Randall County License Hearing Guide

Randall County DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing

A DUI arrest in Randall County, Texas, triggers two separate legal cases: a criminal case in the Randall County courts and an administrative case with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) regarding your driver's license. This guide focuses on the administrative process and how to potentially prevent your license from being suspended.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 15 Days

Following a DUI arrest in Randall County, you have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing is your opportunity to challenge the potential suspension of your driver's license. Missing this deadline results in an automatic license suspension.

Requests must be sent to the DPS headquarters in Austin, not the local Amarillo driver license office. You can request a hearing via:

• Online: Through the Texas DPS website.
• Phone: 800-394-9913
• Fax: 512-424-2650

CRITICAL LOCAL TIP: When requesting a hearing by fax, defendants are strongly advised to keep the confirmation page showing a successful transmission. This is the only definitive proof that the request was made within the 15-day statutory window.

If you request a hearing, your temporary driving permit remains valid until the hearing is held and a decision is made. If you fail to request a hearing within 15 days, your license will be automatically suspended on the 40th day after your arrest.

Automatic License Suspension

In Texas, a DUI arrest can lead to an automatic license suspension, regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. The grounds for suspension depend on whether you submitted to chemical testing (breath or blood) and the results, or if you refused testing.

If You Took the Breath/Blood Test and Failed

If you submitted to a breath or blood test and your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was 0.08 or higher, the Texas DPS will attempt to suspend your license. Your temporary driving permit, issued at the time of arrest, is valid until the ALR hearing or until the suspension begins.

If You Refused Testing

Under Texas's implied consent law, TX law requires you to submit to a breath or blood test when lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal to submit to testing results in a longer license suspension than failing the test.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

The ALR hearing is a civil proceeding, separate from your criminal DUI case. It is conducted to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to suspend your driver's license.

What It Is

The ALR hearing is separate from the criminal court proceedings. The purpose of the ALR hearing is to determine whether the DPS had probable cause to stop you, whether you were lawfully arrested, and whether your BAC was over the legal limit or whether you refused to submit to testing. The burden of proof in an ALR hearing is lower than in a criminal trial.

How to Prepare

Preparing for the ALR hearing is crucial. You can:

• Gather any evidence that supports your case, such as witness statements or video footage.
• Consider hiring a DUI attorney in our attorney directory. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and represent you at the hearing.
• Understand the issues you can challenge, such as the validity of the traffic stop, the accuracy of the BAC test, or the procedures followed during your arrest.

Possible Outcomes

The ALR hearing can have several outcomes:

• Suspension Upheld: The judge finds sufficient evidence to support the license suspension.
• Suspension Overturned: The judge finds that the DPS did not meet its burden of proof, and your license will not be suspended.
• Restricted/Hardship License Granted: In some cases, you may be eligible for a restricted license, allowing you to drive for essential purposes even during the suspension period.

Hardship/Restricted License in Texas

Even if your license is suspended, you may be eligible for a restricted license in Texas, sometimes called an occupational license. This allows you to drive for essential purposes, such as:

• To and from work
• To and from school or educational programs
• For essential household duties

Eligibility requirements for an occupational license include:

• Having a valid Texas driver's license at the time of arrest.
• Not having any other active suspensions or revocations.
• Filing a petition with the court and obtaining a court order.
• Providing proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance).

You may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle as a condition of obtaining a restricted license.

Getting Your License Back

After the criminal case concludes and/or your suspension period ends, you must take steps to reinstate your driver's license. This typically involves:

• Paying a reinstatement fee to the Texas DPS.
• Filing proof of SR-22 insurance with the DPS for a specified period.
• Completing any required DWI education programs or treatment. In Randall County, the Potter Randall Intensive Drug Education (PRIDE) program can provide guidance.
• Satisfying any other court-ordered requirements.

Randall County DMV Offices

The local DPS office serving Randall County is located in Amarillo:

• Texas DPS Driver License Center: 6592 I-40 E, Amarillo, TX 79118
• Phone: 806-372-5201 (General Line)
• Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

This office handles license renewals and reinstatement fees, but does not handle ALR hearing requests, which must be sent to Austin.

Special Programs

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): If ordered by the court, you will need to install an IID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I miss the 15-day deadline to request an ALR hearing in Randall County? A: Your license will be automatically suspended on the 40th day after your arrest.

Q: Where do I file for a hardship license in Randall County? A: You must file a petition with the court that has jurisdiction over your DUI case.

Q: Are there specific blackout periods at the Randall County Jail that could affect my ability to get my license back quickly? A: Yes, the Randall County Jail experiences "blackout" periods during staff shift changes, typically between 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. During these times, the processing of releases and bond payments is often suspended, which could delay the reinstatement process.