Floridians have the dubious honor of being some of the worst drivers in the country. Unfortunately, one of the primary reasons for this is the high arrest and conviction rate for DUI and DWI. While a DUI attorney can represent you during the arrest and trial phase, they can also help you post-conviction.
If you have recently received a DUI conviction, it is understandable that you are looking forward to getting your license reinstated. Learn about your options and how to get your driving privileges back sooner.
Wait For the Suspension to End
The Florida traffic laws outline how long you could have your license suspended. Those with their first DUI conviction face a suspended license for 180 days to one year.
A second conviction within five years of the first increases license suspension time to up to five years. A third conviction within ten years of the first two increases suspension times to up to ten years.
A Florida Department of Motor Vehicles notification letter will tell you how long your license suspension is. You can simply wait for this time to end, and then you can file for reinstatement.
File for a Hardship License
Waiting for the suspension to end is not a viable option for many people. In this situation, you can file for a hardship license hearing. Once you file, you will get a hearing as soon as possible and no more than 30 days after filing.
At this hearing, you will need to show why losing your license is a hardship on you that requires you to get a limited license. Examples would be that you can no longer work or are your family’s sole caregiver.
They limit a hardship license. Thus, giving you limited driving privileges for specific purposes. It will not permit you to drive recreationally or for non-essential driving activities.
Pay the Required Fees
Multiple fees rack up quickly when dealing with a DUI conviction. These could include penalties, lawyers’ fees, court costs, and damages.
The maximum fine for a first DUI conviction can be up to $1,000. Second DUI penalties could come with fines of up to $2,000. A felony DUI can come with penalties of up to $5,000. The fees don’t stop after this, though.
To get your driving privileges reinstated, you need to pay a reinstatement and an administrative fee. The amount for these fees can vary significantly based on the type of license you want reinstated. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website outlines all the fees to help you plan.
Complete a DUI School
A standard DUI penalty in Florida is the requirement to complete a DUI school or program. If a judge orders this as a penalty for your conviction, you must complete this program before getting your license reinstated.
These programs require you to complete a certain number of hours or courses. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate that you can present to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as proof.
First-time offenders will take a level one DUI program. This is a 12-hour course.
Repeat DUI offenders will be required to attend a level 2 DUI program. This is a 21-hour course.
The class is typically in-person or over video attendance. It will include various interactive activities and formats, including videos, handouts, lectures, and class discussions. You will also have an interview with an evaluator to determine the likelihood of your reoffending.
Complete an Alcohol Treatment Program
If the judge orders you to complete an alcohol treatment program, you will need to complete this program before you can reinstate your license. Your program will issue you a completion certificate. You need this certificate to prove you completed your penalty requirements when reinstating your license.
Complete Community Service Hours
If your conviction penalties require you to complete community service hours, do not wait. The sooner you get started, the sooner you complete them. Doing them before your suspension ends ensures you can file for reinstatement as soon as your suspension ends.
A first-time DUI conviction comes with a mandatory requirement of 50 hours of community service. The community service requirement is increased to 100 hours for enhanced DUI conviction. There is a buy-out option of paying $10 per community service hour that is at the court’s discretion.
Obtain Insurance
Florida drivers are legally required to have insurance when operating a motor vehicle. This also applies when reinstating your license after a DUI. There are some slight differences with the insurance you need, though.
The standard state minimum insurance is $10,000 in PIP AND PDL. For those seeking insurance after a DUI conviction, these minimums increase to $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, and $50,000 for property damage. You will also need to obtain a Florida FR44 Policy.
FR-44 is not insurance specifically. Instead, it is a supplemental document stating financial responsibility. You will need this form to show the DMV that you’ve purchased the required amount of car insurance.
Depending on the circumstances of your conviction, you may also need to obtain an SR-22 policy. While FR-44 is primarily for DUI and DWI convictions, SR-22 is typically issued for other serious driving offenses. Examples include driving without a license or reckless driving.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Installation
Whether you get a hardship license or wait for your suspension to end, you may have an order to install an ignition interlock device. This is a small device that plugs into your vehicle ignition system. You must breathe into the device so that it can measure your alcohol level.
If the device detects alcohol on your breath, your vehicle will not start. You are responsible for the cost of installing and maintaining an IID device in your vehicle.
Hire a DUI Attorney To Help Restore your Driving Privileges
A DUI attorney can help you regain your life and driving privileges after a DUI conviction. There are multiple options for you to restore your driver’s license. Speaking with the team at RHINO Lawyers can help you understand your options and the best course of action for your situation.
Stop waiting to get your driving privileges back by hiring RHINO Lawyers.
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