Getting Your License Back After a Florida DUI Conviction

The Florida Highway Patrol charged a man with DUI after he lost control of his truck and plowed it into a building in Pensacola, Florida on August 3, 2017. According to ABC WEAR Channel 3, he got out of the vehicle and attempted to leave the scene, but officials detained him and made the arrest. Under state law, the man may receive a potential sentence of jail time and fines if convicted; plus, his driver’s license could be suspended for a period ranging from 180 days for a first offense and up to a year for second and subsequent offenses. The inability to get around for work and personal needs is extremely inconvenient, so you’ll want to get your license back as soon as possible after a conviction for drunk driving. A Florida DUI attorney can help with the process, which can be complicated if you don’t have a legal background.

Summary of Driver’s License Suspensions in Florida 

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) handles driver’s license suspensions after a drunk driving conviction. You’re required to surrender your license immediately, and any delays in doing so could extend the period of suspension.

Steps to Getting Your Florida Driver’s License Back 

When the period of your suspension has expired, you get your license back by visiting a Florida DMV office. Depending on the specifics of your case, you must:

• Pay the required reinstatement and administrative fees;
• Complete a DUI school and substance abuse treatment program, if it was ordered by the judge in your case;
• Present proof of insurance as required by law; and,
• Fulfill other requirements according to state law.
  

Note that, unlike some other driving violations, you may not qualify for a hardship driver’s license if you’re convicted of DUI. However, it’s possible to appeal the decision of the FLHSMV by filing the appropriate documents in the county court which issued the suspension or where you reside. 

Other Considerations After a Florida DUI 

Bear in mind that a license suspension only impacts your driving privileges; additional penalties may apply because a DUI is also a criminal matter. Also, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle after a drunk driving conviction. The process of having the IID removed after the designated period is separate from reinstating your driver’s license.

An Experienced Florida DUI Lawyer Can Help

Losing your driver’s license after a drunk driving conviction is more than an inconvenience: A suspension of your driving privileges may impact your professional life and family when you’re unable to get around. It’s critical that you get your license back as soon as the law allows, but you must comply with strict rules and mistakes can be costly. An experienced Florida DUI lawyer will represent your interests in court, potentially reducing the amount of time that your license is suspended. If you have questions about a driver’s license suspension or DUI case, please contact the law offices of attorney Kevin J. Kulik. We can schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your options at our Fort Lauderdale location.

Resource:

weartv.com/news/local/troopers-pensacola-man-charged-with-dui-after-crashing-into-building