Can You Lose Your Driver’s License on Your First DUI Case?

While everyone makes mistakes from time to time, in Phoenix, consuming alcohol with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of.08 or above is considered a serious offense with severe consequences. The majority of people accused of DUI have immediate, legitimate concerns about going to jail, the embarrassment and stress of going through with a trial, and the financial fallout from their arrest. However, for most DUI suspects, the possibility of losing their driver’s license comes as a shock after the initial trauma of the arrest. “Does this mean I’ll lose my driver’s license?” This is a common question victim ask to Dui Defense Attorney In Phoenix, AZ when facing their first DUI conviction.

How Does a DUI Arrest Affect Your Driver’s License? 

The state of Phoenix instantly suspends your driver’s license for 90 days following a DUI arrest. The Department of Motor Vehicles suspends the driver without a conviction and without waiting for the entire legal process and trial to conclude.

If you refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test or are arrested for DUI, your driver’s license will be suspended administratively. After being found guilty, an individual in Phoenix is subject to a mandatory 90-day suspension from the criminal court system, and longer bans may be imposed for subsequent offenses. The DMV and criminal justice suspensions don’t run consecutively; instead, they overlap, but they might not expire on the same day. 

Depending on the type and seriousness of the violation, a driver’s license in Phoenix may be impacted by a number of consequences following a conviction. Here are a few potential outcomes:

Traffic offenses: A variety of traffic offenses can result in the addition of points to your driving record. If you accrue too many points in a certain period, you may face additional sanctions, such as license suspension.

DUI Convictions: A driver’s license is frequently automatically suspended or revoked following a conviction for driving while intoxicated (DUI). The sentence may be different depending on whether it is a first-time or repeat offense.

Other significant Offenses: Driving license suspension or revocation may also follow convictions for other significant traffic infractions, such as reckless driving or fleeing the scene of an accident.

Defensive Driving Courses: Completing a traffic survival school or defensive driving course may be a requirement for some infractions.

Programs for Alcohol or Drug Education: Completing a program for alcohol or drug education may be required for DUI convictions.

Usually, convictions result in fines that need to be paid. If your license is suspended, you’ll have to pay a reinstatement fee in order to get back behind the wheel. You may be required to file an SR-22 form, which is proof of financial responsibility demonstrating that you carry the minimum amount of necessary auto insurance for specific offenses, particularly DUIs.

After a DUI conviction, installing an ignition interlock device in your car might be a requirement to get your driving privileges back. Before starting your vehicle, you need to pass a breathalyzer test on this gadget. In certain situations, you may be given a restricted license, which limits your ability to drive during the suspension time to specific locations, including work or school. Convictions can stay on your driving record for a number of years, which may make it more difficult for you to get particular employment or raise your insurance costs.

Steps to Take Post-Conviction

Check your license status with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the Phoenix Department of Transportation (ADOT). Observe all court orders, such as making due program payments and paying fines.

When you’re qualified, take the required actions to get your license back, which can include submitting evidence of insurance and paying costs. If you would want further information relevant to your case, you should speak with a DUI attorney or the Phoenix Department of Transportation (ADOT).

Conclusion

Depending on the state and particulars of the case, losing your driver’s license following a first DUI conviction is a severe consequence. Due to the serious legal and psychological ramifications of a DUI conviction, many jurisdictions have mandated license suspension periods, even for first-time offenders. You must seek legal counsel from a competent attorney in order to negotiate the complexities of DUI laws and minimize the consequences. It can help you prepare and lessen the severity of the penalties, including the loss of your driving privileges if you are aware of your state’s DUI statutes and available defenses. Recall that putting safety and responsible driving first is crucial to avoiding the harsh penalties linked to DUI offenses.