YOU HAVE 15 DAYS TO REQUEST AN ALR HEARING

What is an ALR suspension?

In Galveston, Harris, and Brazoria County, if there is probable cause to arrest you for driving while intoxicated, you will be charged with DWI (driving while intoxicated). In addition to the criminal charge, the Texas Department of Public Safety will start proceedings to suspend your driver’s license. This is done by an ALR suspension. It is important to note that you only have fifteen (15) days from the DWI arrest to request a hearing on the driver’s license suspension. We normally do this for our DWI clients. The deadline to request the ALR hearing is an important one that should not be missed. If you miss the 15 day period, your license will automatically be suspended.

We can stop the driver’s license suspension in many breath test, blood test, and DWI refusal cases.

How long can your driver’s license be ALR suspended for a DWI?

If you fail to request the hearing, your license will be suspended starting 40 days from the date you were arrested (or served with the notice of suspension).

90 days – if you consented to the breath or blood draw and the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above .08.

180 days – if you refused to submit to a breath or blood test.

2 years – if you’ve had a prior ALR suspension within the last 10 years.

These driver’s license suspensions are independent from any license suspension you may later face if you are later convicted in the DWI criminal case.

What if they suspend my Texas Driver’s License?

If your license is ultimately suspended by the Texas DPS, we are normally able to obtain an Occupational Driver’s License for you. This occupational license allows you to travel to and from work, medical appointments, and to perform essential needs.

It’s best to try to stop the suspension if you can and still have time to request a hearing.

We request in-person ALR hearings on all DWI cases. We consider them to be a critical step in the proper defense of Galveston, Harris, or Brazoria County DWI charges. If an attorney tells you otherwise, you are likely speaking with the wrong lawyer for this type of case.

Where are the ALR hearings held?

ALR hearings are held via Zoom teleconference now. Clients are not normally asked to attend the ALR hearing.

Before COVID, in Galveston County, the driver’s license suspension cases were heard at the Municipal Court building in Texas City. Harris County driver’s license suspension cases were heard at the State Office of Administrative Hearings. In Brazoria County, the ALR hearings were heard at the Justice of the Peace office in Alvin.

The DPS attorneys are skilled at what they do – they suspend licenses every day. You want the assistance of a talented, aggressive, defense attorney to preserve your rights…and save your driver’s license. Timelines matter here – if you’ve been arrested for DWI in Galveston, Harris, or Brazoria County, call Krieger & Tillinger today at 281-486-8125.