
You are not allowed to drive to and from work during a license suspension for a DWI (driving while intoxicated). If you get caught driving on a suspended license, you will face other penalties. You can, however, petition for an occupational license that will allow you to drive to and from work and a limited number of other destinations.
At Eddington Worley Attorneys, our DWI defense lawyers can help you appeal your administrative license revocation (ALR), fight a conviction, or petition for your occupational license. We understand how important getting to work is to you and your family. Call us today at 855-600-6695 and let us help you.
You Could Face Two Separate Suspensions Following a Texas DWI Arrest
Under Texas law, you could face two separate losses of your driver’s license. Once they go into effect, both bar you from driving to work or any other location unless you get approved for an occupational license.
Administrative License Revocation
An administrative license suspension, or ALR, is an automatic suspension you receive if the police give you a citation for DWI or a related offense. At the time of your traffic stop or accident, the arresting officer will take your driver’s license and give you a permit to drive for a limited time. This allows you a chance to appeal the ALR.
You need to act quickly because you have a very short time to request an appeal hearing. We can represent you during this hearing. Winning this appeal is the only way to prevent the ALR from going into effect. This revocation continues no matter the outcome of your criminal trial.
DWI Suspension After Conviction
If the court convicts you or you plead guilty to a DWI or a related charge, your sentence will also likely include a second driver’s license suspension. This is in addition to your ALR and could last up to two years. If you have previous convictions, you could face a driver’s license suspension of two years or longer.
Understanding Occupational Licenses in Texas
In general, lawmakers, the courts, and individual judges want you to be able to go to work and keep your job. For this reason, you have the option of petitioning for an occupational license if you lost yours because of a DWI arrest and conviction.
An occupational or restricted license allows you to drive for limited reasons and at limited times as decided based on your specific needs. This could include:
- Going to work and back home
- Going to school and back home
- Going to the doctor
- Going to court-ordered appointments, such as drug or alcohol classes
- Running errands necessary for your household
In some cases, there may be waiting periods before you can petition for an occupational license. Our attorneys can review your charges and sentence and help you understand if any waiting periods apply or if there are any other things you should be aware of based on the facts of your case.
We know it is vital to keeping your job and earning a living that you have a way to get to work every day. You may need to apply for a restricted license. Let us help you navigate the process to petition, apply, and retain your occupational license.
We Can Help You Petition for an Occupational License
Our attorneys can help you petition your local county or district court, or the court in the original jurisdiction of the DWI. We will file the necessary forms and ask them to permit you to apply for an occupational driver license. If they approve, we will receive a court order that allows you to start driving right away.
In some cases, usually because you are a participant in a drug court rehabilitation program, the requirement for a court order may not be necessary. We will review your case to determine the correct course of action for you.
We will also need to ensure you have all the required documents and fees, as well as a financial responsibility insurance certificate. Only then can we submit your application to the Texas Department of Public Safety to get your occupational license.
Call us today at 855-600-6695 to get started or to learn more.
Talk to a Texas DWI Defense Attorney for Help with Your Case Today
The Texas DWI defense team from Eddington Worley Attorneys can help you take on the drunk driving charges you face. We can help you fight your ALR, handle your criminal defense case, and petition for your occupational license if necessary.
You can reach a member of our team today at 855-600-6695.