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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. Transp. 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 Class C Non-Reporting Probation Criminal Trespass
  • Reduced to Class C Non-Reporting Probation Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
  • Case Dismissed Indecent Exposure
  • Reduced to Obstruction of a Highway Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
  • Reduced to Misdemeanor Possession of 1 to 4 grams of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Carry of a Weapon

Testimonials From Real People

See What Clients Have Said About Us
    "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
    "Words can’t express the gratitude and appreciation I have for him. He’s on your side every step of the way!"
    Mr. Sloane and his office are definitely the right lawyers to choose to expect the best outcome of your case. He more than just helped me get through mine, he literally saved my family and I . I made a mistake as we all do, but this was a felony and he did everything in his power to keep me from going to prison and or lengthy probation. It was the best investment I made cause it paid off with minimal penalty. Words can’t express the gratitude and appreciation I have for him. He’s on your side every step of the way!
    - Derek
    "I consider this money well spent. He did a great job."
    I hired David Sloane to defend me against marijuana charge. He gave me the option of charging a flat fee. It was explained to me my cost would be fixed regardless of whether it took him one appearance in court or ten. I agreed to this as a means of limiting my legal cost. He was able to get the charges against me dismissed. I consider this money well spent. He did a great job for the price quoted.
    - Slade
    "Mind blown."
    I couldn’t believe what he did for me when it was happening. I was not expecting that he would get my entire case DROPPED. I was expecting a felony on my name, but I left court a free man. He is well worth the cost. Thank you! Nobody else could have done what you have.
    - Ngeune P.
    "If you’re looking for someone that’s gonna have your back and someone that’s going to get the best deal for you, this man right here is your guy."
    If you’re looking for someone that’s gonna have your back and someone that’s going to get the best deal for you, this man right here is your guy. I can be in jail right now but if it wasn’t for him and what he the amount of work he puts in the city I am not I am very thankful he will work you and your budget time isn’t a factor but the sooner the better 1000 stars
    - Quaran
    "David is a great lawyer that knows what he is doing and cares."
    I just finished up with an assault charge and David’s office made it as easy as they could. David is a great lawyer that knows what he is doing and cares. I would recommend him to anyone.
    - Josh
    "He moves mountains and he is straight forward with everything"
    He is a great attorney I would recommend him to anyone. He moves mountains and he is straight forward with everything and he gives you all the options and lets you choose and he will advise you for what he thinks and more than likely right or you can go with what you want and both of you will roll the dice together and go with that option if you want to he does not strong arm you into anything. And after meeting and seeing people talk about him what he does in work and outside of work he is an all around great man. and would highly recommend retaining him.
    - Garret
    "David Sloane is hands down the best in the area. I couldn't have asked for a more knowledgeable, confident, friendly and charming person even if I tried."
    David Sloane is hands down the best in the area. I couldn't have asked for a more knowledgeable, confident, friendly and charming person even if I tried. He is a 100% genuine person who truly cares about the outcome and well-being of his clients and I would recommend him for any kind of criminal law case.
    - Jackie