In Fort Worth, your very first drunk driving conviction will carry harsh penalties and leave you with a permanent criminal record. Following a first conviction for DWI in Texas, you can expect a suspension of your driver’s license, a substantial fine, court costs, and a jail sentence.

Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you may be able to fight the charges or participate in a diversion program to decrease the severity of your punishment. Engaging the services of a first offense DWI lawyer in Fort Worth can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you understand the options available to you.

Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg for a free consultation today: 214-696-9253.

What penalties might I face for a first offense DWI in Fort Worth?

In Texas, fines and penalties for DWI depend on the details of your arrest and your record. However, the consequences are harsh, even for a first offense DWI.

Upon your first Texas DWI arrest, you will face Class B misdemeanor charge. Texas Penal Code, Chapter 49, defines legal intoxication as having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or more.  Upon conviction, you may face as much as 6 months in jail and a $2,000 fine. You will also face a 1-year suspension of your driver’s license.

If your BAC was 0.15 or above, however, you will face a Class A misdemeanor charge. This carries a jail sentence up to 1 year, a $4,000 fine, and up to a 2-year driver’s license suspension.

Upon sentencing, the judge may require you to install an ignition interlock device in your car. Your sentence may also include probation, community service, and substance abuse counseling or attendance in a DWI education program.

Once you become eligible to reactivate your driver’s license, you must pay a surcharge of $1,000 to $2,000 per year for three years, if you want to retain your driving privileges.

What happens to my driver’s license after a Fort Worth DWI arrest?

In Tarrant County, the criminal portions of a DWI charge proceed separately from the driver’s license suspension process. Unless you meet a tight deadline for protesting your suspension, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) will automatically suspend your license.

As a part of a Fort Worth DWI arrest, the arresting officer will confiscate your driver’s license and issue a temporary driving permit that is valid for 14 days. Unless you request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days, TxDPS will suspend your license, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case.

The ALR driver’s license suspension ranges from 90 days to two years, depending on the circumstances of your arrest.

What are the possible defense options for a first offense DWI in Fort Worth?

Whatever the circumstances of your arrest may have been, never assume that a conviction is inevitable. To obtain a conviction, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were intoxicated, that you were operating a motor vehicle, and that you were doing so in a public place.

Also, every aspect of your arrest must comply with strict standards. At a minimum, the arresting officer must:

• Have a legal basis for your traffic stop;
• Have probable cause for your arrest; and
• Advise you of your rights before questioning

If the officer administered field sobriety testing during your Fort Worth DWI traffic stop, this may provide a possible defense strategy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests that officers use specific types of field sobriety testing to establish probable cause for arrest. If the officer in your case used other tests or failed to administer the tests in accordance with established standards, any resulting evidence may be inadmissible in court.

If the police used a breathalyzer to determine your level of impairment, the testing must have complied with established standards.

The Texas Administrative Code establishes state-specific breath alcohol testing regulations. Also, the NHTSA has published standards for DWI testing procedures and instruments. Any deviation from these standards may provide an effective defense strategy for your case.

Finally, in many Fort Worth first offense DWI cases, breath testing for BAC fails to comply with TxDPS standards. The standards require BAC testers to have a valid state certification. In addition, any testing equipment used must comply with all relevant maintenance and calibration requirements.

We will examine your arrest in great detail and determine if officers made any mistakes during the arrest, or while calibrating equipment, administering tests, or handling test results.

Do you need a Fort Worth DWI lawyer for a first offense?

Even a first offense DWI in Fort Worth can have devastating consequences.

Many first-time offenders mistakenly believe that the prosecutor will take it easy on them. But going to court without the benefit of legal representation is not the best way to protect your legal rights.

A -Dallas-Fort Worth DWI attorney from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg will bring an intimate knowledge of Texas statutes. We will also obtain and scrutinize the records relating to your arrest and chemical BAC testing, in search of potential problems. Randall can then use this information to negotiate on your behalf with the prosecutor.

And because Randall has three decades of experience as a judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney, he knows has insider knowledge of how the other side operates and the best way to approach each individual case.

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Schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth first offense DWI lawyer today.

As you research your drunk driving charges and potential penalties, you will find many options for legal representation. Choosing the right Texas drunk driving lawyer for you means finding an attorney that will answer your questions and explain your options. The unique aspects of your case mean that no one-size-fits-all option will best serve your interests.

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg provides a complimentary consultation and case review. We will review your case and create an approach tailored to your specific situation. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with a first offense DWI lawyer in Fort Worth: 214-696-9253.

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Texas has strict drunk driving laws and a “no tolerance” policy for drivers under the legal drinking age. If police catch a driver under the age of 21 driving drunk, she might face jail time, fines, and license suspension.

If you or your teen is facing DWI charges in Dallas-Fort Worth, you need an aggressive defense attorney who understands the steps to take to protect your future or your teen’s future. We can help mitigate the damage this type of arrest has on your child’s education, future job prospects, and other important life goals.

Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253 to set up a time to discuss how we can build a strong defense for you, or your son, or your daughter.

What consequences can I expect after a Fort Worth underage DWI conviction?

When Fort Worth police charge an underage driver with DWI, this young person faces the same potential sentence that an older driver would with the same charge. Not only could this include jail time, a suspended license, fines, and community service, but it also affects other aspects of the underage person’s life. After a DWI conviction, you must disclose your arrest record to apartment managers, universities, potential employers, and even some professional licensing organizations.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, a first offense DWI can result in:

• Up to 180 days in jail (if police find you with an open container in the car, you will serve a minimum 6-day sentence in jail)
• Driver’s license suspension of up to 365 days
• Up to $2,000 in fines
• Additional fees of $1,000 to $2,000 for three years to reinstate license
• Mandatory alcohol awareness course
• Community service
• Probation

A second offense comes with a $4,000 fine, 30 days to a year in jail, and a license suspension of 180 days to 2 years.

Do underage drivers always receive a DWI?

Not always. In rare cases, an officer might be lenient and give a driver a DUI (driving under the influence).

This might occur if the driver had a BAC right at 0.08 or if this is the driver’s first arrest. A DUI charge can result in fines, a license suspension, and a requirement to attend an Alcohol Education Program for Minors awareness class.

What types of defenses are common in underage DWI cases?

Depending on the facts of your arrest and other factors, we can build a strong defense to prove your innocence or mitigate the effect this arrest could have on your future. Some of the most common questions we try to answer when crafting an underage DWI defense include:

• Did the police have probable cause to stop you?
• Did officers conduct the field sobriety tests properly?
• Was the device used to test your BAC calibrated accurately?
• Were there other factors which could lead to an inaccurate reading?
• Did officers handle your blood sample properly?
• Did the police officers follow all proper procedures in the stop and subsequent arrest?

For example, police must perform two BAC tests to ensure the breathalyzer is working correctly. If one of the tests shows a 0.07 and the other shows a 0.08, we will thoroughly investigate the breath testing machine in question. If we find maintenance or calibration issues with it, we may be able to convince the court you were likely under the 0.08 limit while driving, or we might be able to get the evidence thrown out. This means we might be able to get the prosecution to throw out your case or reduce your charge to a DUI.

How can having a DWI defense lawyer help me mitigate the damage done?

Having the right lawyer on your side while navigating an underage DWI case is key in getting the best outcome possible. You want someone with experience, who is both aggressive and effective.

We fight for your best interests in both the administrative license revocation process as well as in your criminal case. We act quickly and aggressively for our clients, using our extensive knowledge of the state and local drunk driving laws and our experience in the local court system. Randall B. Isenberg was both a chief felony prosecutor and a state district judge, so we have insider knowledge of how the other side operates.

We work to minimize the charges against you, reducing the potential consequences, and ensuring the courts treat you fairly. We can even help you get your occupational driver’s license, which will allow you to drive to school and work.

Our goal is to help every client have a bright future, even if they made a mistake as a teenager. This includes thinking about what happens when you apply for university or a new job several years down the road. We consider all aspects of how a DWI arrest can affect your life, and work to mitigate all these potential negative outcomes.

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Schedule your free consultation with a Fort Worth underage DWI lawyer.

If you or your child was recently arrested or is facing charges for an underage DWI in Fort Worth, you need the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg on your side. Our team can help you understand and navigate the process, and ensure your rights remain protected.

Call us today at 214-696-9253 to schedule a time to talk to attorney Randall B. Isenberg about your case.

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Violating your probation is a serious transgression in Texas. It pays to follow any rules or regulations set for your probation because you will not like the consequences of violating probation. This could include anything from jail time to court-ordered rehabilitation or other punishments.

If you are facing accusations of probation violation, you need a probation violation lawyer in Fort Worth on your side as early in the process as possible. We need to act quickly and assertively to prevent you from spending time in jail and to protect your right to a fair hearing about the alleged violation. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253.

What can I expect after an accusation I violated the terms of my probation?

Sometimes, you may learn of the accusation against you before your probation officer takes any legal action. Often, a probation officer will call you into his office to discuss a possible technical violation and may or may not take action afterward. If this has happened to you, it is a good idea to give us a call so we can help protect your rights if your probation officer decides to pursue further action.

Another way many probation violations occur is when the police arrest you for another offense. The purpose of probation is to allow you to get the support and treatment you need to stay away from illegal activities. All too often, though, another arrest occurs during the probation period, leading to a violation.

The State of Texas probation revocation process begins when your probation officer learns of your alleged infraction and presents the District Attorney with a “motion to revoke probation.” The District Attorney’s office approves or denies the motion. Only then does the court issue a warrant for your arrest. If police arrested you for violating the terms of your probation or if there is a warrant out for your arrest because of the violation, you are already well into the probation revocation process.

No one wants to spend time in jail, so it is important for us to know about your situation as early in the process as possible. Depending on the violation, we might be able to bond you out quickly or you might need to remain in jail until your court date. When you call us, we will let you know what will happen.

After your arrest, your case goes back to the court that ordered your probation. The District Attorney’s Office has the burden of providing a preponderance of evidence you violated the terms of your probation, and we present evidence in your defense. There is no jury in these hearings, with the judge deciding if you violated probation and the consequences you will face.

How can a probation violation defense lawyer help me avoid serious consequences?

Our goal in most probation violation hearings is to present evidence to mitigate the damage done by the violation and to minimize its impact on our clients. We often present evidence showing compliance with any required classes or programs, good attendance at work or school, community involvement, and other positive life changes. This helps to show the judge you are working hard to overcome your previous mistakes and are staying on the right track.

If you did not violate the terms of your probation, we can also present evidence to show how your probation office got this wrong, and why the accusations cannot be true. This may be as simple as presenting phone logs to show you checked in as ordered, or as complicated as showing exactly where you were when you were allegedly violating your probation.

What are the potential consequences of a Fort Worth probation violation?

There are a number of outcomes possible after a hearing to revoke your probation. The consequences you face depend on a variety of factors, including your initial charge. Some of the options available to the judge include:

• Continue your probation as it previously was
• Continue your probation, but modify the terms
• Continue your probation with additional fines or community service
• Send you to a drug treatment facility, or other similar program
• Revoke your probation and send you to jail for the remainder of your sentence

Many people fear a probation violation automatically means they are going to jail. However, with a good defense, this is not always the case. As you can see, the judge has many other options and will often choose one of these options if we can present an aggressive defense.

How can Randall B. Isenberg help me fight a probation revocation in Fort Worth?

The elements of your probation violation defense depend on the facts of your case, so the best way to learn more about how we can help you is to give us a call. Attorney Randall B. Isenberg has more than 30 years of criminal law experience in Fort Worth, and understands how the probation revocation process works. Randall was a chief felony prosecutor and a state district judge so our staff most likely knows the staff working on your case, and the judge handling your hearing.

We know what the court wants to see when someone comes in for a probation violation, and how to effectively communicate that you are on the right track to prevent future arrests or other legal issues. Ultimately, your probation officer, the judge, and the prosecutors want to see you get the support and treatment you need to live a life where the court system plays little role. By showing them you are doing what you need to do to accomplish this, we can often minimize the consequences of a minor probation violation.

We are ready to act quickly and aggressively if they accuse you of a technical violation, or if you face new charges. Contact us today, and let us go to work on your case.

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How can I reach the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg?

If you face allegations of a probation violation or the police arrested you for another offense while you are on probation, you need a strong attorney on your side. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253 to schedule a time to discuss your Fort Worth probation violation defense.

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In Texas, a conviction on drug crime charges can carry significant financial penalties and years — or even decades — behind bars. Texas laws for drug possession, manufacture, or delivery are especially harsh. If you are facing charges for a drug crime, you need a drug crime lawyer in Fort Worth to help fight for your rights under the law.

For a free consultation, call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg: 214-696-9253.

What might the state charge me with after a drug arrest?

Chapter 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, known as the Texas Controlled Substances Act, establishes the basis of drug crimes, charges, and penalties. This Act contains almost one hundred pages of complex information.

The statutes group drug-related offenses into three basic categories: possession, delivery, and manufacturing.

Drug Possession

Texas drug possession crimes involve knowingly or intentionally having a controlled substance in your possession. This may mean having an illegal substance on your person, such as in a pocket or handbag, or having them in a location that is under your direct control, such as your car or house.

Drug Delivery

Under Texas law, drug delivery crimes include intentionally or knowingly giving, transferring, selling, distributing, or trafficking a controlled substance.

Drug Manufacturing

Texas drug manufacturing laws encompass growing, preparing, or producing a controlled substance. Even buying or possessing the chemical ingredients necessary to produce a controlled substance may qualify as a crime under these statutes.

How does the state determine drug crimes?

The level of offense that the prosecutor may impose for drug crimes involves four key elements:

1. The type of drug involved
2. The quantity of the drug
3. The circumstances of the offense
4. Your criminal history

Some circumstances that can enhance the level of your charges include violating these laws in a school zone or drug-free zone, or the presence of a minor child when you commit the crime.

What drugs are illegal in Tarrant County, Texas?

Texas statutes list hundreds of different controlled substances and drugs that are always illegal, or that may be illegal in certain circumstances. Controlled substances are so-named because they present a high risk for abuse or harm and, thus, must be legally controlled.

The laws categorize drugs into four main penalty groups. A partial list of drugs contained in those groups are as follows:

Penalty Group 1:         Opiates and opiate derivatives, including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, ketamine (Special K), PCP

Penalty Group 1-A:     Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

Penalty Group 2:         Hallucinogens and depressant/stimulant compounds, including ecstasy, MDMA, mescaline (peyote), bath salts, molly, psilocybin (mushrooms), and analog drugs (designer drugs)

Penalty Group 2-A:     Synthetic marijuana (e.g., spice, K2, etc.)

Penalty Group 3:         Stimulant and depressant drugs and some narcotics, including Ritalin, alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam, clonazepam, diazepam, hydrocodone, codeine, human growth hormone (HGH) and testosterone

Penalty Group 4:         Narcotic compound with nonnarcotic active ingredients, including morphine, buprenorphine, pyrovalerone, and other

Note that marijuana is not contained within any of the above penalty groups, although it is illegal in Texas.

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What are the penalties for a Fort Worth drug possession conviction?

The court calculates punishment for a drug possession conviction in Texas based on the penalty group of the drug in question, the quantity of the drug, and any enhancements or extenuating circumstances.

For example, if you possess between four and 200 grams of a substance from Penalty Group 1, the prosecutor will charge you with a second-degree felony. Having less than 28 grams of a Group 3 substance will earn you a Class A misdemeanor charge.

Although a few Texas drug possession charges carry a mandatory minimum jail sentence, most punishments range from six months in jail to 99 years or life. Monetary fines range from $0 to $100,000.

Marijuana possession charges start with a Class B misdemeanor for less than 2 ounces (up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine) and increase accordingly depending on the quantity in possession.

As quantity is a large factor in penalties, we will see if there is any way to convince the prosecutor to charge you for possessing a smaller amount.

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What are the penalties for drug delivery and manufacturing convictions?

Texas drug possession charges are some of the harshest in the United States. When your charges increase for delivery or manufacturing, the potential penalties also increase exponentially.

If you are charged with drug delivery, also commonly known as drug dealing or drug trafficking, the potential penalties depend on the drug and quantity as well as any enhancements.

You will face felony charges regardless of the type of drug or the quantity.

Am I eligible for the Tarrant County First Offender Program?

Tarrant County offers a First Offender Drug Program, designed to help first-time offenders change their ways and avoid harsher penalties. To qualify for this program, you may not have pending charges or a prior conviction of any crime beyond a Class C misdemeanor.

To apply for this program, you must have an attorney to submit your application within 90 days of the filing of your charges. If the Tarrant County District Attorney (DA) approves the application, you must enter a guilty plea in court. If you complete the program in the allowed timeframe, the DA will dismiss your charges.

If you do not complete the program, your guilty plea will stand on the record and the court will sentence you accordingly. Randall will let you know if you qualify for the first offender program.

What are your other options for drug crime charges?

If you are facing drug crime charges in Tarrant County, your other options are limited.

You could plead guilty and accept the court’s sentence for your crimes. Or, with the help of a Fort Worth drug crime lawyer, you could explore the possibility of a plea bargain, which would allow you to plead guilty to a lesser offense. You could also opt to enter a not guilty plea and attempt to beat the charges in court.

Or, if your drug possession lawyer can find flaws in the prosecutor’s case, he may be able to convince a judge or the DA to drop the charges completely.

How can a Fort Worth drug crime lawyer help me?

At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we have decades of experience in the criminal justice system. Our founder, Randall Isenberg, was a senior felony prosecutor and a state district judge for 30 years.

We know how the other side thinks, which gives us a distinct advantage. We will look into your case, determine if the officers in your arrest followed protocol, or see if there are any other options to get the prosecution to throw out the case or charge you with a lesser crime.

The potential penalties for a Texas drug crime conviction are significant. The risk of confronting these charges on your own presents a potentially life-altering risk. In Fort Worth, the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offers free case reviews for drug possession, delivery, and manufacturing charges.

Call us today to schedule an appointment with a drug crime lawyer in Fort Worth: 214-696-9253.

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In Fort Worth, breathalyzer and blood tests provide police and prosecutors with critical evidence they can use to obtain a DWI conviction. Because these toxicology tests score your level of intoxication, they can help convince a jury that you were operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Breath and blood testing results are not always accurate, however. Many factors can influence these results, leading to faulty evidence that can threaten your future and earn you a DWI conviction. Fortunately, breath and blood alcohol tests do not automatically lead to a DUI conviction. If you are facing Texas DWI charges filed in response to a breathalyzer or blood test, a breathalyzer and blood test lawyer in Fort Worth can help defend you against this potentially incriminating evidence.

If you were recently arrested for DWI, schedule your free consultation with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg: 214-696-9253.

What are the DWI breathalyzer and blood test laws in Texas?

The Texas Administrative Code outlines the State’s breath alcohol testing requirements, administered and overseen by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) Breath Alcohol Laboratory. All Texas counties and municipalities must also follow these standards.

All police departments must obtain TxDPS certification for conducting breath alcohol testing, and all breathalyzer operators must obtain individual certification. All departments must calibrate and certify all breath testing machines in accordance with the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

How do officers determine the need for breathalyzer or blood tests?

If officers pull you over on suspicion of DWI, they must place you under arrest and take you to the police station to perform an official breath test. Before they can arrest you, however, the officers must establish reasonable suspicion that you were operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

They may try to determine this through field sobriety testing (FST) or, if one is available, a portable breath testing (PBT) device. But, while some police officers do carry portable breathalyzers, most do not.

Neither of these procedures provides reliable proof of intoxication, nor are the results usually admissible in court. That rarely deters an arresting officer, however, as they are often enough to justify a lawful arrest.

How do officers conduct breathalyzer and blood tests in Texas?

Once you arrive at the police station, officers will request that you submit to blood alcohol content (BAC) testing. In Fort Worth, officers typically measure BAC through breathalyzer testing, using one of two Intoxilyzer 5000 models.

A certified Intoxilyzer 5000 operator will perform the testing and generate a toxicology report. The operator must administer the test twice to check for potential variance between samples and to demonstrate that the equipment is working correctly.

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.

How can I fight breathalyzer or blood test results?

A breathalyzer and blood test lawyer at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can evaluate your toxicology test results, as well as evidence related to the testing process, to identify potential weaknesses and inaccuracies.

Some of the questions your attorney may consider while reviewing the evidence against you include:

Did the officer have probable cause to pull you over?

Police officers must have a valid reason for making a traffic stop. If you were speeding, swerving, or otherwise driving erratically, the officer might have had such a reason. However, your attorney will evaluate the officer’s explanation to determine if the stop was legal. Otherwise, any evidence obtained as a result may be inadmissible in court.

Did FST or PBT results support your arrest for DWI?

If the officer used field sobriety or portable breath testing to establish probable cause for arrest, your attorney will evaluate the procedures used during the testing. Police dash camera footage often provides profound insights as to whether the officer was justified in your arrest.

Did the officer conduct the breathalyzer testing legally?

Breathalyzer testing operators must have specific, up-to-date training and certification for the Intoxilyzer 5000 model being used. Officers must properly calibrate and maintain equipment, and must provide the supporting records and documentation upon request. Before testing, the arresting officer must provide you with the statutory Texas DIC-24 DWI warning. The officer must also specifically dictate the testing procedures themselves. Any deviation from these requirements may help your attorney in your defense.

Were any potentially confounding factors present?

If you are taking certain medications, or if you had any residual alcohol in your mouth when you took a breathalyzer test, it may have compromised the accuracy of the results. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, may also affect breath testing results. Your diet or using mouthwash can even cause a false positive toxicology reading.

Did the officer conduct and analyze the blood analysis correctly?

If you submitted to blood testing rather than a breath test for BAC, your attorney can explore the qualifications of the lab responsible for testing your blood sample. Flaws may also exist based on the location where the blood draw took place and the qualifications of the person who drew the sample. The sample may have been subject to contamination if officers did not properly handle it after testing.

Depending on the factors of your case, even if your breathalyzer or blood toxicology results were well above the Texas legal limits for DWI, an attorney can identify these and other factors that will potentially invalidate toxicology reports.

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Get help from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today.

At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we have both Intoxilyzer 5000 models used for Texas breathalyzer testing. We use these and other tools to help us understand and challenge BAC results for our clients. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to review your case, or to speak with a breathalyzer and blood test lawyer in Fort Worth: 214-696-9253.

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Your entire life revolves around your ability to drive. Driving to work, getting groceries, taking your kids to school — a DWI can take away your ability to do these things for months or even years. While you have the option to schedule a hearing about your Administrative License Revocation (ALR), you must do so quickly, put forward your best self, and avoid jeopardizing your case during your hearing. This can be almost impossible when you are worrying about the upheaval in your life. An ALR suspended license lawyer in Fort Worth can schedule and handle your hearing for you, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg to get started: 214-696-9253.

What is an ALR?

When officers pull you over on the suspicion of drunk driving, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) has the right to confiscate and suspend your driver’s license if you fail or refuse a breathalyzer test. This is known as Administrative License Revocation or ALR.

At the time of arrest, the officer will issue you a yellow TxDPS form, DIC-25, Notice of Suspension Temporary Driving Permit. This document serves as a 14-day temporary driving permit and provides critical information about the ALR process, including instructions for scheduling the ALR hearing.

The ALR suspended license hearing is an important component of the Texas DWI process but is often overshadowed by the criminal aspects of a drunk driving case.

Where does ALR fit in the Texas DWI process?

In Texas, DWI charges involve two separate processes: the criminal and the administrative.

The criminal aspects of your case typically take place within the Tarrant County criminal court system. This includes the arraignment, preliminary hearing and, if necessary, the trial and any appeals. The criminal process includes the determination of guilt and, if you are convicted, the assessment of appropriate fines, incarceration, etc.

The administrative process occurs independently of the criminal side, through TxDPS. The ALR hearing takes place at the Texas Office of Administrative Hearings and exclusively addresses your driver’s license.

How do you request your ALR hearing?

You can request an ALR suspended license hearing by submitting an electronic form on the TxDPS website. Once you submit the form, however, you will not receive any confirmation from TxDPS until it either schedules your hearing or rejects your application. In both cases, it provides notification by mail to the address on file for you.

TxDPS requests that you allow 120 days for a response.

If TxDPS approves your request for a hearing, the letter will advise you of the hearing date, time, and location. If TxDPS rejects your request, it will be too late to fight the suspension of your driver’s license.

If TxDPS does not receive a valid request for the ALR hearing within the 15-day period, or if you make any mistakes in your request, you will lose the opportunity to argue your license suspension. If your ALR hearing request does not reach TxDPS for some reason, you will have no way of knowing until it is too late.

Our team can schedule the hearing for you to ensure you do not overstep the time limit. We will also follow up to ensure receipt.

How does the ALR hearing affect your DWI case?

The ALR suspended license hearing is critical for fighting your driver’s license revocation, but it serves another purpose in your drunk driving case.

During the hearing, an administrative law judge hears evidence from you and from the arresting officer regarding the circumstances of your arrest. This hearing provides you with a critical opportunity to explore the prosecution’s evidence in your case, and can help with building a strong defense for your criminal case.

If the arresting officer made any errors during your DWI traffic stop, or if the officer does not recall certain aspects of the process, this information can be invaluable if used correctly.

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Why do you need an ALR suspended license lawyer in Fort Worth to assist you?

After a DWI arrest, an ALR suspended license attorney at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can provide a number of invaluable services, including assistance with the entire ALR suspended license hearing process.

• Scheduling your ALR hearing. Your attorney will handle completing and submitting your hearing request form, and obtain confirmation that TxDPS received it. He will follow up to ensure TxDPS scheduled the hearing and advise you of the important details.

• Protecting your rights at the ALR hearing. The ALR hearing uses the same rules of evidence and legal procedure as a criminal proceeding. This means that officers can — and will — use any testimony against you on the criminal side. We will prepare you for the hearing and help ensure that you do not incriminate yourself.

• Helping you avoid license revocation. Randall will represent you and help you put your best foot forward. He will investigate your arrest and work to disprove TxDPS’s case. He will also question the arresting officer under oath, to gain insight into any errors the officer may have made during your DWI arrest.

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Schedule your free consultation with Randall B. Isenberg today.

By contacting an attorney immediately after a DWI arrest, you have the best chance of protecting your legal rights through every phase of the process. Your attorney can help ensure that you understand your options and help you choose the path that is most beneficial.

At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offers complimentary consultations and case reviews for Texas drunk driving charges. Contact us today to speak to a Fort Worth ALR suspended license lawyer: 214-696-9253.

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