Receiving DUI charges has many disadvantages, and it gets worse if you get convicted. DUI is a criminal offense that often leads to criminal and administrative charges. Many people are under the impression that driving under the influence is equivalent to a traffic infraction. Truth is that a DUI crime can be categorized as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of damage it instigates. A misdemeanor is still a criminal offense, which will go to your permanent record. The first thing that happens following a DUI arrest is that your driver’s license gets revoked.
Many people take their driving privileges for granted, which is exactly why thousands of U.S residents are ticketed or arrested for traffic-related crimes every day. When the driver’s license is suspended after the DUI arrest, the alleged offender may still not realize the impact it will have on their everyday life. Once they get out of police custody, they finally understand that they cannot legally drive anywhere without the license. The restriction interferes with their work and other common errands; they have to depend on others to drive them or use public transport. If they disregard the law or defy the terms of their probation by driving without a valid license, such actions lead to more severe repercussions.
Driving despite a cancelled or suspended license is a crime in itself, so you will receive additional charges. If this counts as a probation violation, you may have to fulfill the original sentence of your DUI crime, which almost always includes jail or prison time. If you were charged with a repeat DUI or DUI felony, such actions can result in permanent suspension of your driver’s license. The rules are slightly accommodating for first-time DUI offenders, given they restore their driving privileges the right way.
The following steps are to be taken for reinstating one’s driver’s license after DUI:
1. Request a DMV hearing
If you want to avoid an indefinite license suspension, remember to request a DMV hearing within ten days of the arrest. It is in your best interests to hire DUI Defense Attorney in New London, CT, who can schedule the meeting for you, as well as represent you at the hearing. This is an administrative hearing, which decides if you deserve to get your driving privileges back; the DMV notice also acts as a temporary license for up to 30 days. Failure to schedule or attend this hearing will automatically lead to license suspension. It is important to understand that the DMV officer is unlikely to reinstate driving privileges if your BAC levels exceed the threshold limit (0.08%), or if your arguments are unconvincing.
2. Serve the length of your Suspension
Abstain from driving during the suspension period to avoid further penalties. Your patience and goodwill shall keep you safe.
3. Serve your Sentence
If you were convicted, fulfill all the terms of your punishment. This may include confinement, payment of fines, a probation sentence, community service, and enrollment in a DUI school.
4. Provide proof of Insurance
You may have to change your auto insurance policy following DUI. Talk to your insurance adjuster to acquire proof of possessing the right insurance premium, as your driving privileges cannot be reinstated without it.
5. Complete required hours of DUI School
The DUI program that is part of your sentence may range anywhere from 3 to 30 months, depending on the magnitude of your DUI offense. DUI schooling involves diversion and alcohol treatment programs; you will receive a certificate on completion, which has to be shown to the DMV officer for the purpose of restoring your driving rights.
