Have You Lost Your Right To Drive? What To Know
You can be driving without a care in the world one minute and have your right to drive snatched away in the next. What many people take for granted as a right is really more of a privilege that can be lost when things go wrong. To find out more about losing and taking back your right to drive legally, read on.
What Causes a Loss of Driving Privileges?
Serious traffic-related offenses can lead to a loss of driving privileges. You probably won't lose your license if you get a speeding ticket but being charged with reckless driving is another matter. In most cases, this charge happens when you are caught driving a certain number of miles over the posted speed limit. Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can almost assuredly result in a loss of driving privileges. Unfortunately, the department of motor vehicles (DMV) can take away a license even before your case is heard. When you lose your right to drive, it usually involves either a suspension or revocation.
What To Know About Suspensions
License suspensions can occur when a driver's actions warrant but they are not meant to permanently remove their driving privileges. When you encounter a license suspension, it will come with an expiration date. For instance, you might have a six-month suspension imposed on a driver convicted of DUI. That doesn't mean, though, that you can just walk into the DMV and get your old license back after the allotted period of time has passed. Getting a license reinstated is often tied to other forms of punishment and you have to be clear with the courts before you can apply for a license after a suspension. Also, getting a new license after a suspension (or a revocation) will likely cost you hundreds of dollars rather than the usual renewal fee.
What to Know About Revocations
This more serious step in the process can be permanent. While it's possible to have a revocation removed and get your license back, it's rare, difficult, and may take you years of work to do so. Serious offenses like the following may result in a license revocation:
- A DUI accident with a death involved.
- Fleeing from law enforcement and causing an accident with injuries.
- Multiple DUI arrests within a period of time.
Get Help With Your Case
Don't try to cope with a loss of driving privileges on your own. Your criminal defense attorney can work to help you get your license back. If you need to drive to work, your lawyer can help you obtain a hardship license to use until you get things straightened out. Speak to a criminal defense attorney to find out more.
To learn more about criminal law and the options you have, contact a professional near you.
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