How Can a DWI Affect My Driver’s License?
This is a primary concern with any DWI arrest. If you refuse to provide a breath or blood specimen, or you content and the results show a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, your license will be automatically suspended by the Texas Department of Public Safety unless you request a special Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. You only have 15 days to request an ALR hearing – so it’s important to hire a skilled DWI attorney as soon as possible to request a hearing and avoid an automatic license suspension. This hearing lets you contest the driving suspension before it happens and gain helpful evidence for your criminal case. You have the right to request all evidence from the arresting officer and subpoena their appearance. If you fail to request a hearing in time, the suspension will take effect in 40 days.
If the ALR hearing is unsuccessful or you receive a conviction for the DWI offense, you face these potential suspensions:
- Breath/Blood Test Refusal: 180 days; 2 years if you had a previous “alcohol-related contact” within prior 10 years
- First-time offenders (over 21 years of age): 90 days to 1 year
- First-time offenders (under 21 years of age): 1 year (if not probated)
- Second-time or greater offenders: 180 days to 2 years; 1-2 years if offense committed within 5 years of previous offense
- DWI with Child Passenger (over 21 years of age): 90 days to 1 year
- DWI with Child Passenger (under 21 years of age): 1 year (if not probated)
You may also be subject to steep DPS fees to reinstate your license after any suspension.
To help avoid a license suspension at the beginning of your case or after the case is resolved, it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced DWI Attorney as soon as possible. With over 20 years of experience in Houston and Southeast Texas, the Westbrook Law Firm can help. To schedule your free and confidential consultation, call us today at 281-888-5581.
