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According to data from the U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), more than 11.1 million driver’s licenses were suspended in 2024.

Commuting is one option to go to places but after experiencing getting a car and driving, having your license suspended could feel like you lost an extra limb. If your license was suspended because of traffic violations, DUI charges, unpaid fines, or problems with the DMV, the effects can be damaging and last a long time. 

Administrative license hearing lawyer Jarrett Maillet states that your license can be suspended in two different ways after a DUI: by a criminal conviction or by administrative proceedings.

For these cases, lawyers who are experts in license suspension can help you get your driving privileges back. But how? 

Let’s analyze.

What is License Suspension?

License suspension is when the state has temporarily suspended your right to drive, usually due to the commission of violations of traffic laws. Reasons may vary for the suspension, but frequent ones include: 

• Being an intoxicated driver, or DUI or DWI

• Having too many points on the driving record due to traffic violations

• Not paying the fines or fees of a traffic offense

• Reckless driving or traffic accidents involving serious injury or death

• Failure to provide proof of risk insurance after an accident or a traffic violation

The duration usually varies depending on the length of time in offense, from a few months to even years. Under some conditions, a suspension may be challenged with the help of an attorney. 

Drunk driving accident attorney Rachel Berenson says that an attorney can advise you on an effective strategy for determining the best choice for your situation.

How a Lawyer Can Help in License Suspension Cases

1. Representing You in Court

When a license is suspended due to DUIs or related traffic violations, the appearance of the person may be deemed necessary. An attorney may appear on your behalf and attempt to get a reduced fine or dismissal. The attorney will review the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and do all that is necessary to ensure a favorable result.

2. Negotiating with the DMV or Other Authorities

In certain cases, an opportunity to negotiate the terms of the suspension can be offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other authorities. This may include a restricted license, thus prohibiting you from driving except under certain conditions, such as driving to and from work. An attorney can negotiate with the DMV or other authorities to get you the best outcome.

3. Challenging the Suspension

In some cases, there is the possibility to challenge the suspension outright. If you think the imposition is wrong or that there might have been excusing circumstances, an attorney can initiate an appeal. They gather evidence, craft legal arguments, and file all necessary paperwork in support of the challenge against the suspension. They will also ensure your perspective is heard during any hearings.

4. Helping with DUI Cases

If the suspension of your license occurred due to an offense of DUI or DWI, a lawyer can be your critical legal support during the whole process. They assist in:

• Contesting DUI charges

• Reducing the penalty, including the period of suspension or alternative penalty

Often, a lawyer can assist you in regaining your driving privileges sooner by pursuing alternative options to a full suspension.

5. Advising on the Reinstatement Process

After the suspension period ends, there are usually other steps to get your license reinstated. Such could include paying reinstatement fees, taking a driving course, or proving that they have insurance. A lawyer would guide you throughout the entire reinstatement procedure to ensure you meet any preconditions placed upon you and encounter no obstacles in the process.

Assuming your suspension was mostly because of unpaid fines, a lawyer will then be able to help negotiate payment plans or find alternatives to reducing them. Your lawyer will also help gather the proper paperwork and documents and file them on your behalf for a smooth transition into full driving privileges.

6. Helping with Insurance Issues

After a suspension, the increase in insurance rates could occur, or your insurer may drop you altogether. A lawyer can help in situations related to your insurance because of your suspension, in obtaining coverage, and in appealing any decision that might unreasonably penalize you.

Don’t delay getting the advice of an experienced lawyer in case a license suspension is pending, so that your driving privileges may be restored as soon as possible with the least impact on the normal proceedings of your life.