Administrative License Revocation

When you’re arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas, the criminal case isn’t the only thing you need to worry about — your driver’s license is also at risk.

Under Texas law, the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process is separate from your criminal DWI case and can lead to a license suspension even if you are never convicted. At The Santos Law Firm, PLLC, we help clients fight license suspensions, protect their driving privileges, and guide them through every step of the ALR process.

What Is the ALR Hearing in Texas?

The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing is a civil proceeding handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It determines whether your driver’s license will be suspended following a DWI arrest.

Under the Texas Transportation Code §§524 and 724, your license may be suspended if you:

• Refuse to submit to a breath or blood alcohol test after a lawful arrest, or
• Fail a chemical test by registering a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (or 0.04% for commercial drivers).

This suspension can occur before your criminal case is even resolved, making quick action essential.

The 15-Day Deadline: Act Fast

You only have 15 days from the date of your DWI arrest to request an ALR hearing with the Texas DPS.

If you do not request a hearing within this window, your license will be automatically suspended — usually 40 days after your arrest.

At The Santos Law Firm, we immediately file hearing requests and begin building your defense to protect your right to drive.

The ALR Hearing Process

The ALR process can be confusing, especially while dealing with the stress of a DWI arrest. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Notice of Suspension – After your arrest, you’ll receive a temporary driving permit and notice of potential suspension.
2. Request for Hearing – You have 15 days to request an ALR hearing with the DPS.
3. Hearing Scheduled – The hearing is conducted before an administrative law judge (ALJ), usually at the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH).
4. Evidence Review – The State presents evidence such as police reports, officer testimony, and breath/blood test results.
5. Defense Presentation – We cross-examine officers, challenge evidence, and present arguments showing why your license should not be suspended.
6. Judge’s Decision – The ALJ decides whether DPS has proven the case. If they fail to meet the burden of proof, your license suspension is denied.

If your license is suspended, you may still be eligible for an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL) to drive for work, school, or essential needs.

Potential License Suspension Periods

The length of your license suspension depends on the circumstances of your case and your prior record:

• Failed Breath or Blood Test (BAC ≥ 0.08%)

  • 90 days for first offense
  • 1 year for second or subsequent offenses within 10 years
• Refused Breath or Blood Test

  • 180 days for first offense
  • 2 years for second or subsequent offenses within 10 years

We help you understand the exact penalties you face and explore every possible way to prevent or shorten a suspension.

Why the ALR Hearing Matters

Many people mistakenly believe the ALR hearing isn’t important — but it’s one of the most valuable tools in your DWI defense.

An ALR hearing allows your attorney to:

• Challenge the legality of the traffic stop and arrest
• Question the arresting officer under oath (which can expose inconsistencies)
• Review the State’s evidence early in your DWI case
• Prevent or reduce license suspension
• Gather valuable testimony that can be used later in your criminal defense

This hearing can significantly strengthen your overall case and sometimes lead to the dismissal of criminal charges.

Defenses in ALR Hearings

We analyze every detail of your case to identify weaknesses in the DPS’s evidence. Common defenses include:

• Lack of reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop
• Absence of probable cause for the DWI arrest
• Improper administration of breath or blood tests
• Failure to provide statutory warnings (Form DIC-24) before testing
• Inaccurate or incomplete paperwork submitted by the arresting officer
• Violations of Texas Transportation Code procedures

If any of these issues are present, we can use them to challenge the suspension and strengthen your overall DWI defense.

Why Choose The Santos Law Firm for ALR Defense?

Clients trust The Santos Law Firm because we combine deep knowledge of Texas DWI law with proven defense strategies and personalized client care.

Here’s why we stand out:

• Prompt Action – We immediately request your ALR hearing to preserve your right to drive.
• Strategic Defense – We challenge every step of the State’s case for procedural and evidentiary flaws.
• Experience with DPS and SOAH Hearings – We understand how administrative judges evaluate ALR evidence.
• Integrated DWI Defense – We coordinate your ALR defense with your criminal DWI case for the best overall result.
• Compassionate Representation – We know how stressful this process is and guide you through it with clarity and care.

Protect Your License — Act Within 15 Days

Time is critical after a DWI arrest. Once the 15-day deadline passes, it becomes much harder to contest your license suspension.

Contact us immediately so we can file your ALR hearing request and begin preparing your defense.

Contact a Houston ALR Defense Lawyer Today

If your driver’s license is at risk after a DWI arrest, The Santos Law Firm, PLLC is ready to help. We defend Texans across Houston and surrounding areas at every stage of the ALR process.

Contact us today for a free consultation — and let us fight to keep you on the road and in control of your future.