Can I Get My License Back After A DUI?

Apr 10, 2022

Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense that can lead to serious consequences, including death. If you are caught, arrested, and charged with a DUI in Dyer, it would be in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced Indiana DUI lawyer from Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C., to provide you with skillful legal representation.

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), Driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving under the influence (DUI), drunk driving, and driving while impaired are all identical offenses. The state of Indiana charges these offenses per statute as OWI.

Besides criminal penalties and fines, having a DUI arrest means you will also likely have your driving license suspended, unless you retain the services of a skilled DUI lawyer to fight for you in fending off the charges and avoiding the suspension of your license.

Suspension of a driver’s license means you will not be able to drive your car to work, school, or any place you would ordinarily use your car to drive to. This can be extremely hard on you, especially when you do not have other means you can easily go to these places. You should also avoid the temptation to drive while your driving license is suspended because if you are caught, then things will be even worse for you.

Period of DUI-Related Driver License Suspension

How long your driver’s license can be suspended depends on several factors. If this is your first DUI, then you should expect your driver’s license to be suspended for 180 days. However, in certain cases, you may be given restricted driving privileges, so you can drive to, for example, work or school. This is not automatic, for you must show that having even the restricted driving privilege is desirable in your case.

This is only if you did not refuse a field sobriety test. If you refused the test, then your license could be suspended for a full year.

If you have a prior DUI conviction, then you are likely to have your driving license suspended for an even longer period. For example, if you are convicted for DUI for a second time, then your license could be suspended between six months and two years, depending on your individual facts and circumstances.

What Happens After a Period of Driver License Suspension is Over?

Once your period of suspension is over, you will be able to resume driving, but only after you apply for reinstatement of your driving privileges and pay significant fees.

This is one of the reasons why you need to consult an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as you have been arrested on a DUI suspicion so the lawyer can apply their skills and the law to at least try and avoid the suspension altogether.

If suspension of your driver’s license is unavoidable, then the lawyer can help you in having some of the driving privileges restored as quickly as possible. Our experienced DUI lawyers know what needs to be documented and presented for your driving privileges to be partially or fully restored.

Consult with an Indiana DUI Defense Lawyer Today

If your driver’s license has been suspended in Indiana and you wish to have your driving privileges restored, then contact us today and speak to one of our knowledgeable attorneys to discuss your case.