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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 Class C Non-Reporting Probation Criminal Trespass
  • Reduced to Class C Non-Reporting Probation Falsification of Drug Test Results
  • Case Dismissed Indecent Exposure
  • Cases Dismissed Assault Bodily Injury - Family Member and Emergency Protective Order
  • Reduced to Misdemeanor Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Evading Arrest

Testimonials From Real People

See What Clients Have Said About Us
    "He is knowledgeable, fun, outgoing, and a pleasure to work with. Thank you so much David for your positive attitude, charisma, and wealth of experience."
    David Sloane is the only name you need to know if you find yourself in trouble. I was charged with possession of marijuana along with the other two people that were in the car with me. They were charged and given 12 months of probation, 80 hours of community service, a DOEP class, and a slew of other hoops to jump through. I had my case completely dismissed thanks to Mr. Sloane's hard work and dedication to his clients. Not to mention he drove 6 hours and made an overnight trip to represent me in Hale County. He is knowledgeable, fun, outgoing, and a pleasure to work with. Thank you so much David, your positive attitude, charisma, and wealth of experience have made this whole process so much more bearable.
    - Erich
    "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
    "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
    "By far the best lawyer in the state of Texas."
    Amazing lawyer. Has worked diligently with me on my cases, and has even been able to work out nice deals when I myself have made multiple mistakes. In the courtroom, he is courteous but firm, and will make sure you get the best deal possible if he can't already get your case dropped. By far the best lawyer in the state of Texas, especially for drug related offences!
    - Chaise
    "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 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
    "He made my tough situation a breeze to get through!!"
    I am from Phoenix AZ and hired David Sloan for a case I had in Sierra Blanca TX! He was very professional and also personable! He made my tough situation a breeze to get through!! I recommend him for anyone who needs help with a mistake they have made in life and need a smooth way of fixing the problem and moving on!!
    - Levi