What To Know About Driver License Suspension Hearings In Texas

Last Updated on June 19, 2025 by Beltz Law Group

Beltz Law Group

Attorneys That Defend Driver License Suspensions in North Texas

In Texas, holding a driver’s license is considered a privilege, not an inherent right. This privilege, while essential for daily life, can be suspended, canceled, denied, or disqualified by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) under various circumstances, and often with little warning. If you’ve received a letter notifying you of DPS’s intent to suspend your driving privileges, immediate action is crucial.

At The Beltz Law Group, our Texas Driver License Suspension Lawyers are dedicated to helping individuals navigate these complex administrative actions and protect their ability to drive. If you are facing a potential or actual driver’s license suspension, feel free to contact our office at 214-321-4105 for a consultation.

Understanding Driver’s License Suspensions: Reasons and Notification

The DPS is legally mandated to withdraw driving privileges for specific violations and convictions of state law. It’s critical to understand the common reasons for suspension and how DPS provides notice.

Common Reasons for Driver’s License Suspension in Texas:

1. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) / Alcohol or Drug-Related Offenses:

   • Administrative License Revocation (ALR): This is a civil administrative process separate from the criminal DWI case. Your license can be suspended if you refuse to provide a breath or blood sample when suspected of DWI, or if you fail a breath or blood test (i.e., your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is $0.08\%$ or higher).
   • DWI Conviction: A criminal conviction for DWI (including certain intoxication assault/manslaughter) will also lead to a license suspension.
   • Drug Offense Convictions: Even if not driving at the time, a conviction for certain drug offenses can result in a 180-day license suspension, often requiring completion of a drug education class for reinstatement.
   • Minor in Possession (MIP) / Alcohol Offenses by Minors: Offenses like purchasing, attempting to purchase, consuming, or possessing alcohol by a minor can lead to suspensions.
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   Accumulation of Moving Violations: While the old “points” system was repealed in 2019, DPS still has the authority to suspend your license for being a “habitual violator”:

   • Four or more moving traffic violations within a 12-month period.
   • Seven or more moving traffic violations within a 24-month period.

3. Failure to Appear / Failure to Pay (OMNIBASE Holds): If you receive a traffic ticket and fail to appear in court or fail to pay the fine, the court can place an OMNIBASE hold on your driving record. This prevents you from renewing your driver’s license until the hold is cleared, often by resolving the underlying tickets.

4. No Financial Responsibility (No Insurance): Being convicted of driving without valid liability insurance, especially for a second or subsequent offense, can lead to a license suspension. If you’re involved in a crash while uninsured and unable to show financial responsibility, your license can also be suspended.

5. Child Support Delinquency: Non-payment of child support can lead to a driver’s license suspension ordered by the Attorney General’s office.

6. Serious Traffic Offenses: Violations like reckless driving, racing, evading arrest, or fleeing the scene of an accident (hit and run) can result in automatic suspensions.

7. Medical/Physical Condition: If DPS receives information that a driver has a medical or physical condition that might impair their ability to drive safely (e.g., uncontrolled seizures, certain vision impairments), they may initiate a suspension review.

8. Out-of-State Convictions: Convictions or suspensions in other states can impact your Texas driving privilege under interstate compacts.

Notification of Enforcement Action:

DPS is required to notify you when they intend to suspend, cancel, deny, or disqualify your driver’s license. This “Notification of Enforcement Action” letter (often form DL-101) is mailed to your address on record with DPS.

• Critical Detail: If your address on file with DPS is not current, you may not receive this crucial notification. Failure to receive notification does NOT prevent the suspension from taking effect. It is your responsibility to keep your address updated with DPS. You can update your address online via the official DPS website.

Driver License Suspension Attorney

The Hearing Process: Your Opportunity to Fight

For many types of suspensions, particularly those related to DWI (ALR) or the accumulation of moving violations, you have a limited window to request a formal hearing to contest the suspension.

• The 15-Day ALR Deadline: This is perhaps the most critical deadline. If you are arrested for DWI and refuse or fail a breath/blood test, the arresting officer will typically issue you a Notice of Suspension and a temporary driving permit. You have only 15 days from the date of this notice to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Failure to request this hearing within the strict deadline will result in an automatic suspension of your license, usually 40 days after the notice was served.
• Other Suspensions: For other types of suspensions (e.g., habitual moving violations, medical review), DPS may provide a different deadline (often 20 days from the mailing date of their notice) to request a hearing. Always read any suspension notice carefully for the exact deadline.

During these hearings, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will review the evidence presented by DPS and your attorney to determine if there are grounds for the suspension. This hearing is separate from any criminal court case.

How an Attorney Defends Driver’s License Suspensions

Hiring an attorney for a driver’s license suspension in Texas is paramount to protecting your driving privilege. Our lawyers can:

1. Request the Hearing and Meet Deadlines: Crucially, your attorney will ensure that the request for an ALR hearing (or other applicable hearing) is submitted correctly and within the strict deadline. Missing this deadline means you forfeit your right to contest the suspension.
2. Gather Evidence and Prepare Your Case: We will obtain and review all relevant documents, such as police reports, officer’s statements, blood/breath test results, and any other evidence DPS plans to use against you.
3. Represent You at the Hearing: Your attorney will appear on your behalf at the administrative hearing. This involves:
   • Cross-Examining Witnesses: Challenging the testimony of the arresting officer or other DPS witnesses.
   • Presenting Your Defense: Introducing evidence and arguments to refute DPS’s claims. This could involve challenging the legality of the stop, the accuracy of sobriety tests, or the chain of custody for chemical tests.
   • Challenging Procedural Errors: Identifying any missteps by law enforcement or DPS that could lead to the suspension being overturned.
4. Negotiate with DPS: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate with DPS to avoid or reduce the suspension period.
5. Obtain an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL): If your license is suspended despite our efforts, we can help you apply for an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL). An ODL (often called a “hardship license”) allows you to drive legally for essential purposes, such as:
   • Work or job-related activities.
   • School or educational activities.
   • Performing essential household duties (e.g., grocery shopping, taking children to school/medical appointments). Obtaining an ODL requires a court order and specific documentation, and your attorney can guide you through this complex process.
6. Assist with Reinstatement Requirements: After a suspension period ends, there are specific steps and fees required by DPS for license reinstatement. Your attorney can help ensure all requirements are met, including any necessary classes or SR-22 insurance filings, to get you back on the road legally.

Don’t let the threat of a driver’s license suspension disrupt your life. The ability to drive is essential for work, family, and personal freedom. That’s why we suggest you take the time to contact a lawyer for a driver’s license suspension hearing in Fate, Texas, or the surrounding Dallas County areas today.

Contact The Beltz Law Group at 214-321-4105 to protect your driving privilege.

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