Houston Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Attorneys
In Texas, a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) arrest leads to both a criminal case and a separate civil action by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to suspend your driver’s license. This process, known as Administrative License Revocation (ALR), moves quickly and has strict deadlines.
At Law Offices of Gary Trichter, we provide strong and practical legal representation for individuals in Houston dealing with an ALR. We recognize how disruptive a license suspension can be. We are dedicated to guiding you through this complex process with clarity and focus.
An ALR hearing carries serious consequences, and addressing it effectively requires immediate attention. Our team, including former prosecutors with a deep understanding of both administrative and criminal procedures, brings extensive experience to defend your driving privileges. With over 1,000 cases handled and lawyers certified in criminal law, we are prepared to fight for your rights.
Law Offices of Gary Trichter is available 24/7 for free consultations in English or Spanish, with virtual meeting options to address the urgent nature of your case. Call (979) 472-3858 to schedule a consultation with a Houston Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Attorney today.
-
“I was referred to Mr. Trichter by a close family friend. Two of his family member had used him to represent them in their DWI case and were both very pleased with his work. After having Mr. Trichter represent me I can fully understand why. He is an amazing attorney and the best at his job by far. But more then that he is an amazing person that truly care about his client. I will forever be great full for what he has done for me in helping me have my case dismissed. Thank you again Gary!!!”- Luke F.
-
“Gary Trichter is hands down the best attorney you will find. If you ever need representation this is the man to hire. He worked hard on the details of my case and was always available to talk.”- James F.
-
“Not only did Mr. Trichter guide me through the complex legal proceedings but he also took the time to explain the process to me in a clear and understandable way. His direct answers and understanding ear helped me vastly through my legal process. Thanks to you Gary!”- Seth L.
-
“I highly recommend this Gary Trichter for anyone in need of expert legal representation. Him and his team guided me through every step of the process and fought tirelessly for the best possible outcome. Truly great work.”- Kevin W.
-
“With all the charges against me, which were felonies I was in serious need of a wise exceptional attorney and Gary is just that. He got resisting arrest, illegal carry of a gun and an outstanding warrant for a car accident. All charges were dismissed.”- Erica S.
-
“Gary and his staff are absolutely the best attorneys you can get. They deeply care for their clients well being and will fight for the best outcome possible. Gary's knowledge of the law and his calm demeanor has put my mind at ease when I had a medical situation that was very scary and misunderstood by an officer. He told me" I will walk you through this" and he did just that! scince then he has became a trusted friend.”- Kevin J.
-
“Gary Trichter came recommended by a friend. I was told he was good but he's honestly fantastic! His staff, Cassie and Tracey are equally as awesome and so sweet! Gary is a very knowledgeable, caring, and creative lawyer. Call his office many times to talk about my case and I always feel like I get 100% attention. I highly recommend!”- Jenny S.
-
“I absolutely recommend, respect, and appreciate Gary and his team.They made the legal process easy, and were extremely helpful throughout the entire DWI ordeal. Gary specializes in Texas DWI cases and has a history of success. More importantly, in my opinion, is his fortitude, persistence, and unapologetic approach to these complacent DAs and Judges that seemed so eager to destroy my livelihood. Call Gary Trichter!! He will shoot you straight, and you will not regret hiring him and his team.”- Kyle O.
The Critical 15-Day Deadline: More Than Just a Date
If you’ve received a notice of suspension—often issued during a DWI arrest for refusing a chemical test or exceeding the legal limit—you have exactly 15 days to request an ALR hearing. This time frame is strict and non-negotiable. Failing to act within these 15 days will result in an automatic license suspension starting on the 40th day after the notice is served. Additionally, you’ll lose the chance to contest the suspension through the ALR process.
Requesting the hearing is far more than just paperwork. It’s a vital step in protecting your driving privileges. This hearing also allows your attorney to gather important evidence that could play a significant role in your defense for the ALR case and any related criminal charges.
Acting promptly within this window is critical to building a strong defense and potentially avoiding further consequences.
Grounds for Contesting an ALR: What Can Be Challenged?
The ALR hearing is an administrative proceeding where the State, through DPS, must prove its case by a preponderance of the evidence – a lower standard than beyond a reasonable doubt used in criminal trials. However, there are specific grounds upon which a suspension can be effectively challenged.
These often include:
- Lack of reasonable suspicion for the initial traffic stop. Did the officer have a legally valid reason to pull you over in the first place?
- Lack of probable cause for the arrest. Did the officer have sufficient grounds to believe you were operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated?
- Improper administration of standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs). Were the SFSTs administered correctly according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards?
- Issues with statutory warnings (DIC-24). Were you properly advised of the consequences of refusing or failing a chemical test?
- Problems with the chemical test. If a breath or blood test was taken, were there issues with the administration, equipment, or the sample’s chain of custody? Were proper observation periods maintained for breath tests, and were machine calibrations current? Was the draw conducted by qualified personnel in a sanitary manner for blood tests?
- Proof of BAC over 0.08%. If you provided a sample, can DPS prove it was at or over the legal limit at the time of driving?
Our attorneys thoroughly review every aspect of the stop and arrest to identify all viable points of contest.
At the forefront of the industry stands our visionary founder, Gary Trichter. He earned the distinction of being the very first Board-Certified DWI Specialist in Texas. This certification is only given by the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD) which is recognized by the American Bar Association.
Gary has spoken at hundreds of seminars on DWI and has taught lawyers, judges, and prosecutors about DWI law. Gary co-authored the textbook Texas Drunk Driving Law and is leading the way with unparalleled expertise in the field.
ALR vs. Criminal DWI Case: Understanding the Parallel Proceedings
The ALR process is entirely separate from your criminal DWI case, and it’s important to understand how these two proceedings differ.
The ALR hearing is a civil administrative matter overseen by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) from the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). Its primary goal is to determine whether your driver’s license will be suspended.
Here’s how the two processes compare:
- The burden of proof. The ALR hearing relies on a preponderance of the evidence, while the criminal case requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Outcome. The ALR hearing focuses solely on license suspension. In contrast, the criminal case addresses guilt or innocence for the DWI charge, which could result in jail time, fines, or other penalties.
- Independence. The outcomes of the ALR hearing and the criminal case are not directly tied. However, testimony and evidence from the ALR hearing can sometimes play a role in the criminal proceedings.
Understanding the relationship between these two processes is essential for navigating both effectively.
Call (979) 472-3858 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Houston administrative license revocation (ALR) attorney today.
-
1st Board-Certified DWI Specialist in TexasOur Founder Gary Trichter was the 1st Board-Certified DWI Specialist In The State of Texas to earn the designation of “DWI Specialist”.
-
On The Forefront Of ChangeWe don't just push the envelope—we redefine its boundaries. We stand on the other side, shaping trends and crafting bold, effective defense strategies.
-
DWI Defense PowerhouseWe combine professional, aggressive criminal defense with caring, understanding legal counsel.