Whether you’re guilty or not, if your license is suspended after a DWI it can put a significant strain on your daily responsibilities. However, you have a few options to help you regain your driving privileges. If you’re looking to get your license back following a DWI charge in Texas, the following blog will explore the steps you need to take and how a Kaufman County, Texas DWI lawyer can help you through this process.
What Steps Should I Take if I Lose My License After a DWI?
Almost immediately following a DWI, your license will be suspended. Generally, you will be served papers and have 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing. If you fail to request the hearing, your privileges will be suspended 40 days following the arrest.
An ALR hearing allows you to discuss the details surrounding your arrest. The committee will examine the evidence presented by both sides to determine whether or not the suspension should be enacted.
If you do not request a hearing or do not win your hearing, your license will be suspended. However, you will still have options to keep your driving privileges. When you are the primary provider for your household, have to attend school or a rehabilitation program, or must take your children to school, you can apply for an occupational driver’s license (ODL). This allows you to travel under restricted circumstances.
Should you apply and qualify for an ODL, you’ll need to fill out a form SR-22 which ensures you have the minimum coverage applicable by state law.
How Can an Attorney Help Me?
However, the best way to retain your driver’s license is to hire an attorney to represent you. Whether you were simply sleeping in your car with the heat on or you didn’t realize that you had one too many, an attorney can help you navigate this process. Though there are some options you can invest in, you’ll need the assistance of an attorney to give you the best shot at retaining your license.
An experienced attorney will be able to examine the circumstances surrounding your arrest to provide you with the best possible defense. It’s imperative to contact an attorney immediately after you are arrested so you can consult on the best course of action to take before making a decision. This is especially important to consider for an ALR hearing. While you technically do not need an attorney, ensuring you have a lawyer to represent you during this process can help improve your chances of retaining your license.
At Harrell & Paulson, our dedicated legal team has the experience you need to help you through this process. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you through this process.
