When Can I Re-Apply for My Driver’s License After A DWI In Raleigh, North Carolina?

A DWI charge is a serious offense,  and can lead to a loss of your driving privileges and even potential jail time. But even if you are convicted and lose your license, it may not be permanent. North Carolina has a process for restoring suspended or revoked driver’s licenses. A skilled lawyer with experience in DWI cases can help you sort through steps to get your driver’s license back. Dewey P. Brinkley has fought DWI convictions in the Raleigh/Wake Forest area for over 10 years. He thoroughly investigates all aspects of each case to ensure that you are treated fairly and your rights are protected.

What Are Your Options?

Even if you are convicted of DWI, you can get your license back—but it will take some time.

Re-Apply for your Driver’s License After A DWI

Your license will be immediately suspended for 30 days if you have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08% (or .04% if you have a CDL.)  Refusing a blood or breath screening will also cause your license to be suspended. There may be additional criminal penalties involved, and your license will be revoked for at least one year. A third DWI will permanently revoke your driving privileges.

Purchasing alcohol for a minor or allowing a minor use your license to purchase alcohol will lead to a suspension. Minors (under 21) also face suspension for consuming (with any BAC) or buying alcohol.

For any of these charges, your license will be revoked for one year for a first offense, two years for a second, and a permanent revocation for the third. After conviction, the State of North Carolina will notify you in writing that your license has been suspended.

What Happens Next?

After you’ve been notified, you can request an administrative hearing by contacting the DMV Central Office in Raleigh. You will not be able to request limited driving privileges, also called a “hardship license,” for driving back and forth to work, school or other limited functions.

Once your revocation period is over (this will depend on whether your case was acquitted or convicted), you can restore your license. Visit your local DMV office and pay the restoration fees by cash, money order or personal check:

·         Restoration of driver’s license: $65.

·         Restoration following a DWI conviction: $130

·         Service fee: $50. (This fee is waived if you surrendered your license to the DMV before to the effective date of suspension.)

You will also be required to re-apply for your North Carolina driver’s license, re-take the written test and possibly the driving test.

The Law Office of Dewey P. Brinkley can defend your DWI case, appeal the decision, fight for a reduced or alternative sentence, and help you through the process of getting your driver’s license back.

Your Case

Each DWI is different, so there is no way to predict the outcome. Was this your first offense, or your third? What was your BAC? Are you under or over 21? What cause did the officer have to pull you over, and what did he discover? Did you take or refuse a test? There may be other evidence or mitigating factors that determine the outcome of your case. Dewey P. Brinkley has worked with people just like you, and works hard for acquittal, and for reduced and alternative sentences for DWI. He will investigate your case and make sure your rights are protected and you are properly represented in court.

The first step is to call The Law Office of Dewey P. Brinkley at 919-832-0307 and schedule your free consultation. Call today, and take the first step to recovering from a DWI.

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