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Why Bother with ALR Hearings?

There are a couple of common questions that clients ask me when it comes to ALR hearings. Among the top questions are, “What is an ALR Hearing,” and “why bother with an ALR Hearing?” In the following section, I will cover what ALR hearings are and their importance.

What is an ALR Hearing?

The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Program is a civil administrative process. The ALR Program applies to individuals arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and either refuse to take a breath or blood test or fail a blood or breath test.

Individuals who refuse or fail a blood or breath test following an arrest for DWI may have their driver license suspended between 90 days to 2 years. Refusal or failure of this test will also result in an automatic one-year disqualification for individuals with a commercial driver license.

Knowing this, an ALR hearing may be something for you to strongly consider requesting.

Why Bother with ALR Hearings?

ALR hearings are civil in nature and cannot create any estoppel issues for the criminal charge arising from the occurrence that is the basis for the suspension or denial. So why bother? In many cases, you should expect to lose the ALR hearing. Therefore, how do you justify the expense and effort put into hiring a lawyer for these hearings? The simple answer is that it could potentially save your license.

In addition to trying to salvage your license, a significant reason to request this hearing is for your lawyer to get valuable discovery for your criminal case. With this hearing, your DWI lawyer will be able to get hard copies of the police reports, copies of maintenance logs for the breath test machine as well as sworn testimony from the police officer, the breath test operator and the breath test technical supervisor. Also, if lay witnesses are necessary to prove a necessary issue such as operation of a motor vehicle, these witnesses may also testify at ALR hearings. In addition, your lawyer can request a transcribed copy of their testimony which can become a valuable part of your lawyer’s trial preparation for the criminal case. Essentially, your DWI lawyer is given a chance to try the case well before it ever goes to court.

Request an ALR Hearing

It is in your best interest to request an ALR hearing, but it is important to know that you have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request one. So if you have been recently arrested for DWI, contact us today.

Testimonials
  • "Mr Shaeffer was up front from the beginning, and I respected that. He told me they have a solid case against me. He is a very out of the box thinker, and very organized. He told me the sad reality of" - Nicoli

  • "I found Mr. Shaeffer to be very responsive, effective, and strategic. There was never any doubt in my mind that he had my best interest at the forefront of his efforts in handling my case." - Ron

  • "When you have been wrongfully accused of having an affair with a student, you must acquire legal counsel before you even speak to the police, even if you are the person who reports the rumors. Tylden Schaeffer advised me to not have a second interview with the police department and found time in his schedule to meet with me that day. After the meeting, I had a path to move forward on and that included a well written statement that Mr. Schaeffer crafted. After submitting this in lieu of a second interview with the police, there were no more problems with the school district or police department. Mr. Schaeffer did a superb job and had me resting more easily following our meetings. I would highly recommend Mr. Schaeffer to anyone in need of a Criminal Defense Attorney." - Anonymous

  • "Tylden has been nothing but excellent while representing me. He’s been very upfront, honest, and cooperative with not only myself, but with my family as well. I don’t just feel like a number, he treats you like if you’re his only client. I’d definitely recommend him to anybody I know if they are in need of legal help. 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend Tylden Shaeffer!" - Joel

  • "Mr Shaeffer was up front from the beginning, and I respected that. He told me they have a solid case against me. He is a very out of the box thinker, and very organized. He told me the sad reality of what could potentially be the outcome of my case, and it was dim. However he asked me what i wanted and was creative enough to deliver at an extremely affordable price. He has the knowledge to defend you, and the experience to win. I’m very happy with how he handled my case. His office is also only blocks away from the court house and he is always prompt. I don’t usually write reviews, but Mr. Tylden Shaeffer deserves to be recognized." - Nicoli

  • "When I got charged with my DWI I already expected to go through a long, painful process from the beginning. But, Mr. Shaeffer and his staff made my whole experience quick and easy with their great communication and professionalism. He was always straight forward and I could tell he had my best interest in mind. He made sure I didn’t get charged with “extreme intoxication”, while also reducing my fines and the length of my probation. I highly recommend him to anyone!" - Alex

  • "Mr. Shaeffer is a great attorney , very professional, very nice and is willing to work with you and help u threw any situation u may have or need help with . I recommend Mr. Shaeffer to anyone who needs help with any kind of legal issues or problems. Anyone who has asked me about an attorney i most definitely tell them Mr. Shaeffer and give them his info. Thank you for all your help and everything u have done for me and my family. You are a awesome attorney! Highly Recommend" - Anonymous

  • "Tylden is a fantastic attorney. He thoroughly prepared for my case and did an amazing job of relating to the judge and jury. I highly recommend Tylden. Would recommend to anyone!" - Skyler

  • "Tylden got my felony reduced to a misdemeanor. He saved my life. I didn’t have to pester him for information and updates about my case and his staff is well informed and helpful. He personally attended each and every one of my hearings and was just as concerned about restoring my reputation as I was. He recently got a motion for non-disclosure filed and approved by the judge so I will never have to admit this mistake ever happened. I would recommend Tylden to anyone! He is a highly intelligent and competent attorney. The Best!" - Anonymous

  • "I was represented by Mr. Shaeffer years ago (2004). He would travel from San Antonio all the way to Del Rio to represent me. My father and I were accused of wrong doing by federal agents and we had done nothing. We, my father and I were on trial simultaneously. We had hired an attorney and found out later he was friends with the prosecutor and wanted us to accept a plea bargain. “We did nothing wrong”, I cried to him. He insisted that we accept due to it being impossible to beat the Government. My father and I were close to giving up when we met Mr. Shaeffer. Mr. Shaeffer believed in us and fought for us. Because of him, I never saw prison walls nor was I ever away from my family. It was one of the most difficult times in my life, but thankfully we met a Godsend attorney and justice prevailed." - Anonymous

Case Results
Intoxication Manslaughter – Reduced Sentence

While client was already on probation for DWI when arrested for Intoxication Manslaughter. Client pleaded guilty to the jury and jury awarded probation where State sought prison term from the jury.

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