Dealing With The Loss Of Your Driver's License Due To DUI

Law Blog

If you've been arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you may have already found that your driving privileges have been suspended. The department of motor vehicles has the right to temporarily suspend your driving license pending the outcome of your DUI case. Unfortunately, that suspension is only the beginning of your problems when it comes to your driving privileges. Read on to find out more.

Seek Legal Help Immediately

DUI cases can result in punishments far more serious than the loss of driving privileges. What defendants should keep in mind, however, is that being charged with a DUI is not the end of the world. DUI charges can be beaten – they can be reduced and they can be dropped. You cannot fight this case without an attorney, however. Lawyers who practice criminal defense with an emphasis on DUI understand what the state needs to prove to get you convicted. If you want to get your driving privileges restored as quickly as possible, contact an attorney and they will work towards having you issued a hardship driving license. This special type of temporary license allows holders to travel during certain hours for certain reasons. You can usually drive to work, to school, take your children to school or to doctor's appointments, and more. Otherwise, you might end losing your job as a result of the arrest.

Suspension of Driving Privileges

The level of the DUI charge can affect your ability to be approved for a hardship license. Even if you have not yet been convicted, the seriousness of the charges can begin to impact you in this regard. If any of the following circumstances are present, you may have more of a challenge getting a hardship license, particularly if the DUI meets the standards for a felony rather than a misdemeanor.

1. Traffic laws were broken prior to the arrest. In some cases, you will be cited for issues like equipment problems (tail light out, for example) or speeding.
2. Other laws were broken before or during the traffic stop for the DUI. For example, if you fail to stop for the officer in a timely manner, flee from authorities, resist arrest, and are charged with committing other crimes along with the DUI, it could bring enhanced charges.
3. An accident occurred that led to the DUI arrest. If someone was injured, the charges get even more serious.
4. Your blood alcohol concentration level exceeded the legal limit by more than a certain amount. The higher the blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit of .08%, the more likely it is that you will spend more time waiting to have your driving privileges reinstated.

To find out more, speak to a criminal defense attorney.

3 July 2019