A DUI charge can result in several consequences if you receive a conviction. A court may suspend your license, and you will be unable to drive until the suspension period is over.
How Long Will You Lose Your License?
The length of a suspension depends on the number of DUI convictions on your record. For the first conviction, a court may suspend your license for six months. Subsequent convictions may result in suspensions that last for at least two years.
You usually do not lose your license as soon as a court orders the suspension. You can usually drive for up to 30 days after the court order if you have a valid California driver’s license. Once these 30 days are over, your period of suspension begins. Additionally, you may have a hearing with the DMV regarding the suspension. This hearing does not determine whether you are innocent of a DUI but rather examines the circumstances that resulted in the charges.
Can You Get a Restricted License?
A license suspension can greatly restrict your movement, but you still need to carry out your daily tasks, such as going to work and attending family events. In some situations, you may be able to apply for a restricted license. With this license, you can drive yourself to work and back.
There are several requirements you have to meet to receive a restricted license. You typically need to serve the first 30 days of your suspension before you apply for this license. After this time period, you may need to enroll in a DUI treatment program and show the court a document that demonstrates your enrollment. Sometimes, the court may order you to install an ignition interlock device in your car. Additionally, you generally need to pay a $125 fee.
How Do You Reinstate Your License?
Once the period of your suspension ends, you can apply to reinstate your driver’s license. Many courts may require you to attend a DUI treatment program. The length of the DUI program depends on your blood alcohol level (BAC) during the incident. A court may require you to attend a program for nine months if your BAC level was at least .15%. However, you may need to attend a longer program if you had a BAC level of at least .20%. The number of DUIs on your record may also affect the length of the program. You usually need to receive a certificate of completion from this program before a court will reinstate your license.
Sometimes, you may need to have additional car insurance after a DUI conviction. You typically need to fill out a form verifying that you have obtained this extra insurance and file this with the DMV.
You also need to pay a fee to the DMV. This fee is usually around $125. Additionally, you may need to pay fees to the court.
If you are in danger of losing your license, you may need legal help. An experienced attorney can answer all the questions you have about license suspensions, as well as provide advice about a hearing with the DMV. Contact the professionals at the Chambers Law Firm. Call 714-760-4088 to set up your free consultation.
