License Restoration

Losing a driver’s license can be damaging to work, family and, most of all, your freedom. Consequences of drunk driving charges can escalate to

• Loss of driver's license
• Probation or parole
• Loss of auto insurance
• Court ordered driving school
• Impound of vehicle
• Court ordered ignition device
• Significant fines
• Other

After a driver’s license is suspended, at the end of the revocation period, it is NOT automatically reinstated. If denied, a petitioner can also apply for a hardship driver’s license. The driver may only reapply to the Department for license restoration

• After the expiration of one year for the first revocation
• After the expiration of five years for a subsequent revocation within seven years of a prior revocation. 

To restore the license, the Driver’s License Appeal Division (DLAD) must be petitioned and a hearing will take place to prove that the driver is no longer a risk. Risks include:

• alcohol or substance abuse problems are under control and likely to remain under control
• repeating past abusive behavior is a low or minimal risk
• repeating the act of drunk driving is a low or minimal risk
• failure of ability and motivation to drive safely and within the law

After the hearing, there are three options that may be imposed: a total denial, a restricted license with an ignition interlock device, or a full restoration. What type of license is issued is totally at the discretion of the hearing officer based on the evidence presented. If a full license cannot be restored, we can attempt to obtain a hardship license which offers a work- permit license during the one-year suspension period. To achieve a restored license, we

• Provide you with information about license suspension and revocation
• Early preparation, including legal research and defense identification
• Early investigation and identification of all facts helpful to your defense
• Interview police to minimize or eliminate the case
• Interview the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
• Interview all witnesses
• Provide emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are continually updated as to the status of your case
• Display that the risks associated with a revoked or suspended license are eliminated
• Develop appropriate motions to dismiss the case
• Develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence

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