The 15-Day Rule of DWI Charges
When you have been charged with driving while intoxicated in Texas, you are subject to what is known as the “15 Day Rule.” Per state law, you have precisely 15 days from your arrest to request an ALR hearing.
In this instance, ALR refers to Administrative License Revocation.
Should you fail to request a hearing within these 15 days, your driver’s license will automatically be suspended.
An ALR hearing is extremely technical and can be difficult to navigate. That’s why you need to contact a DUI and DWI lawyer immediately after your arrest. With over 25 years of experience, our skilled Houston DWI lawyer helps you prepare for ALR hearings to protect and maintain your driving privileges.
What is an ALR Hearing?
As mentioned above, ALR refers to Administrative License Revocation. An ALR hearing determines whether you keep your license after a charge of driving while intoxicated. However, ALR hearings are not conducted as general criminal proceedings.
Instead, an administrative law judge (ALJ) presides over these hearings. Additionally, these judges are not necessarily trained in the laws surrounding your arrest. You’ll notice that they also have no jury.
That’s part of why it is so crucial to have a lawyer at your side.
Oftentimes, this leads to these hearings being one-sided and difficult for the individual to win on their own. The stronger your defense, the more likely you are to receive a good recommendation or have your charges reduced or dismissed.
Having a skilled criminal defense attorney at your side gives you an advocate who knows how to work with the ALJ. Herman Martinez knows the ALR hearing procedures.
We fight to help you maintain as much of your independence as possible while navigating your charge.
First-Time DWI Charges
Even for first-time offenders charged with a DWI, the courts take these charges very seriously. You may receive a stiff penalty that has a lasting impact on your life regardless of your record.
A dedicated DWI lawyer in Houston helps you resolve this situation in your favor, fighting for the best possible outcome.
Whether that means having the charges dropped or reduced or they are able to secure a full acquittal, an experienced DWI lawyer can be a great advocate.
Herman Martinez has decades of experience as a criminal defense lawyer as well as the Chief Prosecutor of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. With this experience, he fights to help you avoid conviction.
Our team of DWI defense attorneys works tirelessly to achieve the best results imaginable for our clients.
Facing Felony DWI Charges? Call a DWI Defense Lawyer
Particular DWI situations result in a felony charge. Whether you have multiple charges of operating under the influence or were involved in a DWI that caused injury or death, you may be facing such charges. Being convicted of a felony might result in paying fines and spending time in jail or prison.
How much time you face in a Texas penitentiary depends upon the circumstances of your case, of course. However, as a convicted felon, you also face an impact on your social life. You won’t have access to certain jobs and may have difficulty attaining any job.
Moreover, you may find that you are unable to secure a loan or even a place of residence. You may be on probation for years to come.
If you face conviction for a potential felony, you need the help of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney with specialization in Harris County DWIs.
Texas DWI Laws: Harsh Penalties on Conviction
Have you recently been arrested for driving while intoxicated in the Greater Houston Area? If so, you may find it beneficial to become familiar with the Texas Penal Code regarding drunk driving and DWI laws.
When you have questions about the penal code, defense attorney Herman Martinez can provide valuable insight into the drunk driving statutes of Texas.
As you familiarize yourself with these statutes, it is important to remember that you have the right to legal representation. Often, people find that an experienced DWI lawyer in Harris County is their greatest advocate.
Our firm utilizes the law to your advantage and defends you against the many penalties that follow a conviction. If you are facing these charges, call our firm for a free consultation with a Houston DWI defense attorney.
