Your driver’s license is your gateway to driving legally in the state of Florida. If you proceed to drive without it, you may commit the criminal offense of DWLS . When a police officer arrests a person for DUI, one of the first things the officer must do is take the driver’s license away to keep him or her off the road.
Losing your driver’s license because an officer suspected you were intoxicated behind the wheel can present a significant set of challenges. You should know that, after a Florida DUI arrest , it is possible to challenge the administrative license suspension for the opportunity to keep your driver’s license; however, sometimes this challenge is unsuccessful. If you could not defeat the administrative suspension, you may still be eligible to apply for a hardship license.
The State of Florida is not known for having reliable public transportation, which is why millions of residents rely on their personal cars to get around. Few people live close enough to their jobs to arrive using alternate methods of transportation like biking or walking, which makes the loss of a license one of the heaviest impacts of a DUI .
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recognizes just how vital a driver’s license is for DUI defendants to continue to have a semblance of a normal life. After all, without getting to and from work, it becomes challenging to pay the DMV’s administrative fees and court costs. Thus, drivers have the option of applying for a hardship license, which allows them to operate a car for business or work purposes. A business purposes only license allows drivers to get to and from work, medical appointments, and locations they must drive to while on-the-clock. A work purposes only hardship license only permits work-related driving.
After a DUI arrest, a person must take the following steps to apply for a hardship license:
Not everyone who is arrested for DUI is eligible for a hardship license. It is best to discuss your eligibility with a qualified DUI attorney who can fight for you to retain your driving privilege.
Acquiring the help of an experienced West Palm Beach DUI lawyer is the first step in keeping your license after a DUI arrest. Oftentimes, it takes the experience of an attorney to challenge the DMV’s decision to strip your driving privilege due to an offense of which you have yet to be found guilty. If you have failed to keep your license after a suspension, the next option you may have available is the hardship license.
Competent legal counsel after a DUI in West Palm Beach is a must for keeping your life together after an arrest. With over 30 years of experience and a track record of success, attorney Brian Gabriel can evaluate your case and work toward a positive result. Call 561-622-5575 for a free consultation or complete a contact form .
