a separate, administrative process, the ALR hearing.

The criminal portion of your case goes through the Garland municipal court. Here, you will likely face arraignment, a preliminary hearing, and, if necessary, a criminal trial or appearances before a judge. The criminal component determines innocence or guilt and assesses punishment (sentencing).

The ALR process is administrative, to determine what happens to your driver’s license. TxDPS handles it, separately from your criminal case. ALR hearings take place at the Texas Office of Administrative Hearings. During this proceeding, we will argue against your license suspension.

The Notice of Suspension (presented by the officer during your arrest) serves as a temporary driving permit, but it is only valid for 40 days from the date the officer issues it to you. This document also serves as a conditional suspension of your driver’s license and, unless you schedule your formal ALR hearing within 15 days of your arrest, the conditional suspension converts to a revocation of your license.

How Can I Request an ALR Hearing?

You can schedule your hearing by mail, by fax, or by electronic form on the TxDPS website. TxDPS has 120 days to issue a response, which it sends by mail to your address of record (the one on your driver’s license).

If TxDPS did not receive your hearing request, or if it denied your hearing request, you will not know for as long as four months. If it schedules your hearing, it will notify you of the date and time in the same manner — by standard mail.

If TxDPS declines your hearing or if it does not receive your request, you will lose your legal right to fight your license suspension.

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Will the ALR Hearing Affect My Garland DWI Case?

In addition to giving you an avenue to fight for your license, the ALR suspended license hearing can help your lawyer build a stronger case for you on the criminal side.

An administrative law judge oversees the ALR proceeding and hears evidence from both the prosecution and defense. The arresting officer typically testifies against you under oath, as does anyone else who has relevant evidence to present.

We will also have the opportunity to question the officer and other relevant witnesses, to learn more about the prosecution’s evidence against you. This is extremely helpful for your defense, letting your attorney discover potential weaknesses in their evidence.

And, with your attorney present, the prosecution will not be able to trick you into providing any testimony it can use against you at trial.

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Call a Garland ALR Hearing Lawyer Today

Attorney Randall Isenberg, of the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, brings more than three decades of experience to your case. In addition to providing DWI defense, he has served both as a felony prosecutor and a judge.

This level of insight will help him create a stronger case on your behalf and work towards the best possible outcome for you.

We offer a free consultation and case review to help you learn more about your options. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or to speak directly with an ALR suspended license lawyer in Garland: 214-696-9253.

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