What an ALR hearing is and why you need a lawyer
An Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing is a separate legal process from a DWI criminal case. When you are arrested for driving while intoxicated in Texas, the arresting officer can request that the Texas Department of Public Safety suspend your license when ready — often before you ever go to court. The ALR hearing is your chance to contest that suspension in front of a hearing officer.
You have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request this hearing, or your license suspension becomes automatic. A lawyer who handles ALR cases knows the specific rules of evidence, the procedural important date, and the arguments that work with hearing officers in Collin County. Without representation, you are presenting your case against a state prosecutor who does this regularly.
The stakes are practical: if you lose the ALR hearing, your license is suspended for 90 days to two years depending on your history. If you win, the suspension is lifted when ready and you can drive legally while your criminal case proceeds separately.
Key Takeaways
- You must request an ALR hearing within 15 days of your arrest or your license suspension becomes permanent until your criminal case ends.
- An ALR hearing is a civil administrative process separate from criminal court, with its own rules and important date that a DWI lawyer will know.
- In Allen, you can find ALR lawyers through the State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service, local DWI defense firms, or by calling the Collin County District Attorney's office for a list of attorneys who regularly handle these hearings.
- Most DWI lawyers in the Allen area offer free initial consultations and can tell you within one call whether your case has defenses worth pursuing at the hearing.
Finding lawyers in Allen who handle ALR hearings
Start with the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service at texasbar.com. You can search by location (Allen) and practice area (DWI defense or administrative law). The referral service screens attorneys for bar membership and disciplinary history, so you know you are contacting someone licensed to practice in Texas.
Call three to five lawyers from the referral results. Ask directly: "Do you handle ALR hearings?" and "Have you represented clients in Collin County ALR hearings?" Some general criminal defense lawyers do not regularly do ALR work and will refer you elsewhere. That is useful information — you want someone who does this often enough to know the hearing officers and the local procedures.
Another route is to search "DWI lawyer Allen Texas" or "DWI defense Collin County" in a search engine. Look at the websites of firms that appear in the first few results. Most list their practice areas and experience. Call the firms that mention ALR hearings or administrative license suspension specifically.
You can also contact the Collin County Bar Association directly and ask for a referral to lawyers who regularly handle ALR hearings in Allen. Bar staff maintain lists of attorneys by practice area and can point you toward people with active ALR experience.
What to ask when you call
Have your arrest date and the date you received your notice of suspension ready. When you reach a lawyer or their intake person, ask these questions:
- Do you handle ALR hearings? If the answer is no or uncertain, ask for a referral to someone who does.
- How many ALR hearings have you done in Collin County? You want someone with recent, local experience, not someone who did one five years ago.
- What is your fee for an ALR hearing? Fees vary widely — typically $500 to $2,500 depending on complexity. Some lawyers charge flat fees; others charge hourly. Ask whether the fee includes the hearing itself or just preparation.
- Can you meet before the 15-day important date? You need to request the hearing within 15 days. A lawyer should be able to see you or at least discuss your case by phone within a few days.
- What are the likely outcomes in my case? A lawyer who has handled ALR hearings will ask about the reason for the stop, whether you took a breath or blood test, and what the result was. They should give you a realistic sense of whether the case has defenses.
Write down the answers and compare them across the lawyers you call. The cheapest option is not always the best — you want someone with local ALR experience who can move quickly and has time to prepare your case before the hearing.
Understanding ALR hearing officer decisions and timelines
The hearing is held before an administrative law judge employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, not a judge in criminal court. The hearing officer decides whether the officer had reasonable grounds to believe you were driving while intoxicated and whether you were lawfully arrested. The standard of proof is lower than in criminal court — it is "preponderance of the evidence," meaning more likely than not.
The hearing usually takes place within 20 to 40 days of your request. Your lawyer will receive the police report and any video or audio from the traffic stop. They will review the officer's notes, the breath or blood test results if any, and the circumstances of the stop to identify weaknesses in the state's case.
The hearing officer issues a decision within 10 days after the hearing ends. If you win, your license suspension is lifted when ready. If you lose, the suspension takes effect, and you can request a stay (a pause) while you pursue your criminal case, though this is rarely granted.
The relationship between ALR and your criminal DWI case
The ALR hearing and your criminal DWI case are separate. You can win the ALR hearing and still face criminal charges, or lose the ALR hearing and be acquitted in criminal court. However, a lawyer who handles both can use evidence from the ALR hearing to strengthen your criminal defense — for example, if the hearing officer found that the traffic stop was improper, that same argument may work in criminal court.
Many lawyers in Allen handle both ALR hearings and criminal DWI defense. Hiring one person to do both means they understand how the two cases interact and can coordinate strategy. Ask whether the lawyer you call handles both, and whether the fee for the ALR hearing is separate from the fee for criminal representation.
What happens if you miss the 15-day important date
If you do not request an ALR hearing within 15 days of arrest, your license suspension becomes automatic and you cannot challenge it in an administrative hearing. Your only option then is to wait for your criminal case to conclude, and if you are acquitted or the charges are dismissed, you can petition the Department of Public Safety to reinstate your license — a much slower and less certain process.
If you are close to the important date and have not yet hired a lawyer, call the State Bar referral service or search online when ready. Many lawyers can file the hearing request on the same day you call if you provide your arrest information. Do not wait until the last day — filing on day 14 or 15 leaves no margin for error if documents are lost or misfiled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I represent myself at an ALR hearing?
You can, but the state will have a prosecutor presenting evidence and cross-examining you. Hearing officers see self-represented people regularly and are not more lenient. Most people who represent themselves lose. A lawyer knows the rules of evidence, can file motions to exclude evidence, and knows which arguments work with the specific hearing officers in Collin County.
How much does an ALR lawyer cost?
Fees typically range from $500 to $2,500 for an ALR hearing alone. Some lawyers charge a flat fee; others charge hourly rates of $150 to $400 per hour. Ask for a written fee agreement before you hire someone. Some lawyers offer payment plans if cost is a barrier.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer?
ALR hearings are civil administrative proceedings, not criminal cases, so you do not have a right to a court-appointed lawyer. However, some legal aid organizations in Collin County may help if your income is very low. Call the Collin County Bar Association or search "legal aid Collin County" to find organizations that might information.
Do I have to attend the ALR hearing in person?
You do not have to attend, but it is usually a mistake not to. The hearing officer needs to assess your credibility and hear your account of what happened. Your lawyer can attend without you in some cases, but being there strengthens your case. Ask your lawyer whether attendance is necessary in your situation.
What if the lawyer I hire also handles my criminal case?
That is common and often beneficial. Make sure the fee agreement clearly separates the ALR fee from the criminal defense fee so you know what you are paying for each. Ask the lawyer how they will coordinate the two cases and whether evidence from the ALR hearing will be used in criminal court.