You CAN Drive, Even After a DUI
Bad News, Good News:
The bad news is, it’s no secret that one night of fun can land you into some serious trouble with the law, and most often, it’s no easy feat to get yourself out of it. When you’re standing in the midst of the consequences of a suspended or revoked license, it can wreak havoc on your commitment to work, home or school. The good news is that there is a limited solution to these life-hampering consequences and here at Cohen Law Group, we can assure you that your daily life CAN still go on, even after a DUI arrest.
The Solution – Florida Hardship License:
While you await reinstatement of your driving privilege, a hardship license may be a useful tool. A hardship license is a limited driving privilege that allows Florida drivers to access their daily responsibilities without running afoul of the law. These limited-purpose licenses will grant such a privilege in one of two forms:
For Business: a hardship license that restrains driving ability to work, school, religious and medical commutes
For Work: a hardship license that restrains driving ability to only employment-related commutes
Though these two seem to be fairly synonymous, it is important to note that one is far more restrictive than the other. Driving outside of the scope of either of these limited purposes can result in further penalty.
Do you qualify?
Not every Florida driver is eligible for a hardship license. Generally speaking, a Florida driver who has racked up too many traffic ticket points or who has been court ordered to complete a 12-hour Advanced Driving Improvement (ADI) course is likely eligible to apply. For Florida drivers who are currently on the hook for a DUI offense, the qualification requirements are a bit more stringent. Following a DUI arrest, and revocation or suspension of your driving privilege, you must:
First: Enroll in a DUI course. This can be done online or in-person. The course will be dependent on level of offense.
Second: Apply for a hardship license with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLDHSMV) Bureau of Administrative Review.
Third: Schedule an appointment for your Florida hardship license hearing with a hearing officer at (FLDHSMV) Bureau of Administrative Review Office. The hearing officer will review your case and determine your eligibility. Should it be determined that you are eligible, you will be provided with an approval letter that indicates which limited-purpose license you will be provided.
Fourth: Take your approval letter to your local DMV office to get your hardship license
In the case of eligibility, the court reserves the right to order a mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) for six months or more for a first time offender or two years or more for a second time offender. FL. Stat. 316.193.
It is important to know that if you are a convicted repeat DUI offender, or if you have caused a serious bodily injury attributable to a DUI offense, you may not qualify for a Florida hardship license.
Know that we are here to help!
Our Attorneys here at the Cohen Law Group are dedicated alleviating the stress of these daunting legal processes and we are passionate about getting you back up and running. If you find yourself in a legal bind, call one of our experienced attorneys for a free consultation. We are ALWAYS happy to help!
Dana Satchell, Esq.
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