Las Vegas Drunk Driver Defense Attorneys

A DUI conviction in Las Vegas can carry both civil and criminal penalties. Criminal penalties include punishments such as jail time or mandatory community service, while civil penalties are usually administrative. One of the most common – and most inconvenient – civil penalties for driving while intoxicated is the suspension or revocation of the defendant’s driver’s license.

You don’t need us to explain how the loss of your driver’s license can impact your life. Daily obligations like getting to work or grocery shopping can become much more complicated, never mind optional activities like vacations or visiting friends. This is particularly true in our state, where occupational driver’s licenses are not always permitted after DUI convictions.

If you are worried that about losing of your driver’s license because of DUI charges, call Las Vegas drunk driving defense lawyers Palmer & Associates, P.C. at 702-888-2222. We will help you fight to protect your driver’s license.

The Suspension Hearing

If you are pulled over for drunk driving, you will likely be taken to a police station and given a breath test. If the results claim that your blood alcohol content is .08 or higher, the police will confiscate your license and give you a document notifying you of your driver’s license suspension. However, this document can also be used as a temporary driver’s license for seven days.

Those seven days are your window to request a driver’s license suspension hearing. This hearing is conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles, and is separate from any criminal proceedings you may face. At the hearing, you and your Las Vegas drunk driving defense lawyer will be able to contest the charges against you and possibly have your driver’s license suspension overturned.

It is important to note that there are two circumstances in which you may lose your right to a hearing. The first is if you fail to request a hearing within the seven-day period. The second is if you plead guilty or no contest to drunk driving at a criminal hearing. If you do, your driver’s license suspension will be automatically upheld.

Restricted Licenses

Even if your license is suspended or revoked, you could be eligible for a restricted license that will allow you to travel to work or school. To obtain one, you will need to file a request with the court after half of your suspension has been served. Your chances of being granted a restricted license are much greater if it is your first DUI conviction; people with subsequent convictions may not be eligible.

Getting Your License Back

Your driver’s license may be suspended by both the court handling your criminal case and the Department of Motor Vehicles. This can increase the length of time you must wait before you can get your license back. Once this time is up, you will need to take the following steps before you can legally drive again:

• Pay a $65 fee to have your license reinstated
• Pay a $21.75 for your driver’s license application
• Pay $35 to the Victims Compensation Fund
• Retake the written driver’s license exam, and possibly the skills test
• Get an SR-22 certificate from your auto insurance provider to file with the DMV

It is a lot to do, but an experienced Las Vegas DUI defense attorney can help complete the process as smoothly as possible while ensuring your rights are respected.

Get Protected

If you have been accused or convicted of driving under the influence, you still have legal rights. To discuss how our Las Vegas DUI defense lawyers can protect them, contact Palmer & Associates, P.C. at 702-888-2222.