
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:
- Essential Needs ODL, which restricts driving to limited necessary purposes, hours, and locations; and
- 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:
- You drive on a commercial driver license (CDL) (Tex. Transp. Code § 521.242(a)).;
- Your driver license was suspended because of a physical or mental disability (Tex. Transp. Code § 521.242(f)).; or
- 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:
- 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)).
- 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)).
- 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)).

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.
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Cases Dismissed Possession of a Controlled Substance Under One Gram and Reckless Driving
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Cases Dismissed Assault Bodily Injury - Family Member and Emergency Protective Order
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Reduced Under 12.44 Motion to Adjudicate - Possession of Methamphetamine Under 1 Gram and Possession of Methamphetamine 1-4 Grams
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Cases Dismissed Burglary of Habitation and Interfering with Emergency Call
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Case Dismissed Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Testimonials From Real People
See What Clients Have Said About Us
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David was able to save me a lot of hassle and money plus a case that if I handled myself. Would have been a nightmare brought to life turned into a cakewalk! He's always been very efficient at what he does and I feel safest working with him. His work ethic is outstanding and somewhat rare. David has supported me on 3 different cases.- Daniel
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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
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David Sloane is the most professional, friendly, informed lawyer I have ever had the privilege of hiring as my legal council! He knows the law inside and out, and will bend over backwards to help his clients. I cannot recommend him enough! He has worked miracles for me, and made it seem effortless! I will always come to David with my legal concerns, recommending him STRONGLY to all my friends and family!- Erich
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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.
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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
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David Sloane is hands down the most professional, trustworthy, and hard working attorney I've ever known. He has helped my family time and time again. We only trust him with our legal issues and you should too. You will not be disappointed with the results. He will fight tooth and nail for you and will not stop. Choosing any other attorney is a mistake.- Matt
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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
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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
