DPS Hearings Lawyer

Few legal situations create as much urgency and confusion as receiving notice of a DPS hearing. For many people, this is the moment when everything suddenly feels real—the threat of losing a driver’s license, the fear of not being able to work or care for family, and the uncertainty of navigating a process they’ve never faced before. DPS hearings, often triggered after a DWI arrest or refusal to submit to testing, are not criminal trials, but the consequences can be just as devastating.

In Texas, a Department of Public Safety (DPS) hearing—commonly known as an ALR (Administrative License Revocation) hearing—can determine whether you keep or lose your driving privileges for months or even years. Many people don’t realize that this process is completely separate from the criminal case. Even if criminal charges are later reduced or dismissed, a DPS hearing alone can still result in license suspension.

This is why choosing the best DPS hearings lawyer is critical. These hearings move fast, involve strict deadlines, and are often decided based on technical legal and procedural details. Without experienced legal representation, drivers frequently lose their licenses simply because they didn’t know how to defend themselves properly.

For more than fifteen years, Annie Shonai Basu and Basu Law Firm have successfully represented clients in DPS hearings across Harris County. Known for her deep understanding of Texas administrative law, traffic defense, and DWI-related proceedings, Annie Basu has earned a reputation as a strong and strategic advocate for drivers fighting to keep their licenses.

Understanding DPS Hearings and Why They Matter

A DPS hearing is an administrative proceeding conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety. It is most commonly initiated after a driver is arrested for DWI or refuses or fails a breath or blood test. The moment an arrest occurs, the driver’s license is immediately placed at risk—often before any criminal conviction takes place.

What makes DPS hearings especially dangerous is how quickly they move. Drivers usually have only 15 days from the date of arrest or notice to request a hearing. Miss that deadline, and the license suspension often happens automatically—no questions asked, no defense presented.

Unlike criminal court, DPS hearings operate under different rules. The burden of proof is lower, evidence standards are different, and the hearing focuses narrowly on specific legal questions, such as whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion to stop the driver, whether there was probable cause for arrest, and whether testing procedures were properly followed.

These hearings are often won or lost on technicalities, procedural errors, and the attorney’s ability to challenge evidence effectively. This is precisely why experience matters—and why so many drivers turn to Annie Basu when facing DPS action.

Who We Are — Annie Shonai Basu

Annie Shonai Basu, known to many as Abogada Annie, is a highly respected attorney with more than fifteen years of experience defending drivers in traffic, DWI, criminal, and administrative proceedings. A graduate of South Texas College of Law Houston, Annie has built her career on protecting people at moments when their freedom, livelihood, and future are at risk.

DPS hearings require a unique blend of legal skills. They are not purely criminal matters, nor are they simple traffic cases. They sit at the intersection of administrative law, constitutional law, and DWI defense. Annie’s extensive background across all these areas gives her a decisive advantage.

Clients often come to Annie overwhelmed and confused. Many don’t understand why they are facing license suspension before their criminal case has even been resolved. Annie takes time to explain the process clearly, outline the stakes, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the client’s specific situation. Her calm, confident approach reassures clients while her courtroom precision delivers results.

Basu Law Firm — Strategic Defense in High-Stakes DPS Hearings

Based in Houston, Basu Law Firm is widely recognized for its focused and aggressive defense of drivers facing license suspension. The firm treats DPS hearings with the seriousness they deserve, understanding that losing driving privileges can be just as damaging as a criminal conviction.

From the moment a client contacts the firm, time becomes the priority. Basu Law Firm immediately requests the DPS hearing, preserving the client’s right to challenge the suspension. The legal team then begins gathering evidence, reviewing arrest reports, analyzing test results, and identifying weaknesses in the state’s case.

Unlike attorneys who treat DPS hearings as routine formalities, Annie prepares for each hearing with the mindset of litigation. She questions officers under oath, challenges improper procedures, and exposes inconsistencies that can lead to favorable outcomes. Her detailed preparation often puts the DPS on the defensive—shifting the balance of power back to the client.

Why Basu Law Firm Is the Best DPS Hearings Lawyer Choice

DPS hearings are highly technical. Winning them requires more than basic legal knowledge—it requires experience with DPS procedures, familiarity with hearing officers, and a deep understanding of how to challenge law enforcement testimony.

Annie Basu stands out because she knows where these cases are vulnerable. She understands how traffic stops should be conducted, how sobriety tests must be administered, and how breath and blood testing protocols must be followed. When officers make mistakes—and they often do—Annie knows how to expose those errors.

Clients trust Annie because she:

• Acts immediately to preserve hearing rights
• Understands both DPS and criminal court processes
• Knows how to cross-examine officers effectively
• Recognizes procedural and constitutional violations
• Fights aggressively to protect driving privileges

Her reputation with DPS hearing officers and prosecutors matters. When Annie appears at a hearing, she is taken seriously. That credibility often makes the difference between license suspension and license retention.

How DPS Hearings Affect Your Life

Many people underestimate how disruptive a license suspension can be. For working professionals, driving is essential. For parents, it’s how children get to school and medical appointments. For students, it’s access to education. For CDL holders and professional drivers, it’s their livelihood.

A DPS-ordered suspension can last anywhere from 90 days to several years, depending on the alleged offense and prior history. In some cases, drivers may be eligible for an occupational license, but even that requires proper legal handling and court approval.

Without experienced legal help, drivers often lose their license simply because they didn’t know how to fight back. Annie’s role is to ensure that clients do not lose their independence unnecessarily.

What Happens During a DPS Hearing

A DPS hearing typically focuses on limited but crucial questions. These include whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop the driver, whether there was probable cause for arrest, whether the driver was properly informed of testing consequences, and whether test results meet legal standards.

The state presents evidence, often relying heavily on officer testimony and written reports. Without an attorney, drivers are expected to question officers themselves and object to improper evidence—something most people are not prepared to do.

Annie handles every aspect of the hearing. She questions officers under oath, challenges assumptions, and highlights procedural failures. Her goal is to show that the DPS has not met its burden—resulting in license retention.

How Basu Law Firm Builds Winning DPS Hearing Strategies

Every DPS case begins with investigation. Annie reviews dashcam footage, arrest reports, test documentation, and DPS notices. She looks for inconsistencies, missing steps, or violations of protocol.

If breath or blood testing is involved, she examines whether the testing equipment was properly maintained and whether collection procedures were followed. If a refusal is alleged, she evaluates whether the driver was lawfully warned and whether the refusal was clearly documented.

Annie prepares as though every hearing could be contested aggressively. This preparation often leads to strong negotiation positions and, in many cases, favorable rulings.

The Emotional Side of DPS Hearings

Behind every DPS case is a person dealing with stress, fear, and uncertainty. Many clients feel judged or hopeless before they even walk into the hearing room. Annie understands this emotional weight.

She takes time to prepare clients mentally as well as legally. Clients know what to expect, how the hearing will proceed, and what outcomes are possible. This clarity reduces anxiety and allows clients to feel supported throughout the process.

Client Experiences — Fighting and Winning DPS Hearings

Clients frequently come to Basu Law Firm believing their license loss is inevitable. Many leave with relief and gratitude.

One client faced automatic suspension after a DWI arrest. Annie requested the DPS hearing, cross-examined the officer, and exposed inconsistencies in the stop and arrest. The hearing officer ruled in the client’s favor, allowing them to keep their license.

Another client was accused of refusing a breath test. Annie demonstrated that the warnings were improperly given, leading to dismissal of the suspension.

These outcomes are not accidents—they are the result of preparation, experience, and unwavering advocacy.

Schedule a Free Consultation With the Best DPS Hearings Lawyer Today

If you are facing a DPS hearing, time is critical. Missing deadlines or appearing unprepared can cost you your license—regardless of what happens in criminal court.

Basu Law Firm, led by Annie Shonai Basu, is ready to fight for your driving privileges, your record, and your future.

Call 713-460-2673 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Your license is your independence. Your defense deserves experience.

Let Basu Law Firm be the advocate that stands between you and license suspension.