The ALR Hearing: How To Save Your Texas License After a DWI Arrest
The ALR Hearing: The 15-Day Deadline to Save Your Texas Driver’s License
A DWI arrest does not automatically suspend your license — but the clock is ticking fast.
What Is the ALR Process?
The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) system is a separate civil action handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It determines whether your license will be suspended due to either:
- Refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, or
- Providing a sample at or above .08 BAC
The Non-Negotiable Deadline: 15 Days
You must request an ALR hearing within 15 days of arrest or your license is suspended by default — no excuses later.
Our office files ALR requests immediately to protect driving privileges and freeze the State until we get evidence.
Where Are Hearings Held?
For Montgomery County DWIs, hearings typically occur:
- Houston SOAH Office (State Office of Administrative Hearings), or
- Occasionally by remote Zoom appearance
Local benefit: We can force officers to testify early — giving us cross-examination before the criminal case is built.
What Happens at the Hearing?
The State has the burden to prove:
- The stop was lawful
- Probable cause existed for arrest
- You were intoxicated or refused testing legally
If they cannot meet these elements, we can win license protection directly.
Common challenges include:
- No reasonable suspicion for the stop
- Improper SFST administration
- Blood draw warrant issues
- Lab contamination / chain of custody problems
License Suspension Terms — What to Expect
Suspension length varies:
| Scenario | Suspension |
|---|---|
| First offense, refusal | 180 days |
| First offense, failure (.08+) | 90 days |
| Prior alcohol contacts | Up to 2 years |
An Occupational Driver’s License (ODL) may be possible — but it’s never guaranteed.
Why ALR Matters Beyond Your License
Winning at ALR can significantly strengthen the criminal case. Even if we lose the hearing, the officer’s sworn testimony becomes a locked-in record we can use later to expose contradictions.
Take Control Before DPS Does
You have rights — but only if you act fast.
Call now for immediate license protection: (936) 777-4891