Austin Driver's License Suspension Lawyers

In Texas, your driver’s license is more than just a card – it’s a crucial tool for daily life. Whether commuting to work, taking children to school, attending medical appointments, or running errands, a valid driver’s license is essential. If your driver’s license is suspended, these everyday tasks can become major obstacles, adding unnecessary stress to your life.

Driving with a suspended license is a serious offense with severe consequences. While it may seem tempting to continue driving, primarily if you rely on your vehicle for basic needs, doing so can lead to serious legal ramifications. Operating a vehicle with a suspended license is a misdemeanor offense. The penalties can include fines, an extended suspension period, and, in certain circumstances, jail time. For repeat offenders, the stakes are even higher, making it crucial to act swiftly if you face a suspension.

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, our Austin driver's license suspension attorneys can help by fighting to avoid a suspension of your driving privileges or defending you in court against a charge of driving while suspended. We have extensive experience handling criminal and administrative matters and a proven record of delivering results. Our team approaches every case with a client-focused mindset, working tirelessly to craft a strategy tailored to your needs and circumstances.

To receive the care and compassion you deserve, contact our team online or via phone at (512) 991-0576.

How Do Driver’s License Suspensions Work in Texas?

In Texas, your driver’s license is central to many everyday activities, and losing it can create significant disruption. Therefore, it’s essential to understand specific actions that can lead to a suspension.

Some of the most common causes of driver’s license suspension include the following:

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI). A driver’s license suspension can occur immediately after a DWI arrest if you take a chemical test and have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit or if you refuse to take the test altogether. This action is part of the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) program, which allows the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to revoke your license automatically. A DWI conviction can also lead to a driver’s license suspension.
• Accumulation of traffic violations. Accumulating multiple moving traffic violations within a specific period can also lead to a suspended driver’s license. If you receive four or more moving violations within 12 months or seven or more moving violations within 24 months, your driver’s license may be suspended.
• Failure to pay fines or appear in court. The DPS can deny renewing your driver’s license if you fail to appear for a traffic citation or have unresolved court-ordered fines.
• Driving an uninsured vehicle. Texas law requires drivers to have automobile insurance. If you’re involved in an accident and you do not have the necessary insurance coverage, your driver’s license may be suspended.
• Owing child support arrears. If you owe overdue child support for three months or more, the child support agency can petition for an administrative suspension of your driver’s license.

The Legal Process Behind Driver’s License Suspension

When your driver’s license is suspended, it can feel like your world is suddenly turned upside down. However, understanding the legal process can help you navigate this challenging situation and take steps to regain your driving privileges.

Once the DPS has determined that your license should be suspended, they will send you a notice in the mail. This notice will clearly outline the reason for your suspension and, in many cases, provide an option to contest the suspension at a hearing. You must request the hearing within the specified period, or you may forfeit your right to challenge the suspension. We can help you navigate the legal process and present your case effectively if you contest the suspension.

Administrative vs. Criminal Penalties

Administrative penalties, such as a driver’s license suspension, are part of a civil process handled by the DPS. These penalties are generally issued without a criminal conviction. Still, they are based on violations such as traffic offenses, failure to pay fines, or DWIs. 

On the other hand, criminal penalties result from a conviction in a criminal case. A criminal conviction, for example, in a DWI case, could lead to a driver’s license suspension and criminal fines, probation, or even jail time.

The Role of the Texas Department of Public Safety

The Texas Department of Public Safety plays a central role in suspending and reinstating your driver’s license. DPS is responsible for overseeing the suspension of driver’s licenses and managing the reinstatement process once the suspension period has ended or if certain conditions are met. This agency reviews the circumstances surrounding the suspension. It works to ensure that drivers who violate traffic laws are held accountable.

How to Reinstate Your Driver’s License

Reinstating your driver’s license in Texas begins with understanding the specific conditions of your suspension. Depending on the reason for the suspension, the DPS will provide you with clear guidelines on what you need to complete before restoring your driving privileges. 

The general process for reinstatement typically involves the following steps:

• Paying the reinstatement fee. This charge is the primary fee you must pay to initiate the reinstatement process. The amount can vary, so checking with DPS for the exact fee related to your case is essential.
• Satisfying outstanding fines. You must settle any unpaid fines related to the offense that led to your suspension. This obligation could include penalties for traffic violations or other legal obligations.
• Completing required programs. If your suspension was linked to issues like a DWI or failure to maintain insurance, you may be required to complete specific programs. These might include alcohol education courses or defensive driving courses, depending on the circumstances.
• Meeting compliance requirements. Certain suspensions may require you to submit proof of compliance with specific requirements, such as maintaining valid insurance coverage or attending mandatory court hearings.

Contacting our team at Cofer & Connelly, PLLC before your driver's license is suspended allows us to fight to prevent the action through an administrative hearing. Depending upon the reason for the suspension, we might be able to contest it through a court proceeding or by taking other steps to help get your license reinstated.

Occupational Driver’s License: A Path to Limited Driving Privileges

If your driver’s license is suspended and you must drive for work, school, or other essential activities, an occupational driver’s license may be an option. This restricted license allows you to drive only under specific conditions. The DPS offers this option to individuals whose licenses have been suspended or revoked.

To obtain an occupational license, you must petition the court and prove that you have a legitimate need for driving during the suspension period. The court will consider factors such as your employment, school, or household responsibilities. Once granted, an occupational license permits you to commute to work, take care of household duties, or attend school-related activities within the limitations set by the court.

Talk to Our License Suspensions Attorney in Austin, TX

Our Austin driver's license suspension lawyers are committed to fighting to prevent your driver's license from being suspended or working with you through reinstatement. If you have been charged with driving with a suspended license, we use our substantial criminal defense experience and skills to aggressively defend you against the penalties and consequences of a conviction.

Contact us online or call (512) 991-0576 for assistance with your case. Our lawyers can help with your suspended license in Texas.