The Impact of Criminal Charges on Driving Privileges

Your driving license can get suspended or revoked for a number of reasons. Most people think that only traffic violations and reckless driving will lead to the suspension of their license. However, this is not true. An individual’s driving privileges,as noted by The Hogle Law Firm in Mesa, can also be suspended due to non-driving violations. Let us take a look at how criminal charges can impact a person’s driving privileges and how they can be reinstated. 

In What Ways Can You Lose Your Driving Privileges?

Most states in the US consider the ability to drive a motor vehicle a privilege instead of a right. When the law thinks you might be a danger to yourself or others when driving, it can revoke your driving privileges. This can be done in one of three ways:

• Cancellation of your drivers’ license. This usually happens if you don’t provide the correct information on your application.
• A license suspension. Your license will be withdrawn temporarily when it gets suspended. This usually happens because of some motor vehicle infraction.
• Complete revocation of driving privileges. This could be due to traffic violations and other charges.

You can also lose your drivers’ license when you are charged with a criminal offense. Once your driving privileges are revoked, you will have to depend on other means of transport to get around in the city. 

Reasons Why Your License May Be Revoked

Revocation of a driving license means you no longer have the legal right to drive. You can reapply for your license once the revocation period has ended. Here are some of the most common reasons why your driving privileges can be suspended or revoked:

• DUI due to alcohol or drug use.
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Driving the vehicle without a court-ordered ignition interlock device when needed
• Giving wrong information to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Not stopping and responding at a scene of an accident
• Voluntary or involuntary vehicular manslaughter
• Committing a felony that involves a vehicle
• Taking a drivers’ license exam for someone else or renewing someone else’s driving license
• Avoiding or eluding the police
• Getting caught for a drug offense, irrespective of whether the vehicle was involved or not

Your driving privileges can also get affected because of the way you drive. The court has the right to suspend or revoke your license if you drive carelessly, are without a valid license, or refuse to take a breath or blood test when charged with a DUI. Sometimes, your license may also get suspended if you don’t pay for gas, if you don’t pay the court fines within 30 days of your traffic or criminal conviction, or if you default on your child support payments. 

What Is The Impact Of a Suspended Driving License? 

You will not be able to drive with a suspended license. If you get caught driving with a suspended or revoked license, you can get heavily fined, the length of your license suspension can get extended, or you can even be sent to jail. These penalties will increase if you are a repeat offender.  

However, in some cases, you may be eligible for a hardship license. The hardship license gives you permission to drive in a few situations. For example, this license may allow you to drive to work if you have no other way of getting there. However, you will not be able to go on a road trip or vacation with a hardship license.  

A suspended license also affects your ID. When your driving privileges get suspended, you must surrender your drivers’ license. This leaves you without a photo identification unless you also have a passport. In some cases, you may be able to get an ID card from your municipality. The court can guide you on where and how to get the card.  

How to Reinstate Your Driving License 

When and how you reinstate your driver’s license will depend on whether it was suspended or revoked. A revocation refers to the complete termination of a person’s driving privileges for a specific time period. Once this time period is over, the individual can apply for a new license. A suspension, on the other hand, is a temporary termination of the license. This means the individual loses their driving privileges, but only for a short period.  

Restoring your license requires you to complete your suspension sentence, take a defensive driving course and other traffic-related classes, and get an SR-22 from your insurance company. The SR-22 confirms that you have at least minimum insurance coverage. You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee. 

Considerations Regarding Drivers’ License Rights 

Driving has become as necessary as a home in today’s world. We drive ourselves to work, we drive our children to school every day, we drive to the store, to meet family and friends, and to run errands. Because of how important driving is in everyday life, driver’s licenses in the US are not suspended for life. 

Drivers’ licenses get suspended for long periods of time, like ten years or so, instead of the duration of the drivers’ life. Finally, how long to suspend a person’s drivers’ license will be decided by the court. Every state has specific guidelines that the judges must follow in criminal cases. These guidelines let the judge consider specific circumstances of the particular case.  

Should You Take The Help Of A Lawyer If Your Driving Privileges Are Impacted? 

If your driving privileges have been revoked due to criminal charges in Mesa, contact a DUI attorney to help you. The DUI attorneys at The Hogle Law Firm can help you understand why exactly your license got revoked. In addition, they can inform you about the suspension period and guide you through the reinstatement process. We offer affordable and flexible fees and also offer flexible payment plans to all our clients. Contact us to book an appointment today to discuss the reinstatement of your drivers’ license in Mesa, Arizona.