How a DUI Affects Your Florida Driver’s License
After getting arrested for a DUI, one of the most common questions people ask is whether they’ll lose their driver’s license. Driving privileges are often necessary for work, school, and living life freely, and a DUI arrest can immediately impact your license, sometimes even before your court date.
As the best DWI attorneys in Clearwater, the team at The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan wants to help you understand the administrative suspension process, the DMV hearing, and any options to keep or reinstate your license throughout the legal process.
Immediate Driver’s License Consequences
Once an individual is arrested for a DUI, there is an automatic process handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles that is actually completely separate from your criminal case. During the arrest, if you fail or refuse a breath or blood test, your license can be suspended immediately. The officer typically confiscates your license and issues a temporary driving permit valid for ten days. This short period is the only time that you can challenge the suspension or request limited driving privileges from the DHSMV.
What Does the DMV Hearing Process Look Like?
After receiving the suspension notice, you can take action to contest it by requesting a formal or informal review hearing within ten days of the arrest. At the hearing, a DHSMV officer will review whether the stop and arrest were lawful, whether testing procedures were followed correctly, and whether the evidence supports the suspension. In some cases, the arresting officer may testify. The hearing may result in the suspension being upheld, shortened, or completely overturned.
Having legal representation at this stage can make all the difference for you, because the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater will take the extra steps to comb through evidence and most effectively defend you.
What Can I Expect For Average DUI License Suspension Periods?
The total length of a suspension period depends on any prior DUI history and whether a breath test was taken or refused. First-time offenders will suffer a six-month suspension if he or she blew over the legal limit, and one year if the case involves a refusal. A second offense can carry with it suspension as long as 18 months if the case involves a second allegation of “refusal to submit to testing.”
Hardship License Options
A hardship license provides limited driving privileges for work, school, medical appointments, or religious activities. Eligibility typically requires completing DUI school, submitting an application to the DHSMV, and paying applicable fees. These licenses are restricted, and violating the terms will result in additional fines or other penalties.
Act Quickly to Protect Yourself
The administrative suspension process moves fast, and missing deadlines can result in automatic suspension with limited relief options. Consulting with the best DWI attorneys in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan early will set you up for the most favorable outcome for your DUI case.
If you are in need of expert defense, work with the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater. To get your complimentary case consultation, call The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan at (727) 291-9717 today.