Consequences of Losing Your License

DUI and License Suspension in Tampa, FL

Losing your driver's license, permanently or temporarily, is a possible consequence of a DUI arrest or conviction in Tampa, Florida. When you are taken into custody for suspected drunk driving, the arresting officer will likely confiscate your driver's license and give you a notice of suspension, which will allow you to drive temporarily until the Florida DHMSV (Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) actually suspends your license. You may be able to avoid this suspension by contacting the appropriate department of the DHSMV and scheduling a hearing to challenge license suspension. If you win this hearing, your license will not be suspended. If you are convicted of DUI in criminal court, however, your license may be suspended regardless of whether the DMV hearing was won.

Understanding license suspension proceedings related to DUI can be complex, particularly when you consider that there are two separate processes: the criminal court case and the DMV hearing. By providing legal counsel at your license suspension hearing and in court, a Tampa DUI attorney at Thomas & Paulk may be able to help you save your license. Our firm provides experienced and aggressive legal representation to drivers throughout Hillsborough County and the surrounding areas in Florida. We are ready to see how we can protect you from the many negative consequences associated with losing your driver's license.

When you lose your license, you will not be permitted to drive. If you are caught driving without a license, you may even face criminal charges and the possibility of imprisonment and fines if you are convicted. This means that you will have to rely upon friends, family members, co-workers or public transportation to get to and from work, school or the other places you need to go on a regular basis. You may find it hard to get to work on time, may spend extra time and money having to use public transportation or taxi cabs, and your social life may suffer as well. Considering that a first DUI conviction in Florida results in a minimum 180-day license revocation, you may be dealing with these repercussions for a long time.

The consequences of driver's license suspension are far more harmful for a person who relies upon his or her ability to drive to make a living, such as a commercial truck driver or delivery person. These individuals may be unable to provide for their families without a driver's license.

Protect Your Driving Privileges – Contact a Tampa DUI Lawyer

In addition to protecting your driving privileges in the first place by scheduling your DHSMV hearing and representing you at these administrative proceedings, an attorney experienced in handling Tampa DUI charges can assist you in applying for a hardship license. A hardship license is essentially a restricted driver's license that allows you to drive for limited purposes, usually for work, school and to run necessary errands, such as going to the doctor or grocery store.

Take this opportunity to learn more about how your driver's license may be at risk if you are arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even if your case seems difficult or entirely impossible to win, you may be surprised to find that there is a way to challenge the physical evidence and testimony against you. You can also find out how a lawyer can protect your license and assist you in applying for a hardship license.

You have options. You have legal rights that should be protected. Contact a Tampa DUI lawyer at our firm today to see how we can help you.