Having your driver’s license suspended in Raleigh can be a very big problem, particularly if you have to drive to your job, drive for your job, or otherwise need transportation. Public transportation may be difficult, inconvenient or non-existent for where you need to go. Taxis and other private transportation can be expensive. Dewey P. Brinkley can help you bounce back after receiving a suspended license.
Why Was Your License Suspended?
North Carolina will suspend your license for a myriad of reasons. Drunk driving is an obvious reason, (including things like refusing to take a breath or blood test) but there are many other reasons:
- A certain number of accumulated “points” on your driving record
- Speeding, greater than 15 miles over the speed limit if you’re over 55 mph, 30 days
- Failure to stop and render aid at an accident, 1 year
- “Willful racing” (illegal street racing, as well as watching, betting on or participating in racing), 3 years (vehicle will also be seized)
- Driving without insurance or allowing insurance to be canceled
- Failure to appear in court and/or pay traffic fines
- Failure to pay child support
Your license can also be suspended for multiple minor infractions, such as accumulated tickets and/or traffic fines.
- One speeding conviction for speeds greater than 75 mph
- Two convictions of speeds greater than 55 mph within a 12 months period
- One conviction of speeding faster than 55 mph with a reckless driving conviction within a one-year period
- A suspended court sentence (or part thereof) requiring that you may not operate a motor vehicle for a specific period of time
Driving while your license is suspended is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and you could receive a fine as well as jail time.
How Do I Get My License Back?
For simpler suspensions, such as unpaid tickets and fines, it’s just a matter of complying with the requirements of the ticket or going to court. You’ll also have to pay a fine, as well as possible court costs, in addition to
You won’t have to re-apply for your license after a suspension, you’ll just have to comply with the conditions to release the suspension. You may also be offered the option to attend administrative hearings, which may shorten your suspension. (Some suspensions may require this step.)
Administrative hearings also have fees, from $40 to $450, depending on the reason for your suspension/revocation.
Hardship Licenses
In some cases, you can apply for a hardship license that includes very limited driving privileges. You can’t request one if you’ve had a DUI conviction, requested one in the last 3 years, facing pending charges or have several concurrent charges in North Carolina or any other state. In addition to proof of insurance, you’ll need a viable reason for driving, such as to and from work, maintaining your household and providing emergency medical care.
License Revocation
More severe than a suspended license, revocation means that you are no longer allowed to drive. Depending on the severity of your revocation, you can still have your driving privileges restored, it may just take longer (and cost more.)
You’ll be required to schedule and attend an administrative hearing. Before requesting a hearing, North Carolina’s DOT suggests consulting a suspended license attorney to see if your situation warrants one, or if you need one.
Start Driving Yourself
A suspended or revoked license doesn’t have to mean the end of everything. Dewey P. Brinkley is your best chance in Raleigh for getting your license back and your driving privileges restored. Call him today at 919-832-0307 (or contact him online) to schedule an appointment for your free initial consultation.