ALR Hearing

A professional driver’s license is more than just a piece of plastic; it represents a significant investment of time and often serves as the foundation for a career. For many, this license is essential for putting food on the table and supporting their families. However, an accusation or criminal charge can threaten everything you have built. If you are facing this difficult situation, you need to act quickly and seek help from a qualified legal professional.

Criminal charges—or even simple accusations—can lead to the suspension or revocation of a professional license, potentially ending a career before it truly begins. Many professions, including doctors, teachers, truck drivers (CDL holders), firefighters, pilots, and pharmacists, rely on these licenses to practice. Without a valid license, your livelihood is at risk.

The rise in DUI incidents has become a significant focus for law enforcement, as these events compromise road safety and lead to accidents and injuries across Pennsylvania. Consequently, authorities enforce strict penalties to address the issue. If you are charged with a DUI, your license—or that of a loved one—could be suspended for 6 to 18 months, depending on prior records. You will receive a Notice of Suspension in these cases. If you fail to schedule an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 30 days, your driving privileges will be automatically suspended under state law. In this scenario, retaining a skilled Morgantown criminal lawyer who specializes in DUI cases is essential.

What You Need to Know

Under Pennsylvania state law, if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) registers at 0.08% or higher, law enforcement will confiscate your driver’s license. Furthermore, refusing to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test can also result in an automatic license suspension. It is vital to understand the specific regulations surrounding this law:

• Timelines matter: If you do not schedule an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 40 days of being charged, your driving privileges may be suspended.
• Scope of the hearing: ALR hearings do not determine if the police suspension or revocation action was valid or correct.
• Driving status: Simply choosing not to drive is not considered a formal acknowledgment of your suspension.
• Limitations of the hearing: The ALR hearing cannot be used to reduce the length of your suspension or to modify orders regarding ignition interlock requirements.
• Out-of-state licenses: Surrendering a Pennsylvania license in a different state does not count toward credit scores or serve as an acknowledgment of your suspension.
• Hardship rules: The Department of Transportation does not consider personal hardships or extenuating circumstances when deciding eligibility for an Occupational Limited License (OLL) or Probationary License (PL).
• Fees: There is a mandatory, non-refundable fee of $100 required to request an ALR hearing.

How Can a Lawyer Help You?

If you are facing an Administrative License Revocation, securing experienced legal representation is critical to protecting your future. At Mountaineer Law Group, we specialize in handling complex DUI/OUI charges. With a strong track record and a 10.0 Avvo rating, attorney Sean Logue is committed to defending the rights and privileges of his clients. A Morgantown DUI attorney can approach your hearing with diligence, ensuring that clear and concise statements address the specific facts of your case.

We utilize our expertise to construct a compelling argument designed to show how your rights may have been violated, prove that the license revocation was unlawful, or demonstrate that arresting officers failed to follow proper procedures.

An ALR hearing offers the best chance for residents to present valid reasons why their license should remain active. We will handle all the necessary groundwork to ensure your arguments are robust and your interests are fully protected. A qualified Morgantown criminal lawyer can be the difference between losing your license and keeping your career on track.

If you have received a suspension notice and need to discuss your strategy for an ALR hearing, please contact Mountaineer Law Group for a free consultation. You can reach us at (304) 381-3656 or contact us online to speak with a Morgantown DUI attorney today.