What Is the ALR Hearing? 
An ALR hearing is a civil proceeding in Texas following a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) arrest. It is separate from your criminal trial, but its outcome can have serious consequences for your driving privileges. When you’re arrested for DWI, you may be subject to a suspension of your driver’s license. The ALR hearing is your opportunity to challenge this suspension and keep your driving privileges intact.
If you’re arrested on Blackout Wednesday—one of the busiest nights of the year for DWI arrests in Plano—being aware of the process and understanding how to effectively present your case is key.
When Does the ALR Hearing Take Place?
After a DWI arrest, you have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). If you don’t request the hearing in time, your license may be automatically suspended. It’s crucial to act quickly to secure your hearing and prevent an automatic suspension.The Role of the ALR Hearing
During the ALR hearing, a judge will review the circumstances of your arrest, including whether the arresting officer had probable cause to stop you, whether the DWI testing (breathalyzer or blood test) was properly conducted, and whether you refused to submit to testing. The primary goal of the ALR hearing is to determine whether your license should be suspended due to your DWI arrest. A successful defense can result in no suspension or a delay in the suspension, allowing you to keep your driving privileges for a longer period.
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What to Expect at the ALR Hearing
The ALR hearing will typically take place in front of an administrative law judge. It’s important to know what to expect during the process to ensure you’re well-prepared:- Examination of the Arresting Officer: The prosecution will present evidence against you, including the arresting officer’s testimony. They will discuss the reason for the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and results from breath or blood tests.
- Your Defense: You will have the opportunity to cross-examine the officer and present evidence in your defense. This can include challenging the officer’s observations, questioning the accuracy of the testing equipment, or questioning the validity of your arrest.
- Burden of Proof: Unlike a criminal trial, the burden of proof at an ALR hearing is not on the prosecutor. The issue at hand is whether the officer had reasonable cause for your arrest, whether proper procedures were followed, and whether your license should be suspended. Your attorney can help you argue that the suspension is unjustified based on these criteria.
- Outcome of the Hearing: After both sides have presented their case, the judge will make a decision. If the judge rules in your favor, your license may not be suspended. If the judge rules against you, your license will likely be suspended, but you may have options for an occupational license to continue driving for work and essential purposes.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Navigating an ALR hearing after a DWI arrest can be complex and stressful, especially after a night like Blackout Wednesday when arrests are more frequent. It’s important to have a skilled DWI attorney by your side. A lawyer who is experienced in handling ALR hearings can help:- Challenge the evidence and the arresting officer’s testimony
- Protect your rights throughout the process
- Explore alternative options like an occupational license
- Provide guidance on the best course of action moving forward
What Happens After the ALR Hearing?
If you win your ALR hearing, you will retain your driver’s license, and the suspension will be prevented or postponed. If you lose, you may face a license suspension. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to apply for an occupational license, which allows you to drive for essential activities such as work, school, or medical appointments. The ALR hearing does not determine your criminal guilt or innocence. If you are facing criminal charges for DWI, you will need to defend those charges in a separate criminal trial.
Better call Doug!! Doug is the best lawyer you can find for DWI or DUI cases in Dallas. I read many reviews before choosing Doug for representing my case. Doug handled DWI and DUI cases for last 25 years, He has good relationships with DA office and is Well respected in the community. I have peace of mind with plea bargain today for my case. He also won other case filed on my license suspension. Amy (Paralegal) will help you through out the case. She is very persistent and detailed about the case details. You will never go wrong for chosing Doug. Goodluck. !!”
- Anil Lingutla
I was charged with a DWI and resisting arrest. Knowing Mr. Wilder previously, I went with the Wilder Law Firm to help me out. Their office was able to get my resisting charge thrown out and reduced my DWI charge for me. This result and lesser sentence allows me a better opportunity to recover from the mistake I made. I appreciate Megan being so kind and patient with me during my process. I would recommend her 10/10."
- Isaac Harrell
After being arrested for DUI, I contacted Doug Wilder upon recommendation. Mr. Wilder and his entire staff were amazing with their professional handling of my case from start to finish. Every time I rang with questions someone answered the phone, no long waits for a return call. This was important to me considering a DUI is so stressful. Mr. Wilder and his staff not only got my case dismissed but also guided me through the process and offered utmost care. I cannot thank them enough and highly recommend the Wilder Firm."
- JJ Canter
What to Do if You Miss the 15-Day Deadline
One of the most critical aspects of the ALR process is the 15-day window from your DWI arrest to request the hearing. If you fail to request the ALR hearing within this time frame, your driver’s license will automatically be suspended for 90 days to two years, depending on the circumstances. If you miss the deadline, it doesn’t mean your case is over. In some cases, you may still be able to contest the suspension, but your options become more limited. You can apply for an occupational license, which allows you to drive for essential purposes, such as commuting to work, attending school, or going to medical appointments. However, applying for an occupational license requires that you meet specific criteria, such as proving the suspension would create an undue hardship. An experienced DWI attorney can help guide you through this process and ensure you understand your options if you miss the ALR hearing deadline.How Long Does the ALR Hearing Take?
The ALR hearing is typically a relatively quick process, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your case. It is an informal hearing, not a criminal trial. The purpose is to assess whether the officer had reasonable grounds to arrest you and whether the proper procedures were followed. In some cases, the judge may take several weeks to issue a ruling. You will be notified of the decision, and if you lose the hearing, your license suspension will begin shortly after. Keep in mind that even if the judge rules against you at the ALR hearing, it does not mean that your criminal DWI case is automatically lost. The two cases are separate and need to be addressed individually.700+ ACQUITTALS, DISMISSALS & REDUCTIONS FOR OUR CLIENTS
Challenging the Evidence at the ALR Hearing
The key to a successful defense at the ALR hearing is often challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution. Common challenges include:- Probable Cause for the Stop: If the officer did not have a valid reason to stop you, the evidence gathered during the stop may be deemed inadmissible. The officer must demonstrate that they had probable cause, such as observing erratic driving behavior or receiving a tip about potential intoxication.
- Accuracy of the Testing: Breathalyzer and blood tests can be inaccurate for several reasons, including improper administration or faulty equipment. If there’s a possibility that the testing was done incorrectly, your attorney can argue that the results are unreliable.
- Failure to Offer a Blood or Breath Test: If you were not properly informed of the consequences of refusing to take a breath or blood test, or if the officer failed to follow proper protocol when requesting a test, this can be grounds for challenging the suspension.