Houston DWI License Suspension Lawyer
Being arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Houston is a very serious matter and will come with several consequences. One of these is a license suspension. The license suspension is not part of the criminal consequences of a DWI but rather, it is a civil matter. A Houston DWI license suspension lawyer will fight back against these charges, and help you avoid a mandatory license suspension.
Our Houston DWI License Suspension Lawyer Can Assist with the ALR Hearing
You must request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing after being charged with a DWI. A lawyer can request this hearing on your behalf. When requesting an ALR hearing, there are some important things to know, which include:
- You only have 15 days after your arrest to request a hearing.
- Your hearing will likely be scheduled five to eight months after you submit your request.
- Hearings are not mandatory and it is sometimes not advisable to go if the arresting officer will attend.
- If the police officer was subpoenaed and does not attend the hearing, you win the civil case and your driver’s license will not be suspended.
If you are not successful with your civil case and your license remains suspended, you may be able to obtain an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL). With an ODL, you can still drive to work and school, but they are difficult to obtain. A Houston DWI license suspension lawyer can help with your ODL approval, and will refute the testimony of the arresting officer if they appear at your hearing.
Our Houston DWI License Suspension Lawyer Can Help if You Refused a Breath Test
Under the implied consent laws in Texas, your driver’s license may be suspended if you refuse to take a breath or blood test. Unlike field sobriety tests, these are chemical tests and you are required by law to submit to them if suspected of a DWI. The law states that all drivers give their implied consent to these tests every time they get behind the wheel.
The first time you refuse to take a chemical test, your driver’s license could be suspended for up to 180 days. The second time you refuse a chemical test, your license could be suspended for up to two years. It is important to remember that your driver’s license is not automatically suspended for this period of time. It only means the court will try to suspend your driver’s license for those lengths of time. When working with a Houston DWI license suspension lawyer, it is possible to avoid a license suspension after refusing a chemical test.
Understanding Occupational License Restrictions and Requirements
If your driver’s license is suspended due to a DWI, obtaining an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL) can provide a lifeline, allowing you to drive under certain conditions. However, it’s important to understand that there are strict restrictions on when and where you can drive with an ODL. Typically, an ODL limits you to driving only for essential purposes, such as commuting to work, school, or court-ordered obligations. Additionally, you may be limited to a specific number of hours per day or specific routes.
The court may also require you to maintain a log of your driving activities or install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. A Houston DWI license suspension lawyer can guide you through the process of applying for an ODL and ensure that you comply with all legal requirements, giving you the best chance to retain limited driving privileges during your suspension period.
Our Lawyer Can Help with Your License Suspension
At Ayson Law Firm, our DWI license suspension lawyer in Houston will help you overcome a possible suspension of your driver’s license, and we can build a strong defense for the criminal case you are facing, too. Call us today at 832-209-2297 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss your case.