Driver’s License Suspension Attorney in Dallas, TX

Texas License Suspension Laws for DWI

In Texas, if you’re arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI), you face an administrative suspension of your driver’s license. The suspension is separate from the penalties imposed if you’re found guilty of the offense. This means you could lose your driving privileges even though your criminal case has not been resolved. Without a driver’s license, taking care of daily tasks, such as getting to work or dropping your kids off at school, can be challenging and put additional frustrations on an already stressful situation. You do, however, have the opportunity to contest your driver’s license suspension. You must do this through a hearing, and it’s recommended that you have an Dallas license suspension attorney by your side helping you through the process.

At Palmer Perlstein, we understand the hardships of not being able to drive because of a driver’s license suspension. That is why we fight hard to protect the driving privileges of those facing this sanction. Our Dallas criminal lawyers have over 140 years of combined experience, and we cull our knowledge, skills, and resources to develop and present innovative defense strategies at an administrative hearing.

Schedule your confidential consultation by calling our Dallas license suspension attorneys at 469-966-7614 today.

How Long Can My Driver’s License Be Suspended After a Texas DWI Arrest?

Numerous factors determine how long your driver’s license is suspended after a DWI arrest. These include:

Your age
Your blood alcohol concentration level
Whether you refused a chemical test
Whether you hold a commercial driver’s license

Suspension Periods for Motorists 21 Years of Age and Over

If you refused to take a blood or breath test after your DWI arrest, your driver’s license could be suspended for:

180 days for a first offense
2 Years for a second refusal within 10 years of the previous

If you took a chemical test and your BAC was .08 or higher, your driver’s license could be suspended for:

90 days for a first offense
1 year for a second offense

Suspension Periods for Driver’s Under 21 Years of Age

If you are under 21 years of age and you refused to take a chemical test, your driver’s license could be suspended for:

180 days for a first offense
2 years for a second offense

If you took a chemical test and had any detectable amount of alcohol in your system, the suspension periods are as follows:

60 days for a first offense
120 days for previously failing or refusing a chemical test
180 days for 2 or more previous suspensions for failing or refusing a chemical test or convictions for an alcohol-related offense

Commercial Driver’s License Holders

If you hold a commercial driver’s license and refused to take a chemical test, it could be suspended as follows:

1 year for a first offense
3 years if you were carrying hazardous materials at the time of the offense
Life if you have a previous conviction

If you provided a breath or blood sample and your BAC was .04 or higher while driving a commercial vehicle, the suspension periods are as follows:

1 year for a first offense
3 years if you were transporting hazardous materials
Life if you were previously convicted

If your driver’s license is suspended, you might be eligible for an occupational license. Our Dallas license suspension attorneys can review the requirements and process with you.

Requesting a License Suspension Hearing in Texas

After a DWI arrest, the arresting officer will confiscate your driver’s license and give you a temporary driving permit. They will also provide you with a notice of suspension. To contest your driver’s license suspension, you must request a hearing within 15 days of receiving the notice. Failure to do so will result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license 40 days after your arrest.

At the hearing, you have the opportunity to present evidence supporting your assertion that the suspension of your driving privileges is not warranted. After hearing your case, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will determine whether or not the suspension should be upheld. If they decide to suspend your driver’s license, you may submit an appeal to have the decision reviewed.

At Palmer Perlstein
, our Dallas driver’s license suspension attorneys are here to guide you through the hearing process from start to finish. We’ll develop a solid strategy for your case and will help you file an appeal should the ALJ not decide in your favor.

Discuss Your Driver’s License Case Today

If you’re facing a driver’s license suspension, reach out to our Dallas team as soon as possible. We’ll our experience and knowledge to work for you and will seek a favorable result in your case.