When you are arrested for DWI in Texas, your problems do not end with the criminal charges. There is a separate legal procedure that begins virtually overnight, and it can act fast. It’s called the ALR Hearing, short for Administrative License Revocation. If you have one facing you, a competent Frisco criminal defense lawyer is not a luxury; it’s a requirement. They understand the system, the deadlines, and how to fight to keep your license.
L and L Law Group, a leading DWI defense firm in Frisco, guides one through the convoluted legal process after a DWI arrest. A professional defense team knows how to work quickly and effectively when time is paramount. The majority of individuals avoid the ALR Hearing, but the procedure is equally important as the criminal case itself.
What Exactly Is an ALR Hearing?
An ALR Hearing is not part of your DWI trial. It’s a civil proceeding by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Its purpose is to decide whether your driver’s license gets suspended following a DWI arrest. This may happen if you tested positive for a breath or blood test or if you refused a test in the first place.
The state acts fast. When you get arrested, the officer most likely removes your license and gives you a temporary driving permit. It is only valid for 40 days. Within 15 days of arrest, you must request the ALR Hearing. Miss that, and the suspension of your license automatically starts. That’s why it is so important to contact a Frisco criminal defense attorney right away.
Why the ALR Hearing Matters?
You might think having your license taken away is just the way it is. But the ALR Hearing is more than just about driving. It’s your first chance to fight back against the state’s case. Your attorney can attack the arresting officer, review their report, and start building your case before the criminal trial even begins.
If the officer makes a mistake, such as stopping you without probable cause or not doing things according to procedure while administering the test, those details will come to light. That data can not only be beneficial for saving your license but also for weakening the criminal case against you.
What Does The Judge Consider?
During the hearing, a judge will focus on several things:
- Did the police officer have a valid reason for stopping you?
- Did they have probable cause to arrest you for a reason?
- Did you get breath or blood tested, and was it over the limit?
- Did you refuse the test after being informed of what would be done to you?
This is not a criminal trial, and the state has to prove less. The state only has to prove it was “more likely than not” that you were drunk or would not take the test. However, the hearing gives you and your lawyer an excellent preview of how well or poorly the state’s case is.
Ramifications of Losing the Hearing:
If you lose your ALR Hearing, your license is suspended. For how long is determined by whether you failed or refused the test. A failed test can earn you a 90-day suspension. Refusing the test could earn you a suspension of as much as 180 days. If you have multiple offenses, those numbers are even higher.
Even if you do happen to lose, though, you can qualify for an occupational license. This allows you to drive to places that you need to go, such as work, school, or the doctor’s office. A Frisco ALR hearings attorney can help you obtain this license and make sure you continue to stay on the roads legally.
Why You Need a Frisco ALR Hearings Attorney?
The ALR Hearing is not something you should go through by yourself. You need a Frisco ALR hearings lawyer who knows the procedure and can act fast. They will help you make the request within the 15-day time limit. They will also gather evidence, interview the officer, and give their side of the story. L and L Law Group is one of the companies that has built an excellent reputation for defending clients in DWI and ALR cases.
Don’t underestimate the ALR Hearing because it’s “not criminal.” There are actual stakes involved. Losing your license can disrupt your life and add unnecessary stress to an already stressful situation. But with the right help, you can fight back.
Regardless of whether it’s asking for a hearing, opposing the evidence, or asking for an occupational license, your defense starts here. Let a seasoned Frisco ALR hearings lawyer represent you and handle the stress so that you can defend your license.
