What happens if I miss the 15-day deadline?

The suspension becomes automatic — starting 40 days after arrest — and you lose the officer-testimony opportunity. If you're inside 15 days right now, act today.

Can I drive while the ALR is pending?

Yes — requesting the hearing suspends the suspension until it's decided. Your temporary permit carries you, and occupational licenses cover you after any suspension.

How Do ALR Hearings Work in the Austin Area?

Quick answer: The ALR hearing is the civil case over your driver’s license after a DWI arrest — separate from criminal court. You have 15 days from arrest to request it. Requesting it pauses the suspension, forces DPS to prove its case, and gives your lawyer a chance to cross-examine the arresting officer under oath.

ALR hearings are conducted through the State Office of Administrative Hearings, typically by phone, with a DPS attorney presenting the arrest paperwork. Win, and there’s no suspension. Lose, and suspension terms depend on whether you refused (180 days) or failed (90 days) — with occupational licenses available either way.

The under-appreciated value: an attorney can subpoena the arresting officer, locking in sworn testimony about the stop months before the criminal case reaches trial. Inconsistencies between that testimony and the report become cross-examination gold. Even a lost ALR hearing routinely produces the material that wins the criminal case — which is why our DWI flat fee includes it automatically.

Related questions

What happens if I miss the 15-day deadline?

Can I drive while the ALR is pending?