Wondering How to Get Your License Back After a DUI?
The law cracks down on drivers convicted of driving under the influence with swift and abrupt harshness. If the court deems that you drove while intoxicated, it can change your life. Besides fines and fees, you may even experience license suspension or revocation.
This isn’t the end, though. If you want to learn how to get your license back after a DUI, look no further than an experienced Columbus DUI attorney. At Moffitt Law, we’re ready to stand by your side through this difficult time and explain the ins and outs of license suspension and DUI convictions.
What Happens to Your Driver’s License if You’ve Been Charged With a DUI?
First, a charge doesn’t immediately equate to guilt. Your case must go to court, whereupon a judge or jury will determine whether you’re guilty or innocent of the charge in question. However, you may face an order of license suspension at the moment of your arrest.
If the jury decides you’re guilty of driving under the influence, several penalties may follow.
First offense
A first-time DUI classifies as a misdemeanor. You can face a year in jail, between $300 and $1,000 in fines, 40 hours of community service, up to a year of license suspension, and a license reinstatement fee.
Second offense within 5 years
If you offend again within five years, you’re looking at a $600 to $1,000 fine, a minimum of 48 hours in jail, a minimum of 30 days of community service, a 3-year license suspension, and a license reinstatement fee.
Second offense within 10 years
If you offend a second time within 10 years, it’s 72 hours minimum in jail, a $600 fine, 240 hours of community service, DUI school, substance abuse evaluation, license suspension, and a license reinstatement fee.
Third offense within 10 years
A third offense in 10 years is classified as a felony. This comes with 15 days minimum in jail, 240 hours of community service, DUI school, a $1,000 fine, 12 months of probation, a substance abuse evaluation, and the possibility of license revocation.
What to Do After Receiving a DUI License Suspension Notice
Is your license suspended immediately after a DUI? Yes. When you receive a notice for a DUI license suspension, it is effective immediately and you have 30 days to appeal the suspension. You must do the following steps to appeal:
- Open an Administrative Law Hearing by filing DDS 1205 Form
- Pay the form filing fee by money order with the form
Winning the appeal will reinstate your driving privileges, and your chance of winning that appeal is higher if you work with an attorney through the process.
Criminal Charges vs Administrative License Suspension in Columbus Georgia
Criminal DUI charges and administrative license suspension are two unrelated parts of your DUI case. It’s possible to protect your license, but that doesn’t mean you’ll escape with no criminal charges.
You can face:
- Misdemeanor or felony convictions
- Fines and fees
- Time in jail
These convictions will stay on your record, potentially affecting your ability to job hunt or get housing approval.
Reach Out to Our DUI Defense Attorneys Today
A DUI conviction may impact your life in major ways, from keeping you out of jobs you’re otherwise qualified for to making it impossible to get around your city.
Fortunately, if you’re wondering how to get your license back after a DUI, you’re not alone. You don’t have to proceed alone, either.
Moffitt Law attorneys are here to guide you through the process of contesting a license suspension in the aftermath of a DUI charge. Protect your ability to drive in the face of these tall charges with good legal representation that will fight on your behalf in court. Don’t hesitate. Call Moffitt Law today at 762-200-2924.