DUI License Suspension
One of the toughest penalties that a person who is accused of drunk driving may face is the DUI license suspension. After all, unless your town has excellent public transportation, everyone needs a vehicle. Therefore, the loss of driving privileges may affect your family, your social life, and even your employment.Did you know that even before you are convicted of DUI your license may be automatically suspended? After a driver fails a breath test, or refuses to take one altogether, the Department of Motor Vehicles may automatically suspend or revoke your driving privileges. This is known as an administrative license suspension.
In order to contest this automatic suspension, you have a certain timeframe during which you can request an administrative hearing. If you do not request a hearing within this timeframe, your license will indeed be suspended. It is in your best interest to hire an experienced DUI defense attorney in order to ensure that you meet the deadlines and to assist you with the hearing.
A defense attorney will attempt to prove why you need to be able to drive. The attorney may argue that driving is essential for you to get to work, that it is your only mode of transportation, or that suspending your license could create a hardship for your family.
If this is your first offense, the judge may grant you a restricted driving permit. This permit will allow you to drive to certain locations such as to and from work, school, and the doctor.
If you refused to take the blood, breath, or urine test, your license will be automatically suspended by the DMV. In fact, in some states, the punishment for refusing to take the test is more severe than if you had taken the test and failed.
If you are convicted of drunk driving in criminal court, you may be sentenced to an additional DUI license suspension.
You can fight a DUI license suspension! If you haven’t done so already, you should contact a qualified DUI defense attorney.The penalties for a drunk-driving conviction are life altering, and you need an experienced attorney to give you a fighting chance at winning your case.
