Loss of Driver's License

When it comes to loss of driving privileges, many of us think of "DWI" offenses.

Indeed, if a person's alcohol content tests at .08 or more within two (2 ) hours of driving, operating, or in physical control of a motor vehicle, his/her license is revoked, usually within seven (7) days.

This will happen even if one is never criminally prosecuted for a DWI --- or, even if one is prosecuted for a DWI, takes it all the way to a jury trial and is ultimately found "not guilty".

This is because the criminal arena wherein a person faces jail time, fines, education/treatment and probation is completely separate from the civil arena, --- i.e., the "implied consent part" --- of a DWI arrest.

In the civil arena, there are strict deadlines to file paperwork to contest the driver's license revocation from a DWI.

If you have been charged with drunk driving, contact our Minnesota DWI Attorney now

If this is not properly done, one will automatically forfeit their right to contest the revocation. (Moreover, he/she will forever have an alcohol-related "blemish" on his/her record. This will serve to dramatically increase insurance rates and even make a future offense more serious.)

Revocation periods for DWI offenses can range from thirty (30) days to many many years. The latter is the case if there are accidents with injuries and/or deaths, repeat offenses, a failure to pass a DWI test, a failure to pay a reinstatement fee of almost $700.00 and/or a failure to complete education or treatment recommendations.

A DWI arrest is not the only way for one to lose his/her license to drive.

The suspension, revocation, or cancellation of a driver's license may result from all sorts of scenarios that have nothing to do with alcohol.

A Minnesota DWI Lawyer can help you lay out a defense plan

Examples are: failing to pay child support, failing to pay fines, driving without a license, driving without insurance, failure to show up for court, and continuing to drive after one's privileges have been limited or taken away.

Depending on the situation, one who has lost driving privileges may be eligible for a "limited" license for work, school, treatment and/or homemaking purposes. In some counties, one may apply to have their full privileges reinstated temporarily during the period of time that it takes for the matter to be fully and finally resolved through the court process. For some people, an ignition interlock device can provide relief.

An experienced attorney will be able to protect your rights, educate you about your options, and tell you what you need to do to obtain your license again at the earliest possible moment.