Dui License Reinstatement - Dui License Suspension

Getting Your License Back After DUI Charges

If you have been convicted of a DUI offense, the chances are pretty good that your license got taken away at some point during the process. In most cases, you'll need to get your license back in order to properly function in society. The way to get your license and your legal driving privileges back, though, can vary considerably from state to state.

Having Your Personal License Reinstated

Many states offer temporary driving permits to individuals who have been convicted of DUI offenses. In most cases, you have to wait about thirty days to get such a permit, and most of them restrict your movement to work or school. You'll have to do a number of things in order to get such a permit.

First, you'll need to fill out the appropriate forms in order to request a hearing. This hearing will usually be conducted by the department of motor vehicles in your state. Keep in mind that temporary driving permits are usually only awarded to individuals who are first time offenders. A lawyer may be able to help you with the process of license reinstatement.

During the hearing, the presiding officer will look carefully at the records of your offense and trial. He or she may also examine any records related to alcohol treatment that you've undergone since your arrest.

Should you get a temporary driving permit, you may be subject to having an ignition interlock device installed on your car while you are under the temporary permit phase.

After a period of time, usually eight months to a year, you may be eligible to have your license fully reinstated by the department of motor vehicles in your state.

In order to do this, additional paperwork may be required. Moreover, you can expect fees to go with the reinstatement of your license. In most cases, in order to have your license reinstated, you have to demonstrate that you've had a clean driving record since the initial arrest and conviction.

Additionally, you may have to go through a driver's education program aimed at alcohol and drug offenders. You will have to attend the actual hearing, and you may also have to build a case during the hearing for having your license reinstated.

You will probably not only be asked why you should get your license back, you may also be asked to demonstrate the fact that you will no longer be a danger to other drivers on the road. Finally, you may need proof of SR22 insurance in order to get your license back.

During this hearing, it is essential to note that unlike your DUI trial, you actually have the burden of proof. You have to show the presiding officer or panel why you should have the right to a driver's license again. Preparing for this day carefully is the key to getting the verdict you want.

Collecting letters from friends, family, or clergy may be quite helpful as character references. Presenting material of consistent quality and bringing all of the necessary paperwork is essential. If you fear you might be unable to present a good image to the panel, hiring a lawyer to handle this process for you is probably a good idea.

Some states have a very formal hearing process, and others simply have an informal hearing at the local license office. Should you lose this hearing, you may be able to request another one at a later date.

Having Your Commercial License Reinstated

Getting your license back for your job isn't quite as easy as getting your personal license back may be. In most states, you're not eligible to reapply for a commercial license for at least a year, and in some cases, you may not be allowed to reapply for up to three years once you license is actually gone.

Unfortunately, in most states, you do not qualify for temporary work privileges if your commercial driver's license got revoked during the DUI proceedings. In order to get your commercial driver's license back, you'll have to undergo the same process you would to get your personal license back.

In order to get the commercial status back on your license, expect additional fines and paperwork. It's a good idea to contact a lawyer if you are a commercial driver trying to get your license reinstated. Keep in mind that if this is your second or third DUI offense, you probably won't be able to get your commercial license back.