
You need a DWI attorney after an arrest for drunk driving. Not only can a DWI attorney contest a license suspension, they can fight to get your driver’s license back so you can regain your driving privileges.
Getting Your Driver’s License Back – How a DWI Attorney Can Help You
To reinstate your license, you’ll need to know what to expect. A DWI lawyer can serve as your legal counselor. Below are the steps you’ll need to follow.
Wait Out the Suspension Period
The suspension period will depend on your blood alcohol content (BAC), previous offenses, and whether you took a blood or breath test. A suspension, depending on your criminal history, can last from 90 days to two years.
Complete a Required Court-Ordered Program
Your completion of a court-ordered drug or alcohol educational program or driving course is another step that needs to be met.
Pay the Costs of Reinstatement
To reinstate your license, you’ll need to remit a reinstatement fee and other fees for DWI and other traffic offenses.
Show Proof of Financial Responsibility
To reinstate your driving privileges, you’ll submit an SR-22 certification from your auto insurance company to show financial responsibility. Most states use this SR-22 requirement, which other states may call proof of insurance. You may need this certificate for two years or more.
An SR-22 proves that a driver has the minimum coverage of liability insurance. It’s also called a certificate of insurance or a financial responsibility filing.
Requirements may vary by state, but for example, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires drivers get this certificate after:
- A DWI conviction
- A suspended or revoked driver’s license
- Driving without insurance
- Judgments that haven’t been satisfied
- An excessive number of traffic violations
What an SR-22 Covers
Proof of the minimum coverages required, per state, for bodily injury liability per person, and property damage liability per accident.
The SR-22A and How It’s Used
While an SR-22 represents a standard insurance certificate demonstrating financial responsibility, some states may require an SR-22A.
An SR-22A requires you to pay your insurance payments in six-month installments. States may require this certificate after repeated driving violations, especially if you could not provide proof of insurance after police pulled you over. Therefore, the SR-22A is a stricter version of an SR-22 certificate.
How to Get an SR-22
You can buy an SR-22 from an insurance company. They typically SR-22s with liability coverage. Drivers may also buy a non-owner’s policy and SR-22 bundle from an independent insurance provider.
How a DWI Lawyer Can Help You With a License Reinstatement
Working with a DWI defense lawyer is well worth the investment, as they can get you through a difficult time with more ease and less stress. A lawyer has the skill to remedy a bad situation, so your options for reinstatement increase.
A DWI lawyer can guide you through any number of DWI-related issues.
DWI Laws
A person drives while intoxicated if the following applies:
- Their BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is at least 0.08 percent
- You’ve lost the use of your physical or mental facilities from taking drugs or consuming alcohol
DWI License Suspensions
After a DWI arrest, you’ll face two separate legal processes:
- Criminal charges for DWI
- Administrative license revocation (ALR) proceedings for a license suspension
The state may suspend your license through either of the above processes. The length of the suspension will vary, based on the refusal or failure of a chemical test or prior offenses.
Using the Services of a DWI Lawyer for a License Suspension and Reinstatement: Reasons Why You Should Hire a DWI Lawyer
Challenging the Suspension
One of the first ways a DWI lawyer can help is by challenging the initial license suspension. This process begins with requesting an ALR hearing within 15 days of your arrest.
Your lawyer can:
- Prepare a strong defense
- Cross-examine witnesses or the arresting officer
- Present evidence that works in your favor
If your lawyer succeeds, they can keep your license intact, eliminating the need for a reinstatement.
Managing Your Criminal Case
While the ALR process differs from your criminal case, the outcome of your DWI charge can significantly affect your license status.
A DWI lawyer can:
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Talk to the prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Represent you in court if required
A favorable outcome in your criminal case can make the license reinstatement process much smoother.
Applying for an Occupational License
If the state suspends your license, a DWI lawyer can apply for a restricted license allowing you to drive for necessary reasons such as work, school, or required household duties.
Your lawyer can:
- Prepare and file the necessary petition with the court
- Represent you at the hearing to obtain the occupational license
- Ensure you meet all requirements, such as installing an ignition interlock device, if required
The Reinstatement Process
When you qualify to reinstate your regular license, a DWI lawyer can:
- Ensure you completed all required programs (e.g., DWI education courses)
- Obtain and fill out the necessary forms
- Ensuring you pay all applicable fees
- Represent you in any hearings related to license reinstatement
Advising on SR-22 Insurance Requirements
After a DWI conviction, most states require drivers to obtain SR-22 insurance.
A DWI lawyer can:
- Explain the SR-22 requirement and how long you need to maintain it
- Advise you on obtaining SR-22 insurance
- Ensure that your insurance company properly files the SR-22 with the state.
Multiple DWI Offenses
If you have multiple DWI offenses, reinstating your license becomes more complex.
An experienced DWI lawyer can:
- Figure out a strategy to reduce the increased penalties and longer suspension periods
- Help you apply for programs like the DWI Intervention or Repeat Offender Program
Exploring Alternative Resolution Options
In some cases, your DWI lawyer can explore alternative resolution options that can impact your license status, such as:
- Deferred adjudication (in limited circumstances)
- Plea bargains that reduce charges to offenses with fewer severe license consequences
- Diversion programs that may be available in your jurisdiction
Addressing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Issues
For those with a Commercial Driver’s License, a DWI can have devastating professional consequences.
A DWI lawyer experienced with CDL issues can:
- Advise on the specific implications for your CDL
- Explore options for maintaining your professional driving privileges
Keeping You Informed and Prepared
Throughout the entire license reinstatement process, a good DWI lawyer will:
- Prepare you for what to expect at each stage of the reinstatement process
- Advise you on how to avoid future issues that can jeopardize your license
License Suspension? Contact a DWI Lawyer Today
Are you facing a license suspension because of a DWI charge? With a lawyer’s help, you can regain your driving privileges with less hassle.
Contact a DWI attorney now to ensure a better outcome for your DWI and license suspension case.