For most people, losing your driver’s license means losing your ability to work, pay your bills and get your life back on track after a DWI or other traffic charge.
That’s why it’s so important to speak with a DWI attorney as soon as possible if your driving privileges have been suspended or revoked, or if the Department of Revenue is attempting to take your license away.
Here are some things you need to know about protecting your license or getting it back.
Suspension of your license by the Missouri Department of Revenue is a civil aspect of DWI law and may also be a consequence of other traffic charges.
There are several reasons why you must speak with an attorney as soon as possible if you have received a suspension notice:
If the arresting officer gives you a piece of paper from the DOR pertaining to the status of your license, keep it. Bring this and all other paperwork received during your arrest to your initial consultation with your attorney.
The duration of your suspended license depends on the charges against you and the number of alleged violations.
If you accumulate 8 or more points on your driving record within 18 months, your license may be suspended as follows:
The following charges could result in losing your driving privileges for a year or longer:
The DOR has the following requirements for getting your driving privileges restored.
Reinstatement fees depend on the charges against you.
You will pay $20 to get your license back after moving violations, accident judgments, failure to file an accident report, failure to appear in court and failure to maintain a required Ignition Interlock Device.
The fee goes up to $45 for alcohol- or drug-related offenses, refusing to take a blood alcohol test and fuel theft.
The cost ranges from $20 to $400 for failure to maintain minimum insurance and is $150 for false insurance information.
In some cases you can apply for Limited Driving Privileges (LDP), sometimes called a “hardship license,” which would let you drive to work, school and other trips deemed necessary.
You can apply for an LDP in one of two ways:
You cannot get an LDP to drive a commercial motor vehicle such as a semi-truck or school bus.
Do you need to get your driver’s license back or stop the DOR from taking it away?Contact Eng & Woods right away to set up a free consultation. Our attorneys are here to fight for you and make sure your rights are protected.