Being able to drive is a vital part of most people’s day. We use our cars to get to work, take the kids to school, run errands like going to the grocery store or dropping off the dry cleaning, and many other daily activities. If you are not able to drive because your license has been suspended, you might have to take public transportation or get a friend to drive you. This can be a hassle, and can also be difficult to coordinate. So, if you have lost your driver’s license due to a DUI, you need to know what to do in order to have at least some driving privileges.
The thing about DUI cases that not many people know is that with every case, your license is taken. This part of the case is separate from the criminal charges, and requires a separate defense. Two of the most important things to know about a license suspension that goes along with a DUI are:
- You can challenge the suspension of your license by sending a written request for an administrative review of the suspension. You have ten days after the date of request to send the letter, and the sooner the better. If you miss the ten day deadline, you will not get a second chance to ask for a review of the loss of your license. What this means is that your driving privileges will be suspended for the time proscribed by law and you will not be able to drive until your rights are reinstated.
- Once the request for review has been made, a hearing will be scheduled. You will need to attend this hearing and ask for your license back, or for at least a modified license. At the hearing you will have the opportunity to put on evidence as to why your license should not be suspended.
Many times the result of these administrative hearings is that the driver is given a limited license. This type of license does not give you full driving privileges, but you will at least be able to use your car for necessities. Because everyone has different needs, it is impossible to detail just what is considered a “necessary” driving task, and each case is decided on its own facts. For help maintaining your freedom by being able to drive after a DUI arrest, call us today.
For more information about DUI defense, call our office today. Contact us today schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. The first visit is a free initial consultation.