DWI License Suspension in Texas
If you have been charged with DWI in Texas it is critical to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of the incident.
Every person charged with DWI in Texas faces an automatic ALR suspension of their Texas driver’s license. The suspension takes effect approximately 40 days from the date of arrest. The ALR hearing is the only chance to contest the suspension.
- Is your license suspended right after a DWI in Texas?
Not immediately. You may still drive legally after an arrest. However, failure to request a hearing within 15 days will result in an automatic suspension. The suspension will go into effect approximately 40 days from the arrest date. - How do I get my license back after a DWI arrest in Texas?
If your actual license card is confiscated, you may request a new license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) website. If your license is suspended, you may be eligible for an Occupational Driver License. Learn more.
How Long is DWI Driver License Suspension in Texas?
For DWI first offense in Texas, drivers face a suspension period of 3 months to 1 year. Drivers with prior DWI convictions face a suspension period of 6 months to 2 years. Factors that can increase the period of suspension include:
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
- Child passenger under 15 years old
- Open container
- An accident, injury or fatality
How Long is License Suspension for Underage Drivers in Texas?
Texas has a Zero Tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21. Consequently, Texas drivers underage with any detectable alcohol in their system may be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Learn more.
Underage drivers face a suspension period of 60 days to 6 months for a first-time DUI charge. Underage drivers with a BAC that exceeds .08 face a suspension period of 1 year and underage drivers with prior DUI convictions face a suspension period of 18 months to 2 years.
What is an ALR Hearing?
An ALR hearing is an administrative hearing with a judge, court reporter, and State attorney. The ALR hearing is the first line of defense against a DWI in Texas. It is a defendant’s first opportunity to expose weaknesses in the State’s case.
- What happens at an ALR hearing?
The State presents evidence to prove the driver’s identity, the existence of probable cause, and whether there was a refusal or failure. - What is implied consent in Texas?
By choosing to drive in Texas, a driver essentially consents to test for alcohol or drugs if probable cause exists to support the request from law enforcement. Learn more. - How do you win an ALR hearing?
Winning an ALR hearing in Texas is difficult. The State has the advantage of having a low burden of proof, and not very many things to prove. No matter the outcome, the process of having an ALR can be valuable to the overall DWI defense strategy.
Glowing Client Reviews
Trey is the man! I hired him because I had overheard a county court judge mentioning how awesome of an attorney he is, so if an endorsement from a judge won’t convince you then I’m not sure what will. I sure do hope I never find myself in a pickle ever again but if I do, I would hire Trey in a heartbeat. He’s honest, transparent, doesn’t beat around the bush, and will work tirelessly so that your clean record stays clean and unblemished. 5 stars, highly recommend!
I recently hired Trey Porter Law to help our teenage daughter with a drug charge. In the state of Texas she was being charged as an adult which carried a much stiffer penalty. Trey is very responsive, helpful, knowledgeable and is always available to answer any questions or concerns via phone, text or email. He was able to negotiate on her behalf so it was a pleasant experience. I would highly recommend Trey Porter Law.
Trey really helped me out. He was straight forward and professional, and really helped me in my case. I thought i was going to lose my job, but trey did everything in his power to help me keep my way of life, and still keeps up with me any details on my case.
I really appreciated all he did for me.
Trey is a phenomenal attorney that gets the job done right! He is dedicated to help his clients.
He made himself available and answered all my concerns immediately! I had faith in him and he continued to prove his expertise by helping me. I highly recommend Trey Porter!!
Trey Porter fought for me! I am a nurse and thought my career was over.
Very thankful I got Trey Porter involved. He responds to messages regularly and was very thorough.
He saved my career. Forever grateful!
Mr Porter is the real deal. You get what you pay for these days. I know that from my personal business dealings. Attorney Trey Porter was no different.
He was prompt, professional and poised. I was charged with DWI, and Mr Porter got the charge dismissed. I could not be more pleased or thankful. If you get a DWI, hire the best — hire Trey Porter.
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15
Driving facts involved failing to maintain a single lane and speeding. Client refused breath test and forced law enforcement to obtain search warrant for blood. Blood test result was not used after challenge from Defense, and State waived and abandoned charge.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client was a college student, worried about the collateral consequences of an alcohol offense. After negotiation and review of the traffic stop, the case was dismissed. Client received no criminal conviction. The charge was later expunged and deleted from client’s record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15+
Client was involved in minor accident. Client was at fault in accident. A young executive, client was concerned that a criminal conviction for DWI would result in termination. After review of the traffic stop, it was clear the officer lacked probable cause for arrest. State eventually dismissed DWI charge. Client received no criminal conviction.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DWI 2nd
Client, a military veteran, was facing up to one year in jail. State could not prove intoxication by alcohol, and was prepared to proceed on loss of use by marijuana. After challenging the State to prove that marijuana was ingested at or near time of driving, and that marijuana impaired client’s driving, the State dismissed the case on the day of trial.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Driving facts involved a false claim by police that taillight was out. After challenging the reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop, the State was forced to dismiss the case when video did not match police report. Client has since expunged arrest, and has no criminal record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client is a public school teacher and faced immediate termination upon conviction. The facts of the case were bad. State was unwilling to budge in negotiation, and matter was set for trial – the last shot at avoiding a conviction and preserving client’s livelihood. State was forced to dismiss on day of trial. Client has no criminal record, and has since expunged the DWI arrest.
Contact Trey Porter Today
Request a free consultation
The stakes are high. Criminal charges can have devastating, lifelong consequences. During the free, confidential consultation, Mr. Porter will answer questions surrounding your legal matter, and discuss and identify potential defenses.
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, the State is working on your conviction. It’s time to start building your defense.
