
In Texas, we rely on our cars to get around, especially in larger cities like Austin. Losing your ability to drive can disrupt every part of life. For most people, driving is essential for work, school, and daily errands, making a suspended or revoked license a significant burden.
The good news is that an experienced suspended license lawyer can help. At GHC Law, we understand how stressful it can be to lose your driving privileges, not to mention how much it can impact your life. That’s why we work closely with clients to fight suspensions or pursue reinstatement, helping them get back behind the wheel with confidence.
Why You Need a Driver’s License Attorney in Austin
Texas traffic laws are complicated, which can make the license suspension legal process overwhelming without the help of someone experienced in Travis County criminal defense. Many situations can lead to a suspended or revoked license, and each case calls for a unique legal strategy. There are often requirements to meet, mandatory hearings to attend, and strict deadlines involved, and any confusion can significantly complicate the situation.
That’s why local experience matters. Attorneys familiar with the Texas Department of Public Safety and Austin’s traffic courts understand how the system works, including what it takes to move your case forward as quickly as possible. For a suspended license lawyer to be successful, this knowledge is crucial when challenging a suspension, requesting a hearing, or negotiating with prosecutors to protect your driving privileges.
Common Reasons for License Suspension in Texas
Several circumstances can lead to license suspension, including driving under the influence or committing excessive driving violations. However, in some cases, a license suspension notice can come as a shock. That’s why it’s essential to understand the situations that can lead to driver’s license suspensions or revocations.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Not surprisingly, a DWI conviction can lead to a driver’s license suspension. Even if you are just charged and not convicted, an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) can occur in many cases.
Unpaid Traffic Tickets or Surcharges
Not paying traffic tickets or court-ordered fines? That can lead to a license suspension. The DPS can deny your driver’s license renewal for failure to appear for a traffic citation or unresolved court-ordered fines.
Failure to Maintain Insurance
It’s against the law to drive an uninsured vehicle in Texas. Therefore, if you are in a traffic accident and don’t have adequate insurance to cover the resulting damage, your driver’s license can be suspended.
Excessive Points or Violations
Accumulating too many driving violations within a specified timeframe can result in license suspension as a “habitual violator”. This situation applies if you incur four or more moving violations within 12 months or seven or more within 24 months.
Child Support Non-Payment
If child support non-payment accumulates for three months or more, the child support agency can request an administrative suspension of your driver’s license.
Certain Convictions
Some convictions, including boating while intoxicated, racing, minor in possession of alcohol, evading arrest, drug offenses, or more serious felonies like manslaughter, can lead to license suspension.
What Happens If You Drive With a Suspended License

Texas law takes driving with a suspended license seriously. The legal ramifications are not worth the risk, even if it’s just driving a few blocks. Driving with a suspended license is considered a misdemeanor offense, which can result in fines, an extended license suspension period, or even imprisonment under certain circumstances. Furthermore, if the offense happens more than once, the penalties escalate.
Given the seriousness of a license suspension, it’s critical to contact a driver’s license attorney as soon as possible for help navigating the situation and reinstating your driving privileges as soon as possible.
How an Austin Driver's License Lawyer Can Help
If you receive a letter from the DPS stating that your license should be suspended, take it seriously and plan for action. The letter will outline the reason for your suspension and, in some cases, provide an option to contest the suspension at a hearing. However, the hearing must be requested within the specified period of time, or you could forfeit the right to challenge the suspension.
This is where a GHC Law Firm driver’s license attorney can help. A deep understanding of Texas traffic laws and how the system works enables our team to aggressively and confidently fight against license suspension.
Evaluate Your Case
Our lawyers for suspended license cases will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine how we can help you avoid a suspension or ensure the best possible outcome. In any case, we have the experience and knowledge to ensure the appropriate steps are taken immediately, representing your rights from day one.
Represent You in Court or DPS Hearings
Having a driver’s license attorney by your side in court is critical to ensuring your rights are protected while working towards the most favorable outcome for your situation. Our legal team understands what to do, what to ask, and how to navigate the traffic court system confidently. For example, in some cases, the driver can obtain an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL) to drive legally, even with a suspended license. An ODL is a controlled license that allows you to drive on specific days and at designated times for limited purposes such as work, school, or essential household duties.
Help Reinstate Your License
The driver’s license reinstatement process in Texas is a complex one. It typically involves strict deadlines, detailed paperwork requirements, and timely communication with governing agencies. However, an experienced driver’s license attorney can smooth the process by efficiently handling the legal and administrative steps on your behalf while ensuring your rights remain protected at every step.
At GHC Law, we help clients understand the reason for the suspension, then recommend and facilitate the best course of action. We help address outstanding issues such as fines or court requirements, while confidently overseeing the reinstatement process with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Our lawyers for suspended license cases also represent clients in hearings and appeals as needed to help restore driving privileges as swiftly as possible.
How to Reinstate Your Driver’s License in Austin

The general reinstatement process includes (but is not limited to) the following steps. A driver’s license attorney not only ensures every step of the process is satisfied on time but also protects your rights at every turn.
- Pay Reinstatement Fees: This is the primary fee required to begin the reinstatement process. Since the amount can vary depending on the case’s particulars, a driver’s license attorney can help ensure it’s the correct amount.
- Pay Outstanding Fines: Any unpaid fines related to the suspension must be satisfied, including penalty fees for traffic violations, etc.
- Complete Required Courses (if DWI): In some cases, there may be course requirements to meet before reinstatement. Some examples include alcohol education courses or defensive driving courses.
- Meet Insurance Requirements: There may be insurance requirements to meet for reinstatement. For example, in cases of suspension for a DWI-related offense or an administrative license suspension, you must file SR-22 vehicle insurance with the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS), maintaining proof for two years.
”“Will is a brilliant lawyer and his experience speaks for itself. He is dedicated and passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. I highly recommend Will’s services to anyone in need of a dependable and compassionate criminal defense attorney.”
- Client, Sehar Aijaz
Why Choose GHC Law Firm
At GHC Law Firm, we understand that bad things can happen to good people. We also know how important it is to trust in your criminal defense lawyer. As experienced criminal defense attorneys in Austin, we listen with compassion and understanding. We’ve spent years helping clients navigate the legal process with confidence, knowing we are protecting their rights every step of the way. If you are facing accusations that threaten your driving privileges, we can help you through the process and fight to restore your license.
Contact GHC Law Firm Now
Contact UsFAQs – Austin Driver’s License Issues
How can an attorney help if my license was suspended in Texas?
Depending on the situation, a driver’s license attorney can protect your rights while representing you in DPS hearings, contesting the action, filing any necessary appeals, or helping speed up the process of reinstatement.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license in Austin?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Texas, which can result in fines, extended suspension, or jail time. However, an attorney for driving with a suspended license can fight to help minimize these consequences.
How long does it take to get my license reinstated?
The timeline depends on the reason for suspension and how quickly you can meet and complete the mandated requirements for the suspension. In any situation, a driver’s license attorney can help speed up the process.
Can a DWI lawyer also handle my license suspension?
Yes. A DWI attorney often handles both the criminal case and the administrative license suspension, ensuring a coordinated defense.
Do I need to attend a DPS hearing in person?
Not always. In many cases, your driver’s license attorney can attend for or with you. However, attending in person may be required in some instances.