Now that you are ready to start your license reinstatement process, you must be relieved. It’s like a weight lifted off your shoulders, one that gives you a more positive outlook for the future. At this point, the next step is to find a license restoration lawyer near you who can help.
The process isn’t easy, especially if your license was revoked due to multiple DUIs. The lawyer should have expertise in handling license restoration cases, specifically. For that reason, it’s important to be prepared even before you make the call.
Here are a few ways you can prepare yourself to contact a license restoration lawyer.
1) Make sure you have completed and followed the court’s orders.
The first step is to make sure you are eligible to apply for a license reinstatement. What this entails depends on many different factors, such as how many prior DUI offenses you had, if any, and your blood-alcohol level at the time of the arrest. (If a death or serious injury occurred due to your drunken driving, the sentence may be greater and your charges would differ.)
As a part of your sentence, you may be required or advised to do one or more of the following:
- Use an ignition interlock device for several months, typically six months to one year
- Attend sobriety classes
- Refrain from driving completely during your suspension or revocation period
- Only drive to specified areas if you are allowed a restricted license
- Spend anywhere from 93 days to five years in jail, depending on how many DUIs you have had in the past and your BAC
- Pay fines and fees
- Participate in community service
- Generally seek a more positive social network
- See a counselor or therapist
- Stay away from certain individuals (such as in the case of a domestic dispute that may have involved drinking)
2) Go online and search “license restoration lawyer near me.”
A general lawyer may be able to help to a certain point, but you only have one chance to get your license back. If you’re not successful, you won’t be able to try again for another year. There are many nuances and details that an experienced license reinstatement lawyer would know, so you don’t want to risk it. Missteps or oversights could ruin your chance of success.
It’s also important to find a license restoration lawyer with experience.
3) Collect the documents pertaining to your original DUI offense.
The lawyer would be able to explain which documents you need, but it may help if you have a copy of the police report and the judge’s orders prior to contacting the attorney. That way, you can thoroughly discuss the factors, individuals, and sentences involved in the case.
Businessman reading documents
4) Do your own research about the license reinstatement process.
Take the time to research the license restoration process as it pertains to DUI convictions. Understanding how it works will help ensure that you and the attorney are on the same page and can communicate properly.
For more information about the next steps in the license reinstatement process, contact me for a free consultation.