Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous things to do on the road. Therefore, the laws and penalties for drunk driving are stringent. Its scope is also wide and varied to make sure that it covers everything. When it comes to Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), there are many drivers, even good ones who make a mistake. Getting caught for DWI is just the beginning of a string of problems. It gets worse when your drunk driving caused trouble either by damaging properties or when you hurt or kill someone.
However, there are also some minors for DWI. There are processes like the ALR program. An ALR hearing is an administrative process that is not considered to be related to any criminal court proceedings.
What is ALR?
Administrative License Revocation, better known as ALR is a program that is considered as a civil, bureaucratic process. This program is for drivers and individuals who were caught Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) and refused to take a breath or blood test. It is also applicable to those who failed those mentioned tests. These drivers and operators who failed or refused after a DWI or BWI arrest may have their license suspended. The range of suspension is from 90 days up to 2 years. When you fail the test, or you refuse to take it, you will also get a one-year disqualification for those who possess a commercial drivers’ license.
What is the Process for DWI?
As long as a police officer thinks you might be drunk driving, he has the right to request for a field sobriety test. You need to comply on these tests; otherwise, you can get arrested on the spot. If you have never experienced it before, know that there is a specific process followed. The first step is for the suspected driver to take either a blood test or a breath test to find out his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level. The legal limit is 0.08 and below. When you fail, or you refuse, you will receive a notice of suspension for your driver’s license. Upon receipt, you have 15 days to request a hearing. If you choose not to ask for an interview, then your suspension will take into effect on the 40th day when the notice was served. An officer will then accompany your license, and you will get issues with a temporary driving permit. Once over, you need to pay a reinstallment fee of $125 before you can renew or you get issued a driver’s license.
ALR Hearings
The purpose of requesting an ALR hearing is to contest the notice of suspension for your license. Once they have receipt your request for hearing, you will receive the details for your interview. The features will include the date, time as well as the location of the hearing. It often takes up to 120 days for the trial to get scheduled. If your request goes beyond the given time of 15 days, it will get denied, and you will receive a notice of denial. During the hearing, an AL judge will review the case including all evidence presented.
If you have any questions relating to DWI or BWI, feel free to visit our law firm for assistance.
