When you are pulled over, the last thing you expect is for your driver’s license to be suspended after your interaction with the police. However, this can occur for several reasons, but it can have serious impacts on your daily life. Whether you rely on your license to get to work or need it to help your children get to school, having this privilege revoked can cause a considerable amount of stress in your life. If this reflects your circumstances, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to get your license back early. This blog explores these matters in further detail and you’ll learn why connecting with Houston criminal defense attorneys can assist you through these complicated issues.
Why Might My License Be Suspended in Texas?
Though there are several things that can lead to a license suspension in Texas, this is most often associated with Driving While Intoxicated offenses. However, DWIs aren’t the only reason you may lose your license.
You can also face this penalty if you commit four moving violations in twelve months, or seven moving violations over twenty-four months. A moving violation occurs when you commit an act while operating a vehicle that warrants a hazard and is prohibited by law.
You should also note that you can have your license suspended even if you are not driving. In Texas, someone under 21 who is caught buying or consuming alcohol can have their license suspended for up to 90 days. Similarly, a drug charge can trigger a 180-day suspension, even if you aren’t driving at the time you are charged.
Is There Any Way to Get It Back Earlier?
If you have your license suspended for any of the aforementioned reasons, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to have your privileges reinstated. Typically, the only thing you can do to keep your license is request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. When you are charged with a DWI, for example, you can request this hearing to fight to prove that the circumstances surrounding your arrest were mishandled. If the officers didn’t properly administer a breathalyzer test, for example, it can help your case. If you wish to request an ALR hearing, you only have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request this hearing.
In the event you don’t request a hearing or lose your petition, you’ll need to fulfill the terms of your suspension. However, you should know that even after completing your full suspension time, your driver’s license isn’t automatically returned to you. Instead, you need to take steps to have it reinstated. This includes paying the necessary fees, submitting information like your SR-22 insurance if required, and installing an ignition interlock device if required.
As you can see, the process of getting your license back after a suspension can be incredibly complicated. That’s why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you fight to keep your license. As you only have 15 days to request an ALR hearing, don’t wait to contact the team at Gonzalez Law Group. Our firm will explore all potential defenses to determine the best course of action for your circumstances. Contact us today.
