DUI Blog

Just getting a DUI is bad enough. You went through the process, you paid the fines, your license was suspended, you had jail time, and received probation. However, studies have pointed out most drivers who lose their license, often because of a drinking and driving or other DUI related offense, continue to drive. It’s actually quite common. This does not make it safe to do so. In some cases, there may be confusion on when you can’t drive and for how long. But one question we often hear is, why? Why lose your license for a DUI, especially if you feel the DUI was wrong?

Why Your License Is Suspended
It may seem obvious, but by drinking and driving or using drugs (illegal and sometimes legal), you were endangering other drivers. Just like any mistake, it comes with consequences. It may be impossible for you not to drive. You may have no other way to get to work. You may have a medical condition. You may be nowhere near a bus station. How can you get out of this jam? You can fight the DUI in the first place. It’s possible to successfully defend a DUI. Otherwise, by driving, you face severe penalties. There is no easy solution to give.

How long can’t you drive?
Quite often in your first DUI case, the suspension is for one year. For multiple DUI violations or if you are caught driving on a suspended license, the penalty can be several years. This all depends on the nature of your case. For example, if you were involved in an accident, and hurt someone because of your driving, your suspension can be much longer. If you’ve received multiple DUI violations, you may face felony charges and therefore your license is suspended for longer periods.

What penalties do you face?
If you drive on a suspended license and are pulled over, you will be arrested and taken to jail. In most cases, you can post bail and leave. You will have another day in court and likely will face fines and extended jail time.

How do you get help?
If you lost a DUI case and kept driving on a suspended license, you still need a lawyer. Actually, there are some defenses for you to consider. You may have been unaware of how the laws worked. It may be a simple clerical error where you never received notice.

In cases where you were told of the suspended license, you likely think a lawyer is inconsequential. In any case this serious, you still need legal representation. You may face extended time in jail. On the other hand, there may be mistakes in the case; but you won’t know unless you have a lawyer to defend you.

Summer is in full swing in sunny Fort Lauderdale.  Residents as well as visitors are enjoying the warm weather and longer days with sailing and sunbathing.  But the sun may set all too soon on these fun times for those caught drinking and driving.

Drunk driving is a serious offense in the state of Florida and the penalties associated with it are life altering for both the driver and their family.  If you have been arrested for drunk driving in the Fort Lauderdale area, there is no time to waste.  It is very important that you speak with a qualified DUI attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.

The laws governing DUI in Florida are complicated and there are numerous legal filings involved in these cases.  Additionally, once you have been arrested the clock is ticking on your driving privileges.

At the time of your arrest, your driver’s license was suspended automatically.  This suspension is effective for between 6 months and 1 year, depending on the circumstances of your case.  You will only have 10 days following your arrest in which to contest this suspension.  If you do not or if your appeal is denied, you will have to serve at least a portion of the suspension before you can even apply for a hardship license.

A hardship license will allow you to drive under certain circumstances if you can show that this is necessary.  These circumstances are most often related to employment and business purposes.

If you failed a chemical test used to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of your arrest, you will have to serve at least 30 days of your suspension before being allowed to apply for a hardship license.  However, if you refused to take a chemical test at all, you will be required to serve 90 days of your license suspension before being able to apply for the hardship license.  You will also be required to show proof of your enrollment in an approved alcohol treatment course in order to apply for the hardship license.

Additional licensing fees will also be associated with your hardship license and the reinstatement of your license after the suspension is completed.  You will also be required to complete the licensing examination and provide proof of insurance.

As you can see, retaining your driver’s license after a DUI arrest is a difficult and complicated process.  A legal professional who has seen numerous cases just like yours is the best candidate to help you through this difficult time.  Do not delay; consult an experienced DUI lawyer today.