DWI License Suspension
You Could Lose Your License Fast—Unless You Fight It
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Texas, your license is already at risk. Suspension can happen even before your first court date. But we help clients across the greater Houston area fight to keep their driving privileges—and we don’t wait around to act.
Don’t Ignore the ALR Deadline
You Only Have 15 Days to Respond
After a DWI arrest, you have just 15 days to request an ALR (Administrative License Revocation) hearing or your driver’s license will be automatically suspended. This process is separate from your criminal case and moves quickly. We file ALR requests immediately and use the hearing to gather evidence, challenge the stop, and buy you time. It’s the first battle in your DWI defense—and we treat it like it matters.
We know what’s at stake. That’s why we prepare every case for trial, never accept lowball settlements, and go head-to-head with corporations and insurance companies to ensure our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Why Suspensions Happen
Texas DWI License Rules
A DWI arrest can quickly lead to license suspension—but you still have options to fight back.
Test Refusal
Refusing a breath or blood test results in an automatic 180-day suspension for a first refusal and a 2-year suspension for repeat refusals within 10 years.
Court Conviction Suspension
If you’re convicted of DWI, a separate suspension may be imposed by the court. This can overlap with or add to any ALR-related suspension.
Reinstatement Fees & Requirements
To reinstate your license, you’ll typically pay $125–$250 in fees and may also need to complete a DWI education course as a condition of reinstatement.
Test Failure (BAC ≥ 0.08)
Failing a breath or blood test triggers a 90-day suspension for a first offense and a 1-year suspension for any repeat offenses.
15-Day Deadline
You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest notice to request an ALR (Administrative License Revocation) hearing. Missing this deadline means your license suspension becomes automatic.
Local Rules & How We Handle It
License Suspension in Greater Houston
In the greater Houston area, ALR hearings are typically held downtown or virtually. We attend these on behalf of our clients and use them to question the arresting officer, challenge the stop, and lay the groundwork for a full DWI defense. These hearings often reveal weaknesses in the case before prosecutors even file charges.
We’ve helped clients from Houston, Pasadena, Spring, and Sugar Land keep their licenses by attacking the ALR process early. Even if your license is suspended, we can often help you apply for an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL) so you can still drive to work, school, or essential errands.
What Drivers Ask Us First
License Suspension FAQ
How soon can my license be suspended after a DWI arrest?
Your license can be suspended as soon as 40 days after your arrest if you don’t request an ALR hearing within 15 days. The suspension is automatic unless challenged. That’s why we move quickly to file the hearing request and start building your defense from day one.
Can I still drive if my license is suspended?
Yes, but only with an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL). An ODL allows you to drive for work, school, or essential household needs during your suspension period. We help clients apply for ODLs across Harris County and make sure the paperwork gets filed fast.
What if I refused the breath or blood test?
Refusing a test usually results in a longer suspension than if you failed one. But refusals can also give us more room to challenge the State’s case. At the ALR hearing, we may argue that the officer didn’t properly explain your rights or lacked probable cause for the stop.
Does the ALR suspension go away if I win my case?
Not automatically. The ALR process is separate from the criminal case, so you could win one and lose the other. However, we fight both fronts together and often use one to support the other. Winning at the ALR hearing also gives us leverage when negotiating with prosecutors.
Do I have to go to the ALR hearing in person?
No—your attorney can attend without you. In fact, we typically appear on behalf of our clients and handle the hearing ourselves. It’s one of the first steps in your DWI defense, and we use it to start identifying the best strategy for your case.
