After a DWI arrest in Texas, your criminal case is only part of the problem. You may also face a driver’s license suspension through the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process. These hearings move quickly, and failing to act within the required deadline can result in an automatic suspension of your driving privileges.
If you have been arrested for DWI, it is critical to contact an attorney immediately to protect your license and your future.
Mike Seiler represents clients in ALR hearings throughout Montgomery County and surrounding areas and aggressively challenges license suspension cases.
What Is an ALR Hearing?
An Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing is a civil process handled separately from your criminal DWI case. The hearing determines whether the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can suspend your driver’s license after a DWI arrest.
You may face suspension if you:
- Failed a breath or blood test
- Refused a breath or blood test
- Were arrested for DWI or intoxication-related offenses
Even if your criminal case is later reduced or dismissed, your driver’s license may still be suspended unless the ALR process is properly handled.
Important 15-Day Deadline
Texas law gives you only a limited amount of time to request an ALR hearing after your arrest.
In most cases, you have:
- 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing
If no hearing is requested within that time, the suspension may automatically begin.
Because these deadlines happen quickly, early legal representation is extremely important.
What Happens at an ALR Hearing?
During the hearing, the State attempts to prove:
- The officer had reasonable suspicion to stop you
- Probable cause existed for the arrest
- You either failed or refused testing
- Proper procedures were followed
Your attorney may challenge:
- The legality of the traffic stop
- Officer observations
- Field sobriety testing
- Breath or blood testing procedures
- Police reports and evidence
- Constitutional violations
In many cases, ALR hearings provide valuable opportunities to examine the prosecution’s evidence early and question the arresting officer under oath.
Refusal vs. Failure Cases
Breath or Blood Test Refusal
Texas has implied consent laws, meaning refusal to provide a breath or blood sample may result in license suspension.
Possible penalties include:
- Extended suspension periods
- Use of refusal evidence in court
- Additional complications in your DWI defense
Failed Breath or Blood Test
Drivers who test above the legal limit may also face license suspension through the ALR process.
Testing equipment, procedures, maintenance records, and officer conduct can all become important issues in these cases.
Occupational Driver’s Licenses
If your license is suspended, you may still qualify for an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL), allowing limited driving privileges for:
- Work
- School
- Essential household duties
We assist clients with pursuing occupational licenses whenever possible to help minimize disruption to daily life.
Why ALR Hearings Matter
Many people mistakenly assume the ALR hearing is only about their license. In reality, these hearings may provide critical advantages for your criminal defense case, including:
- Early discovery of evidence
- Officer testimony under oath
- Identification of weaknesses in the case
- Opportunities to challenge procedures and timelines
Acting quickly after an arrest may significantly improve your defense options.
Why Choose Mike Seiler?
Mike Seiler brings decades of courtroom experience as a:
- Former Judge
- Former Prosecutor
- Experienced Trial Attorney
We aggressively defend clients facing both criminal DWI charges and driver’s license suspension proceedings throughout Montgomery County.
Serving Montgomery County and Surrounding Areas
We handle ALR hearings and DWI defense for clients in:
- Conroe
- Montgomery
- Magnolia
- The Woodlands
- Willis
- Spring
- Tomball
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
If you have been arrested for DWI, time is critical. Missing the ALR deadline can result in automatic license suspension.
Contact Mike Seiler today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your options for protecting your license and your future.
