Jones County License Hearing Guide

Jones DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing

A DUI arrest in Jones, Texas can trigger two separate legal battles: a criminal case and an administrative case that could result in your driver's license being suspended. This guide focuses on the administrative side – specifically, the process of license suspension and the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. It's crucial to understand these processes and act quickly to protect your driving privileges.

While the criminal case deals with your guilt or innocence regarding the DUI charge, the ALR hearing determines whether the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has sufficient cause to suspend your driver's license. Even if you're found not guilty in the criminal case, your license can still be suspended through the ALR process. This guide provides immediate, practical guidance to help you navigate this complex situation.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 15 Days

You have only 15 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an ALR hearing. This deadline is extremely strict. If you miss it, your license will be automatically suspended. No exceptions are typically made.

Where to Request: The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles ALR hearings.

How to Request: You can request an ALR hearing through one of the following methods:

• Online: The DPS website (www.dps.texas.gov) usually has a section dedicated to ALR hearings. Look for a link to request a hearing online. This is often the fastest and most efficient method.
• Phone: Call the DPS at their designated ALR hearing request number. This number can typically be found on the DPS website or on the temporary driving permit you received after your arrest. Be prepared to provide your driver's license number and other identifying information.
• Mail: Send a written request for a hearing to the DPS office responsible for ALR hearings in your region. The address can be found on your temporary permit or on the DPS website. It’s highly recommended to send it via certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of timely submission.

What to Include in Your Written Request (If Mailing):

• Your full name
• Your driver's license number
• Your date of birth
• The date of your DUI arrest
• The county where you were arrested (Jones County, TX)
• 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 Texas driver's license will be automatically suspended. The suspension will begin 40 days after the date of your arrest. You will receive a notice from the DPS confirming the suspension. Once suspended, you will need to meet specific requirements to reinstate your license, which can be costly and time-consuming. Don't let this happen – act now!

Automatic License Suspension

Texas law mandates automatic license suspensions under certain circumstances following a DUI arrest.

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 if you don't request an ALR hearing or if the hearing results in a suspension. The suspension period for a first-time offense is typically 90 days to one year.

• Temporary Permit: After your arrest, you should have received a temporary driving permit. This permit is typically valid for 40 days, allowing you to drive until your ALR hearing or until the suspension officially begins. This temporary permit is only valid if you request an ALR hearing within the 15-day deadline.

If You Refused Testing

• Refusal Penalty: Refusing to submit to a breath or blood test carries a harsher penalty than failing the test. In Texas, if you refuse testing, your license will be suspended for 180 days to two years for a first-time offense.

• Implied Consent Law in Texas: Texas operates under an "implied consent" law. This means that by driving on Texas roads, you have implicitly consented to submit to a breath or blood test if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal to comply with this law can result in the longer license suspension mentioned above, regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted of DUI in criminal court.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

The ALR hearing is your opportunity to contest the suspension of your driver's license.

What It Is

• Separate from Criminal Court: It's crucial to remember that the ALR hearing is entirely separate from your criminal DUI case. Even if you are found not guilty in criminal court, your license can still be suspended through the ALR process.
• Decide if License Suspension is Warranted: The purpose of the ALR hearing is to determine whether the DPS had sufficient legal grounds to suspend your license.
• Lower Burden of Proof than Criminal Trial: The burden of proof in an ALR hearing is lower than in a criminal trial. The DPS only needs to demonstrate by a "preponderance of the evidence" (more likely than not) that the suspension is justified. This means it's easier for the DPS to suspend your license than it is for the prosecution to convict you of DUI in criminal court.

How to Prepare

• Gather Evidence: Gather any evidence that supports your case. This might include:
• Witness statements: If anyone witnessed the traffic stop or your behavior before the arrest, obtain written statements from them.
• Video evidence: If there is dashcam footage or security camera footage of the traffic stop or your arrest, try to obtain copies.
• Medical records: If you have any medical conditions that could have affected your performance on field sobriety tests, gather relevant medical records.
• Consider Hiring a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney can be invaluable in preparing for your ALR hearing. They understand the legal nuances of the process, can gather evidence on your behalf, and can represent you at the hearing. While Jones County doesn't have a large population, finding a qualified attorney familiar with Texas DUI law is essential.
• Understand What You Can Challenge: You can challenge several aspects of the DPS's case, including:
• Whether the police officer had reasonable suspicion to stop you.
• Whether the officer had probable cause to arrest you for DUI.
• Whether you were properly informed of your rights regarding breath or blood testing.
• Whether the breath or blood test was administered correctly.
• Whether the BAC results are accurate.

Possible Outcomes

• Suspension Upheld: If the hearing officer finds that the DPS has proven its case, your license will be suspended.
• Suspension Overturned: If the hearing officer finds that the DPS has not proven its case, your license suspension will be rescinded.
• Restricted/Hardship License Granted: In some cases, even if the suspension is upheld, you may be eligible for a restricted or hardship license.

Hardship/Restricted License in Texas

A hardship or restricted license, also known as an occupational license, allows you to drive for essential purposes even while your license is suspended.

• Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for an occupational license in Texas, you must generally:
• Have had your license suspended for reasons other than medical or mental incapacity.
• Demonstrate a need to drive for essential purposes, such as work, school, or medical appointments.
• Not have had your license suspended for multiple DUI offenses in the past.
• What You Can Drive For: An occupational license typically allows you to drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, and other essential locations. The license will specify the permitted times and locations.
• Costs and Application Process: Applying for an occupational license involves filing a petition with the court, paying court fees, and providing documentation to support your need to drive. The costs and specific requirements vary depending on the court.
• IID Requirement: In many cases, obtaining an occupational license after a DUI arrest requires the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle.

Getting Your License Back

Reinstating your driver's license after a DUI suspension involves several steps.

After Criminal Case Concludes

• Reinstatement Requirements: To reinstate your license, you will typically need to:
• Pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS.
• Provide proof of completion of any required DUI education programs or community service.
• Provide proof of SR-22 insurance.
• Fees: The reinstatement fee varies but is typically several hundred dollars.
• SR-22 Insurance Requirement: SR-22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility that demonstrates you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage. You will likely need to maintain SR-22 insurance for a period of time after your DUI conviction.
• Classes/Programs That Must Be Completed: Texas law requires individuals convicted of DUI to complete a DUI education program. The specific program requirements vary depending on the circumstances of your case.

Jones DMV Offices

Unfortunately, Jones County itself has no incorporated cities and therefore no direct DPS offices. The closest Texas DPS offices would be in neighboring counties. You should check the Texas DPS website (www.dps.texas.gov) for the most up-to-date information on office locations and hours.

Special Programs

• Ignition Interlock Device Program: The Texas Ignition Interlock Device (IID) program allows individuals with a DUI conviction to drive with a device installed in their vehicle that prevents it from starting if alcohol is detected on their breath.
• Occupational License: As described above, an occupational license allows you to drive for essential purposes while your license is suspended.

This information is intended for guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified Texas DUI attorney to discuss your specific situation and legal options. Remember, the 15-day deadline to request an ALR hearing is crucial. Act quickly to protect your driving privileges.