DUI and DMV License Suspensions

An arrest resulting in a DUI charge can have significant detrimental effects on a driver’s permanent record and license.  Any accused offender may face a suspended or restricted license, extensive community service and alcohol education classes, traffic safety school, fines and more expensive insurance coverage, as well as points on his or her license and possible permanent marks on their driving record.

Effects of a DUI Charge on Driver’s Licenses

Most states will allow for an automatic suspension of a driver’s license after being arrested and charged with a DUI.  This suspension may last anywhere from a few days to a year for first-time offenders, and may even be permanent in repeat offender cases.

A driver may request what is known as a DMV hearing to delay and possibly avoid suspension, and a restricted or hardship license may need to be applied for in order to continue driving back and forth to work.  Many times, if a CDL license is at stake, only one offense is needed for a permanent revocation.

Penalties for a DUI Charge

• First-time DUI offenders are often required to attend alcohol education or DUI School in order to gain their license back.  The DMV may also impose fines and requirements to acquire additional insurance policies that can become quite expensive before reinstating a license.  In addition to fines and probation and court fees, the court may order the DMV to revoke the license for a certain period of time, as well as order jail time to be served.
  
• Second Offenses and Habitual violator laws allow some states to file felony charges when a driver has three DUI convictions.  This means that possible penalties are much more severe, and may even cause a driver to lose some of his or her civil rights.  Driver’s licenses may also be permanently suspended by the DMV for repeat offenders.

Effects of a DUI Charge on Driving Records

Aside from placing two points on your driver’s license, a DUI can remain on your record for anywhere from a few years to permanently.  This mark can affect insurance rates as long as it remains, and may even prevent you from pursuing certain professions.  The time period that a DUI remains on an individual’s driving record varies state by state.

Getting Legal Help

Retaining an attorney who is knowledgeable about your state’s DUI laws and DMV procedures can greatly increase your chances of avoiding felony charges or reducing the penalties you will experience.  If you are a repeat DUI offender, it is vital that you find an appropriate professional who can inform you of your rights and possible felony charges the state may file against you.  Every state is different, and intimate knowledge of the local and state DUI laws is required to help you avoid losing your driving and other privileges permanently.