Being arrested for DUI is a confusing experience. In the aftermath of the arrest you will have several choices to make about how to defend the charges against you. One of the most important decisions you have to make is what to do about your driving privileges. A DUI case is more than just a criminal case; there is also an administrative hearing part of the case that deals with the suspension of your driver’s license. You can fight this portion of the case just like you can fight the criminal charges, but the procedure is not the same. The most significant difference is that with the administrative portion of the case, you only have 10 days to request a review of the license suspension. If you do not seek a review within these 10 days, you will lose your right to drive.

The law requires a license suspension for 6 months on a first offense where the driver submitted to the breath test, and the time frame increases with each arrest and different circumstances regarding whether refusal to submit to a breath test was made. If you have been arrested for DUI, you have these three choices regarding your license:

  • You can decide not to seek review of your license suspension, and until the relevant amount of time has passed you will not be permitted to drive.
  • You can seek review of the suspension within the 10 day timeframe, and request your right to drive remain in place.
  • You can make an immediate request for reinstatement of your driving privileges, based on a claim that being unable to drive presents a hardship to you and/or your family. This option requires that you agree to the suspension on a limited basis.

 

Maintaining your right to drive, or at least being able to driver on a limited basis, is important. Without a license you will not be allowed to get behind the wheel of a car, even if you reach favorable results in the criminal part of your DUI case. We know how much you rely on being able to drive, and so we work hard to keep your driving privileges in place. Our qualified traffic and DUI defense attorneys will make sure the request to keep your license is made timely, and do what it takes to help keep you on the road. Call today for help.

Allow an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast to help you maintain your driving privileges and keep you behind the wheel of your car. Your first visit is a free initial consultation.