Law enforcement and the DMV may suspend a Florida driver’s license for a myriad of reasons, not least of which includes a DUI conviction. A driver’s license suspension makes it illegal for the person with the suspended license to drive. Rather than risk breaking the law, those who have had their right to drive temporarily stripped may apply for a hardship license.
What is a hardship driver’s license?
A hardship license in Florida is a restricted license that allows the person to drive for a specific purpose like work, school, or business. To receive a hardship license, a person must first meet the following requirements to obtain a hearing:
- The applicant must submit a completed Application for Hardship License
- The applicant must pay a filing fee
- The applicant must wait for the results of a CDLIS (Commercial Driver’s License Information System) check
- The applicant must wait for the results of a CCIS (Comprehensive Case
Information System) check to be completed by the Hearing Officer
At the hardship hearing, the hearing officer will ask a series of questions to complete his report and determine whether to grant the license. It is in your best interests to seek legal representation for this appearance. A skilled DUI lawyer can also help you fight the license suspension, which may help you keep your full driving privileges.
Preparing for the Hardship License Hearing
The hearing officer at your hardship hearing will ask you several questions to help him or her determine whether you should receive a hardship license. Some questions may ask you to provide the following information.
- Your date of birth
- Your race
- Your sex
- Your marital status
- Your employment status
- Your spouse’s employment status (if applicable)
- If you are a U.S. citizen
- If you currently possess your driver’s license (you will need to surrender this if it has been suspended)
- Your work schedule and occupation
- Your employer’s name and location
The hearing officer will note the following information after running a check through the CCIS and CDLIS:
- The number of previous hearings
- The number of previous convictions
- If a traffic accident took place
- The number of previous suspensions
- The number of previous revocations
Finally, you may be asked many more questions if your license was suspended over a DUI-related crime.
What are the benefits of obtaining a hardship license?
Taking the steps necessary to obtain your hardship license will ensure you can get back on the road for the most essential duties. By securing your hardship license, you can save money and time on:
- Public transportation
- Ridesharing services
- Relying on rides from friends
- Taxis
You can keep your most reliable form of transportation to get where you need to be, whether that is your job, your business, or your class. A hardship license can go a long way toward helping you keep your job after a DUI conviction.
Fight Your License Suspension in West Palm Beach
Before you cave into the reality of being without a valid Florida driver’s license, make the effort to fight the suspension against your license. Attorney Brian Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel has over 30 years of experience in criminal law defending clients throughout West Palm Beach and surrounding areas. Find out what he can do to save your driving privilege and get you back on the road.
For a free consultation, contact Brian Gabriel online or call (561) 622-5575.