Hemphill County License Hearing Guide

Hemphill DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing

A DUI arrest in Hemphill, Texas can be a frightening and confusing experience. Beyond the criminal charges, you face the immediate possibility of losing your driver's license. It's crucial to understand that there are two separate processes at play: the criminal case and the administrative process, which deals directly with your driving privileges. This guide focuses on the administrative side, specifically the license suspension and the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This process is completely separate from your criminal case and can result in a license suspension even if you are ultimately found not guilty in court.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 15 Days

This is the most important piece of information: You have only 15 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an ALR hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This deadline is strictly enforced. Missing it will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license.

Where to Request: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

How to Request: You can request a hearing online, by phone, or by mail. It is highly recommended to request the hearing online or by certified mail to ensure proof of timely submission.

• Online: Visit the Texas DPS website (search for "Texas ALR Hearing Request").
• Phone: Call the Texas DPS at the relevant number for ALR hearings (this may vary, search the Texas DPS website for the specific number).
• Mail: Send a written request by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address specified on the temporary driving permit you received at the time of your arrest. The address is typically found on the back of the temporary permit.

What to Include in Your Written Request:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• Your driver's license number
• The date of your arrest
• The county where you were arrested (Hemphill County)
• A clear statement that you are requesting an ALR hearing.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline:

If you fail to request an ALR hearing within 15 days, your driver's license will be automatically suspended. You will receive a notice from the Texas DPS confirming the suspension start date and duration. There are very limited exceptions to this deadline, so act quickly!

Automatic License Suspension

Even if you request an ALR hearing, your license may still be subject to an automatic suspension pending the outcome of the hearing. The length of the suspension depends on whether you took a breath or blood test and the results, or if you refused to take a test.

If You Took the Breath/Blood Test and Failed

• BAC over 0.08: If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08 or higher, your license will be suspended for 90 days for a first offense.

• Temporary Permit: The temporary driving permit you received at the time of your arrest is typically valid for 40 days. This allows you to drive until your ALR hearing or until the 40 days expire and the suspension begins, whichever comes first.

If You Refused Testing

• Refusal Penalty: Refusing to take a breath or blood test carries a much harsher penalty. Your license will be suspended for 180 days for a first offense refusal.

• Implied Consent Law in Texas: Texas, like all states, has an implied consent law. This means that by driving on Texas roads, you have implicitly agreed to submit to a breath or blood test if lawfully requested by a law enforcement officer. Refusal to submit to testing can result in the automatic license suspension mentioned above, regardless of your actual BAC level.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

What It Is

The ALR hearing is a separate administrative hearing conducted by the Texas DPS. It is not a criminal trial. Its sole purpose is to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to suspend your driver's license. The burden of proof is lower than in a criminal trial. The DPS only needs to show that it is more likely than not that you were driving while intoxicated.

How to Prepare

Preparing for your ALR hearing is crucial. A successful outcome can save you from a lengthy license suspension.

• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case. This might include:

• Witness statements

• Dashcam or bodycam footage (if available)

• Medical records

• Any other documentation that challenges the reason for your arrest.

• Consider Hiring a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney experienced with ALR hearings in Texas can provide invaluable assistance. They can:

• Represent you at the hearing.

• Cross-examine witnesses.

• Present evidence on your behalf.

• Argue legal points to challenge the suspension.

• Understand What You Can Challenge: You can challenge several aspects of the DPS's case, including:

• Whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop you.

• Whether the officer had probable cause to arrest you for DUI.

• Whether the breath or blood test was administered properly.

• Whether the testing equipment was properly calibrated and maintained.

• Whether you were actually driving while intoxicated.

Possible Outcomes

• Suspension Upheld: The DPS presents sufficient evidence, and the hearing officer upholds the license suspension.
• Suspension Overturned: You successfully challenge the DPS's case, and the hearing officer overturns the suspension. Your license will be reinstated.
• Restricted/Hardship License Granted: In some cases, even if the suspension is upheld, you may be eligible for a restricted or hardship license, allowing you to drive for essential purposes.

Hardship/Restricted License in Texas

Even if your license is suspended, you may be able to obtain an Occupational Driver's License (ODL), also known as a hardship license, in Texas. This allows you to drive for essential purposes, such as:

• Work
• School
• Essential household duties
• Medical appointments

Eligibility Requirements:

• You must prove that the suspension is causing you undue hardship.
• You must not have had your license suspended for alcohol-related offenses in the past five years.
• You must file a petition with the court in the county where you reside (or where the offense occurred).

What You Can Drive For: Generally, ODLs are granted for specific purposes and routes. The court order will specify the times and locations you are permitted to drive.

Costs and Application Process: The application process involves filing a petition with the court, paying court fees, and providing evidence of your hardship.

IID Requirement: In some cases, the court may require you to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle as a condition of obtaining an ODL, especially if your BAC was high or if you have prior DUI convictions.

Getting Your License Back

Once your suspension period is over, you're not automatically cleared to drive. You need to take specific steps to reinstate your license.

After Criminal Case Concludes

The outcome of your criminal case can impact your license reinstatement process, particularly if you are convicted of DUI.

• Reinstatement Requirements: To reinstate your license after a DUI suspension, you will generally need to:

• Pay a reinstatement fee to the Texas DPS.

• Provide proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance).

• Complete any court-ordered alcohol education programs or community service.

• Comply with any IID requirements imposed by the court.

• Fees: Reinstatement fees vary, so check the Texas DPS website for the current fee schedule.

• SR-22 Insurance Requirement: You will likely be required to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with the Texas DPS.

• Classes/Programs That Must Be Completed: The court may order you to complete alcohol education programs, such as DWI Education Program or a repeat offender program.

Hemphill DMV Offices

Unfortunately, since Hemphill is a very small, unincorporated community with no population, there are no local DMV/DPS offices located directly in Hemphill. You will need to travel to a nearby town or city. Check the Texas DPS website (www.dps.texas.gov) for the closest DPS office and its hours of operation. You can also search online for "Texas DPS office near Hemphill, TX" to find the nearest location.

Special Programs

• Ignition Interlock Device Program: As mentioned above, Texas requires IIDs for certain DUI offenders. The program involves installing a device in your vehicle that prevents it from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.

• Occupational License: Detailed above.

Remember, a DUI arrest is a serious matter. The information provided here is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. It is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified DUI attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and explore your legal options. Time is of the essence, especially with the 15-day ALR hearing deadline looming.