Hays County Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearings Lawyer
Act Quickly to Protect Your Driver’s License After a DWI Arrest
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Hays County, the risk to your freedom is only part of the problem. You’re also facing the immediate threat of losing your driver’s license within just 40 days of your arrest.
In Texas, your driver’s license can be suspended automatically through an administrative process called Administrative License Revocation (ALR), completely separate from your criminal DWI case. The only way to fight this suspension is to request an ALR hearing within 15 days of your arrest. Miss that window, and you lose the chance to contest the suspension.
At The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway, we know how to navigate the ALR system and defend your driving privileges in San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, and throughout countywide. Our Hays County administrative license revocation lawyers move quickly, act strategically, and stand by you through every step of the process.
What Is an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing?
The ALR process is a civil (not criminal) procedure handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It focuses solely on whether your driver’s license should be suspended following a DWI arrest. In Texas, you can lose your license if you refuse to submit to a breath or blood test or you fail the breath or blood test (BAC of 0.08% or higher). In either case, the police should have provided you with a Notice of Suspension (often a temporary driving permit) at the time of your arrest. From that moment, you have 15 days to request a hearing. If you don’t, your license will be automatically suspended.
What Happens at an ALR Hearing in Hays County?
An ALR hearing gives you the chance to challenge the proposed suspension of your license. Unlike a criminal trial, this is an administrative proceeding, but it’s still formal and can have serious consequences. Fortunately, you have the right to legal representation at this hearing, which can be of great benefit to you. At the ALR hearing, we can cross-examine the arresting officer to question whether the traffic stop was legal and challenge whether the officer had probable cause. We can examine whether the breath or blood test was properly administered and review whether your rights were properly explained.
The ALR hearing is often your first opportunity to test the strength of the state’s case against you. It’s also a valuable chance to gather evidence that could be used later in your criminal defense.
What Are the Possible Outcomes of an ALR Hearing?
If we successfully challenge the evidence or expose procedural mistakes, you could keep your license. If the state wins the hearing, your license will be suspended according to the following guidelines:
- First DWI with a failed test: 90-day suspension
- First DWI with test refusal: 180-day suspension
- Subsequent offenses: Longer suspensions, up to 2 years
In some cases, you may be eligible for an occupational license to drive to work, school, or essential household duties. We can help you pursue that option if necessary.
Why You Should Never Ignore the ALR Process
Many people focus so much on their criminal DWI case that they overlook the ALR hearing, which can be a costly mistake. The suspension from an ALR is independent of your criminal case, and if you don’t fight it, you could lose your license even if the DWI charges are later dismissed or reduced.
When you contact our office promptly after your arrest, we will:
- File the hearing request on your behalf
- Represent you at the ALR hearing
- Work to preserve your driving privileges
- Use the hearing to collect valuable evidence for your criminal defense
How The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway Can Help
Our team has extensive experience handling DWI cases and ALR hearings across Hays County. We understand local procedures, we know what evidence to challenge, and we are fully prepared to stand up for you.
We help clients throughout San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, and the surrounding areas. From the moment you call us, we’ll make sure you understand your rights, your options, and the next steps to protect your future.
Call Now — The Clock Is Ticking on Your License
The 15-day deadline is strict, and once it passes, there’s no getting it back. Call The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway immediately if you’ve been arrested for DWI in Hays County. We’ll move quickly to request your ALR hearing, fight to keep your license, and build a solid defense for your criminal case.
