After a conviction of driving while intoxicated, you may have lost your license to operate a vehicle. That can also be the case if you refuse a breathalyzer test. In the state of Missouri, breath test refusal carries an automatic one-year license suspension.
Once your case has run its course through the courts you may wonder what you need to do in order to get your license back and get back on the road. This often involves petitioning a court or law enforcement officials and the process is different in each state. However, some basic principles apply in most cases.
First of all, it is important to know whether your case resulted in a license suspension or a revocation. A suspension is temporary while a revocation requires a more involved process for reinstatement. We'll talk about that process in more detail in our next post.
Having your driver's license suspended is just one of many potential consequences of a DWI. You may also be on the hook for fines, a lasting criminal record or even jail time. These consequences only get more serious with subsequent offenses. Habitual offenders may face felony charges.
If you have been accused of driving while intoxicated or if you are facing charges it is important to speak with someone who can help you. It may be wise to speak with a criminal defense attorney with experience in DWI matters. He or she can work with you to understand the charges against you, build a defense and pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
Source: The FindLaw Blotter, "How to Reinstate a License After a DUI," Deanne Katz, Feb. 12, 2013
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