In the majority of states in this country, administrative license suspension (ALS) is authorized, allowing the police to confiscate the suspect’s license immediately after DUI. That may just be one of the penalties of a DUI conviction, but it is also one of the most effective. Law enforcement officials indicate that the longer the license suspension, the more likely the driver is to avoid repeating that crime. While some repeat offenders or those with higher levels of intoxication may have their licenses revoked or their cars impounded, most who are convicted of DUI can follow the steps to have their license reinstated once the suspension period is over.
Reinstating a DUI License Suspension
When the end of a DUI license suspension is drawing near, the driver must begin the process of gathering the reinstatement documents and preparing to present them to the court. There are a number of elements to the reinstatement process that the applicant must complete:
- All required elements of their conviction, including DUI classes, counseling, or programs
- Contact their insurance company and obtain a SR-22 proof of insurance form if it is required in their jurisdiction
- Completing and submitting an application for reinstatement
- Attending a reinstatement hearing if applicable in their jurisdiction
- Pay all the required reinstatement fees, which usually fall between $50 and $500
DUI Conviction Penalties
DUI license suspension is just one of many penalties the court may impose on someone convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The severity of the penalties vary by state, and by the number of previous convictions, the other crimes that may have been committed in conjunction with the DUI, and the damage or injury that the driver may have inflicted. Some of those penalties include:
- Fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars
- Jail time ranging from several hours to several months
- DUI classes, counseling, or rehab
- Community service
- Probation
Alternatives to Suspension
For those who face a real hardship having their license suspended for a prolonged period of time, they may request a restricted license from the court. The license can only be used for the necessities of life and the specific functions the court has approved, such as:
- Employment
- School
- Continuing medical care
- Meeting the needs of dependents
- Fulfilling the requirements the court has established, such as DUI counseling, classes, or rehab
Getting Legal Help with Reinstating a License after DUI
The consequences of a DUI conviction are complex and difficult, even for the first conviction. That is why it is so important to contact a committed DUI attorney immediately to assist with the conviction and the penalties that go along with it. Both obtaining a restricted license during the DUI suspension and reinstating a driver’s license after a DUI are complex legal processes that can move more quickly and smoothly with the expertise of a good lawyer.
