How ALR Affects Your Texas Driver's License and What You Can Do About It!
College Station, United States - July 31, 2025 / Stephen Gustitis, Criminal Defense Attorney /
Stephen Gustitis, Attorney at Law, a respected Texas criminal defense practitioner, is emphasizing the urgent need for immediate legal action when facing an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) after a DWI arrest. With decades of courtroom experience, Gustitis underscores that partnering with established DWI defense law firms is critical for protecting driving privileges and building a strong legal defense.
Understanding the Administrative License Revocation Process in Texas
The Administrative License Revocation process is a civil, administrative action handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that operates independently from criminal DWI proceedings. This process begins when a driver refuses a breath or blood test or registers a BAC of 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers).
Following the arrest, law enforcement issues a Notice of Suspension/Temporary Driving Permit (DIC‑25). From this point, the driver has 15 days to request an ALR hearing. If no hearing request is filed within this period, the license is automatically suspended—often for months—beginning 40 days after the notice is served.
The Role of DWI Defense Attorneys in ALR Hearings
Stephen Gustitis highlights that skilled DWI defense attorneys provide essential support during the ALR process. Their actions include filing a timely hearing request, analyzing officer reports and test results for errors, subpoenaing arresting officers to review probable cause and procedures, and identifying procedural violations that could lead to dismissal.
Gustitis notes that experienced DWI defense lawyers frequently achieve favorable ALR outcomes, allowing clients to retain driving privileges while the criminal case is pending.
Statement from Stephen Gustitis, Attorney at Law
According to Stephen Gustitis, "Many Texas drivers are unaware of how quickly a license suspension can take effect following a DWI arrest. Waiting even a few days to take action can result in losing the right to challenge the suspension. Clients who keep all arrest-related documents, record details about the traffic stop, and consult a defense lawyer immediately have a far better chance of identifying procedural errors—such as faulty breathalyzer calibration or an officer’s failure to follow required protocols—that can prevent a suspension."
Distinguishing ALR Hearings from Criminal DWI Proceedings
ALR hearings focus solely on whether a driver’s license should be suspended, while criminal DWI cases determine guilt or innocence of the DWI charge. The ALR process follows a civil standard of proof, which is lower than the criminal standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt.” As a result, a driver could face license suspension through ALR even if later acquitted of criminal charges.
The ALR process is also much faster than the criminal process, with deadlines measured in days rather than months. Consequences for an ALR suspension include loss of driving privileges and a $125 reinstatement fee, while criminal penalties may involve fines, jail time, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
How DWI Defense Lawyers Influence ALR Outcomes
Reputable DWI defense law firms such as Stephen Gustitis, Attorney at Law, have the expertise to challenge evidence and administrative procedures in ALR hearings. This includes identifying missing or late-filed documents from DPS, cross-examining witnesses to expose inconsistencies, and using favorable ALR results to strengthen the overall defense strategy in the related criminal case.
Gustitis emphasizes that early intervention is vital, particularly for commercial drivers, who can face license disqualification for a year or longer after a failed test or refusal.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Failing to request an ALR hearing within the 15-day deadline leads to automatic suspension, regardless of the strength of any defense. Commercial drivers face heightened consequences, including extended suspension periods that can jeopardize employment. Engaging a qualified DWI defense attorney immediately after arrest is the most effective way to protect both personal mobility and professional livelihood.
To understand how ALR affects Texas drivers and the role of DWI defense law firms, visit Stephen Gustitis, Attorney at Law’ blog post at “How Can ALR Affect Your Driver’s License in Texas?”
About Stephen Gustitis, Attorney at Law
Located in Bryan–College Station, Stephen Gustitis, Attorney at Law, has more than 25 years of criminal defense experience, successfully representing clients in both ALR hearings and criminal DWI trials. Known for meticulous preparation and aggressive advocacy, Gustitis and his team offer tailored defense strategies to address both the administrative and criminal aspects of DWI cases.
Contact Information:
Stephen Gustitis, Criminal Defense Attorney
307 Arguello Drive
College Station, TX 77840
United States
Stephen Gustitis
(979) 701-2891
https://www.gustitislaw.com/
