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Occupational Driver's License Put Unparalleled Defense In Your Corner

Occupational Driver License (ODL)

Experienced DWI Defense in Tarrant County, and the Greater Dallas – Fort Worth Area

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is one of the most common criminal offenses in Tarrant County and  throughout Texas. Even if you are never convicted, you could still face harsh consequences like a potential driver license suspension. Luckily, an Occupational Driver License (ODL) could provide you the opportunity to retain your necessary driving privileges while an experienced DWI lawyer fights your case.

What Is an Occupational Driver's License?

An occupational driver license is a restricted license that allows you to drive a vehicle after your license has been suspended or revoked. (Tex. Transp. Code § 521.242(a)). 

The two types of Occupational Driver Licenses in Texas are:

  1. Essential Needs ODL, which restricts driving to limited necessary purposes, hours, and locations; and 
  2. Deep Lung Device ODL, which requires a person to install an ignition interlock device in the vehicle, but does not mandate other restrictions like the Essential Needs ODL. 

Occupational Driver's License Eligibility

Generally, anyone whose license has been suspended is eligible for an Occupational Driver License. However, you are ineligible for an Occupational Driver License if:

  1. You drive on a commercial driver license (CDL) (Tex. Transp. Code § 521.242(a)).;
  2. Your driver license was suspended because of a physical or mental disability (Tex. Transp. Code § 521.242(f)).; or
  3. You have been issued an ODL within the last 10 years following a DWI conviction (Tex. Trasp. Code § 521.242(b)(2)). 

Occupational Driver's License Waiting Period

Generally, first-time offenders are immediately eligible for an Occupational Driver License (Tex. Transp. Code § 521.251); otherwise, there may a waiting period depending on the type of occupational driver license you apply for.

There may be a waiting period for an Essential Needs ODL if you have had a prior alcohol or drug related contact or conviction, such as:

  1. 91-day waiting period if your driver license had been suspended as a result of an alcohol or drug related contact within the previous 5 years (Tex. Transp. Code § 521.251(b)).
  2. 181-day waiting period if your driver license had been suspended as a result of an alcohol or drug related conviction with the previous 5 years (Tex. Transp. Code § 521.251(c)).
  3. 1-year waiting period if your driver license was suspended due to a second alcohol or drug related conviction within the previous 5 years (Tex. Transp. Code § 521.251(d)).

There is no waiting period for a Deep Lung Device ODL, even if you would otherwise have one for an Essential Needs ODL (Tex. Transp. Code § 521.251(d-1)). 

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Our Settlements & Verdicts

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • Reduced to Misdemeanor Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Evading Arrest
  • Case Dismissed Possession of a Controlled Substance Under One Gram in a Drug Free Zone
  • Motion to Adjudicate Dismissed Motion to Adjudicate - Possession of 4 to 200 grams of Methamphetamine, Evading Arrest with a Vehicle, and Theft of $30,000 to $150,000
  • Unlawful Stop - Charge Dismissed Possession of Marijuana <2oz
  • Case Dismissed Discharging a Firearm in a Municipality

Testimonials From Real People

See What Clients Have Said About Us
    "5 stars! If I could.. 10!"
    A great, outgoing and easy to talk to attorney. Mr. Sloane gets right to the point and knows to handle a case. Worth your money I promise you. 5 stars! If I could.. 10!
    - Mary
    "Highly recommended! Worth every penny."
    Highly recommended! Worth every penny. I had possession of marijuana under 2 ounces and he got it reduced to drug paraphernalia and a fine. He definitely knows what he is doing and is very creative with it!
    - Michael
    "A lifesaver!"
    A lifesaver! He knows his stuff
    - Sam
    "Thank you so much for what you did for me, I could never thank you enough!"
    I was arrested for possession of Marijuana, Called Sloane the moment I knew I needed help. I needed someone who would take action and get me out of a sticky situation. He filed papers and I just waited 3 years for any sign of a court date. Fortunately, the charges/case was dropped due to the statute of limitations. A few months after everything was dropped, I wanted to see if I could get some of the money I paid for him because he did not have to come to my town or do very much at all in those three years. I got in touch with his assistant and she said sorry it's a one time fee. David was nice enough to call me back an offer me some of what I paid. He was honest and did his job to the fullest extent I needed. He has blessed me with my life and an even better holiday gift! He will always be my go-to guy if I'm ever in a bad situation. Although I really hope I never have to call him again. Thank you so much for what you did for me, I could never thank you enough! God bless!
    - Auriel
    "David Sloane is the only person you want by your side in a courtroom!"
    David Sloan is the only person you want by your side in a courtroom! His knowledge, expertise, and efficiency are top of the line. He also communicates well with those surrounding the defendant. Highly recommend!
    - Laurie
    "He is very kind and cares about you as a person, and he is VERY knowledgeable in his field."
    I wish I would have gone to this man in the first place. He is very kind and cares about you as a person, and he is VERY knowledgeable in his field. I felt like he would have fought for me and produced a better outcome than what I had, had I only known about him almost 4 years now prior. If you are in a bind with marijuana charges, please go see him. He not only will know what he is speaking to but educates you on how he will win. And if you get him, I am sure you will win.
    - Emily
    "He will fight for what he believes is right. Really, he is all you could ask for as a legal representative and a general person."
    Mr. Sloane has lengthy experience in law enforcement. This only adds to his already plethora of knowledge about the law. He understands procedures field officers must adhere to. Very easy person to communicate with and makes you feel he is definitely on your side. He will work with you in every aspect of your case. Explains your options and tells you what he believes is best and always works with you on your decision. His office is easily reachable and they respond in a swift manner. What stuck with me most was his world view. He is a humble man who stands by his beliefs. He will fight for what he believes is right. Really, he is all you could ask for as a legal representative and a general person. Highly suggest for the DFW metroplex!
    - Pasquale
    "Best lawyer in the DFW metroplex hands down"
    David and his staff are excellent in helping you understand everything that is going on. If you want a lawyer to fight for you and not do the bare minimum then David Sloane is the one to contact. I went from having a state jail felony and a class b misdemeanor, to just a class c misdemeanor no felony. He also got it set up to where my record is sealed. I really have no idea where I would be or what the outcome would have been if I didn't choose David as my attorney. Olga is also very helpful as well and does an excellent job of letting you know when and where you need to be, and also helps you understand things going on with your case. I give David and his team 5 stars because of how they treated me and what an outstanding job David did. Thank you so much for your help.
    - JC