Taylor County License Hearing Guide

Your License After a DUI Arrest in Taylor County

Following a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrest in Taylor County, Texas, your driver's license is immediately at risk. It's crucial to understand that there are two separate legal processes: the criminal case and the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process. The ALR process is an administrative action by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that can suspend your driving privileges independently of the criminal proceedings. This guide focuses on the ALR process and how to navigate it to potentially save your license.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 15 Days

You have only 15 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an ALR hearing to contest the suspension of your driver's license. This deadline is firm. Missing it will result in an automatic suspension of your driving privileges.

To request a hearing, you must contact the Texas DPS. While specific Taylor County instructions are unavailable, you can generally request a hearing through the following methods:

• Online: While a direct online portal for ALR hearing requests isn't specified for Taylor County, you may find relevant forms or information on the Texas Department of Public Safety website.
• Phone: Contact the Texas DPS to inquire about the ALR hearing request process.
• Mail: Send a written request for an ALR hearing to the Texas DPS office handling your case. It's advisable to send it via certified mail with return receipt requested to ensure proof of timely submission.

If you miss the 15-day deadline, your license will be automatically suspended. There are limited exceptions, so acting quickly is essential.

Automatic License Suspension

Even before the ALR hearing, your license may be subject to an automatic suspension based on the circumstances of your arrest.

If You Took the Breath/Blood Test and Failed

If you submitted to a breath or blood test and the result showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies according to TX law. You will receive a temporary driving permit that is valid until your ALR hearing or until the suspension officially begins.

If You Refused Testing

Under Texas's implied consent law, TX law requires you to submit to a breath or blood test if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal to submit to testing carries a longer license suspension than failing the test. This suspension is authorized under Texas's implied consent laws.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

What It Is

The ALR hearing is a separate administrative proceeding from your criminal DUI case. It is conducted by the Texas DPS and determines whether your driver's license should be suspended due to your DUI arrest. The burden of proof in an ALR hearing is lower than in a criminal trial.

How to Prepare

Preparing for your ALR hearing is crucial. Consider the following:

• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as witness statements, video footage (if available), and any documentation related to the arrest.
• Understand What You Can Challenge: You can challenge various aspects of the DPS's case, including whether there was reasonable suspicion for the initial traffic stop, whether you were properly advised of your rights, and the accuracy of the breath or blood test results.

Possible Outcomes

The ALR hearing can have several outcomes:

• Suspension Upheld: The DPS finds sufficient evidence to suspend your license.
• Suspension Overturned: The DPS does not find sufficient evidence, and your license is not suspended.
• Restricted/Hardship License Granted: In some cases, you may be eligible for a restricted license that allows you to drive for essential purposes, such as work, school, or medical appointments.

Hardship/Restricted License in Texas

If your license is suspended, you may be eligible for an occupational license in Texas, which allows you to drive for essential purposes.

Eligibility requirements for an occupational license vary based on your circumstances. Generally, you must demonstrate that you need to drive for:

• Work
• School
• Essential household duties
• Medical appointments

The costs and application process for an occupational license involve filing a petition with the court and providing supporting documentation. You may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle as a condition of the occupational license.

Getting Your License Back

After Criminal Case Concludes

Even if you win your ALR hearing, your license may still be suspended if you are convicted of DUI in criminal court.

Reinstatement requirements typically include:

• Paying a reinstatement fee to the Texas DPS.
• Filing proof of SR-22 insurance.
• Completing any required DUI education programs or community service.

Taylor County DMV Offices

Here are the DPS/DMV locations serving Taylor County:

• Taylor County Vehicle Registration
• Address: 400 Oak St, Abilene, TX 79602
• Phone: (325) 674-1224
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM to 4:45 PM, Saturday-Sunday Closed
• Website: Taylor County Vehicle Registration
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Address: 1102 E Lowden St, Abilene, TX 79601
• Phone: (325) 695-0988
• Hours: Monday 8 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday 8 AM to 6 PM, Wednesday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday-Sunday Closed
• Website: Texas Department of Public Safety
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Address: 1110 W Court Plaza, Anson, TX 79501
• Phone: (325) 823-3631
• Hours: Monday-Tuesday 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday Closed, Thursday-Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Saturday-Sunday Closed

You may need to schedule an appointment for certain services at the DPS.

Special Programs

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program: TX law may require you to install an IID on your vehicle as a condition of probation or license reinstatement.
• Occupational License: As described above, this allows limited driving privileges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will my license be suspended if I refuse the breathalyzer in Taylor County? Refusal carries a longer suspension under Texas implied consent law.
2. Where do I go to reinstate my license after a DUI suspension in Taylor County? Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety or visit one of the local offices listed above.
3. Does Taylor County have a specific program to help with license reinstatement after a DUI? The Taylor County Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) maintains a specialized DWI/Interlock caseload that has been operational for over a decade.