Safeguarding Your Driving Privilege Despite a DUI Charge
St. Petersburg / Clearwater DUI Defense Lawyers
How a DUI Can Cause Two Different Driver’s License Suspensions
Most of our clients charged with a DUI are understandably concerned about the impact this will have on their driving privilege. You need to be aware that a DUI could result in two different driver's license suspensions:
1.) The "administrative" suspension - In many DUI cases, law enforcement will take your driver’s license at the time of your DUI arrest. This “administrative” suspension is automatic, even though your case has not yet been heard in court.
2.) The "court" suspension - There are criminal court DUI penalties that require the judge to again suspend your driver’s license in the event you are later convicted of the DUI charge.
How We Can Help
We are experienced St. Petersburg / Clearwater DUI defense lawyers who routinely deal with both of these driver license issues. We may be able to help you continue driving after your DUI arrest by applying for a permit, as well as safeguard your privilege to drive following your DUI court case.
Taking Action Quickly: The 10-Day Rule
Florida law requires an automatic “administrative” suspension of your driver’s license if you are charged with or arrested for a DUI and one of the following occurs:
- You blow into the machine and your breath test reading is .08 or higher; or
- You refuse to blow into the machine after being told that your “refusal” will cause the suspension of your privilege to drive.
Our office may be able to keep you driving after this “administrative” suspension. We can discuss your eligibility for a temporary driving permit that will allow you to lawfully operate a motor vehicle for “business purposes.” We can also challenge the suspension on your behalf in an effort to do away with the administrative driver’s license suspension altogether.
You must act quickly. You only have 10 days from the date of your DUI arrest or citation to have your lawyer challenge the driver’s license suspension and obtain a temporary driving permit. If you retain our services within this 10 day window of opportunity, we will file all the necessary paperwork in order to seek the issuance of your temporary driving permit and preserve your right to a hearing that will enable us to challenge the administrative driver’s license suspension.
Read our in-depth article on how we may be able to help Get Your Driver’s License Back.
Even if the 10 days have already passed, we may be able to help you Get a Hardship License.
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