What to Expect and Why Acting Fast Matters

If you’ve been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Fort Bend County, you’re not only facing criminal charges—you’re also at risk of losing your driver’s license through the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process. This is a separate civil procedure handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that begins immediately after your arrest.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your license and your future.

What Is the ALR Process?

The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process is a civil administrative action triggered when a driver either:

• Refuses to take a blood or breath test after a DWI arrest, or

• Takes the test and fails (i.e., a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher).

Once this happens, the arresting officer will serve you with a Notice of Suspension and confiscate your driver’s license. From that point, you have just 15 days to request a hearing to challenge the suspension.

What Happens If You Don’t Request a Hearing?

If you don’t request a hearing within the 15-day window, your license will automatically be suspended:

• 90 days for a failed test (first offense)

• 180 days for a refusal (first offense)

• Longer for subsequent offenses or if you’ve had prior suspensions

That’s why it’s critical to take action immediately after your arrest. You still have legal options—but the clock is ticking.

Requesting an ALR Hearing in Fort Bend County

Your hearing will typically be scheduled in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). This is your opportunity to contest the suspension and cross-examine the arresting officer under oath.

At the hearing, your attorney can challenge issues such as:

• Whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop you

• Whether there was probable cause for the arrest

• The validity and accuracy of the breath or blood test

• Whether you were properly advised of your rights

Even if you lose the ALR hearing, it can still be a valuable step. Testimony and evidence obtained during the process can be used to help fight the criminal DWI charges in court.

How a Fort Bend DWI Lawyer Can Help

At The Law Office of Ross Torres, we act fast to protect your license and your rights. We’ll handle the ALR hearing request, represent you during the hearing, and work to uncover any mistakes made by law enforcement.

Losing your license can mean losing your job, your freedom, and your peace of mind. Don’t wait to get help.