Experienced DWI License Suspension And Driver’s License Reinstatement Guidance
Last updated on April 11, 2025
Here in Texas, DWI allegations could lead to you losing your driver’s license. This could impact your ability to work, care for your family and live your daily life. However, you have options for fighting to stay on the road. Turn to The Sanchez Law Firm for aggressive and results-focused advocacy. Our experienced McAllen drunk driving defense attorney, Sergio Sanchez, understands the ins and outs of DWI license suspension and driver’s license reinstatement law in Texas. He will tirelessly stand up for your driving privileges.
What License Suspensions Could You Face For DWI In Texas?
There are two main types of DWI license consequences in the state:
- Administrative DWI license revocation: This suspension occurs if you test above the legal limit (.08%) or refuse a breath test. It is an administrative process, so you face it regardless of any criminal proceedings.
- Criminal suspension: This is a suspension that is given as part of your sentence if you are convicted of a DWI offense.
The rules and processes for these suspension types differ. Our knowledgeable drunk driving lawyer helps drivers fight DWI license penalties.
How Long Is A Texas DWI License Suspension?
Multiple factors influence DWI license suspension length, including suspension type and whether it is a repeat offense. Here are the standard durations:
- Administrative revocation for failing a breath test: 90 days for a first offense, one year for a second offense
- Administrative revocation for refusing a breath test: 180 days for a first offense, two years for a second offense
- Criminal suspension: Up to one year for a first offense, up to two years for a subsequent offense
Our attorney can guide you on what the specifics of your case mean and what suspended license requirements you could face.
Understanding The Administrative Revocation Process
Here’s what the administrative suspension process typically involves in Texas:
- An officer replaces your current license with a temporary one after you fail or refuse a test
- For the next 15 days, you are generally eligible to request an administrative license revocation hearing
- The license suspension takes effect 40 days following the arrest if you don’t ask for a hearing
Our lawyer can answer your questions about this process and your rights during it.
Challenging A Suspension In An Administrative License Hearing
Requesting an ALR hearing can be crucial. It is typically your one chance for an administrative license suspension appeal. During the hearing, you can present arguments that there is not sufficient evidence to support a suspension. The hearing ends with a judge either upholding or lifting the suspension. Our attorney can help you prepare, build and present a strong case for your hearing.
What Is An Occupational License?
In Texas, an occupational driver’s license allows you limited driving privileges while your regular license is suspended. The process of requesting one involves petitioning the court and meeting specific requirements. We can assist you in applying for an occupational license in response to a DWI suspension.
Ignition Interlock Devices In Texas DWI Cases
An ignition interlock device (IID) keeps a car from starting if the driver’s breath tests above a certain level of alcohol. The installation of such a device can be ordered in a Texas DWI case in three main situations:
- As a bond condition after arrest
- As a probation condition upon conviction
- As an occupational license condition
In some cases, whether to require an IID is up to the judge’s discretion. In other situations, such as those involving repeat offenses, it is mandatory. Our lawyer can help you understand what the state’s laws on IID could mean for driving privileges.
Getting Your License Reinstated
After a DWI suspension or revocation period ends, you need to get your license reinstated to regain the ability to drive. To seek a driver’s license restoration in Texas, you must:
- Meet all additional requirements such as completing any necessary driving and alcohol education programs
- Pay the Texas license reinstatement fee and any other relevant fines
- Submit the necessary documents, including an SR-22 insurance filing
Our Texas driver’s license reinstatement attorney can assist you with all the steps of seeking to get your license back.
Protect Your Driver’s License – Contact Us Today
When DWI allegations threaten your driving privileges, get support and advocacy from someone you can trust. Turn to our DWI license suspension and driver’s license reinstatement attorney. You can schedule a free consultation by emailing us or contacting us at 956-467-5766. Se habla español.