DUI License Suspensions

Savannah DUI License Suspension Attorneys

Helping Clients Fight DUI License Suspension In Savannah

Georgia’s DUI laws mandate that individuals who have been arrested for DUI may have their driving privileges suspended for one year. Under the law, any DUI arrest initiates an administrative license suspension, which is handled separately from the criminal charges.

Individuals who have been arrested for DUI only have 30 days from the date of their arrest to file an appeal to request a hearing to prevent a license suspension. If you are seeking a DUI defense lawyer, there is no time to waste. The sooner you have legal counsel, the better chance you have to keep your driver’s license and avoid conviction.

At the law firm of Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C., we are dedicated to obtaining the best possible results for every client. We offer over 80 years of combined legal experience and a commitment to delivering high-quality, personalized legal representation. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about our legal services and how we can assist you.

Why is it Important to Request An Administrative Hearing As Soon as Possible?

After a DUI arrest in Georgia, you must take action to avoid losing your driver’s license within 30 days. If you fail to request an administrative hearing, you will be subject to an automatic license suspension.

Our lawyers can assist with requesting an administrative license suspension hearing, which, in most cases, will stop an automatic license suspension following DUI charges. During the hearing, an experienced DUI attorney will act as your legal voice by presenting evidence that calls into question the legality of the stop. Often, DUI traffic stops are full of missteps, including a lack of probable cause or testing inaccuracies.

It is worth noting that although the administrative license hearing is separate from the criminal proceedings stemming from DUI charges, it provides a valuable opportunity to preview the arresting officer’s testimony. Having this information ahead of time can help our Savannah DUI attorneys craft a solid defense strategy to use in winning your case.

It is essential to obtain legal advice to increase your chances of keeping your driving privileges.
Among other severe penalties, you could lose your driver’s license if you are convicted of a DUI charge. Our lawyers will always fight to prevent conviction and preserve your privilege to drive, whether through negotiations with the prosecution or at trial.

How Long Can Your Driver’s License Be Suspended After a DUI Conviction?

If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, you have reasonable cause to worry about your driver’s license being suspended. The length of time your license may be suspended depends on several factors, including whether you have prior DUI convictions and whether you refused to submit to chemical testing.

  • First Offense: A license suspension for a first offense DUI generally runs 12 months, with the possibility of being able to obtain a limited driving permit after 120 days
  • Second Offense: A second DUI offense will result in a minimum 18-month license suspension, with the possibility of obtaining a limited driving permit after 120 days. However, those convicted of a second DUI will also be required to install an ignition interlock device at their expense
  • Third Offense: A third offense will result in a minimum five-year license suspension and labeling the individual as a Habitual Violator if it occurs within a five-year period. Anyone convicted of a third DUI offense is not eligible to apply for a hardship license until after two years

Subsequent offenses may be charged as felonies, and those convicted could face the possibility of their license being permanently revoked.

Under Georgia’s implied consent laws, DUI suspects who refuse to submit to chemical testing will have their license suspended for 12 months and are ineligible to obtain limited driver permits for any reason. The best way to protect your driving privileges is to hire a Savannah DUI defense attorney who can fight your charges.

Can I get a Hardship License After a DUI Arrest?

If your license has been suspended after a DUI arrest, you are probably wondering if you can obtain a hardship license. A hardship license, also called a limited driver permit, allows you to drive legally under specific circumstances. Due to the complexities involved with obtaining a limited driver permit, it is best to hire a Savannah DUI lawyer to help you navigate the confusing legal process.

Not everyone is eligible to apply for a hardship license. The process is generally only open to those who have had their driving privileges suspended primarily for a first DUI offense within the past five years and who are 21 and older. To qualify, you must demonstrate to the court that you will have no means of getting to school, work, seeking medical treatment, or attending court-ordered programs. You must also complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program and pay all applicable fines.

In some instances, if you have a second DUI offense and meet the qualifications, you will be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle. However, the state’s DUI laws stipulate that you must complete drug and alcohol education classes before being eligible for an IID.

Our Savannah, GA DUI attorneys have extensive experience helping clients understand their legal options. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable attorney who can answer your questions.

What Happens if You Get Caught Driving on a Suspended License?

Georgia imposes strict penalties on individuals caught driving with a suspended license. If you have had your license suspended after a DUI and you are caught driving, you will face separate charges not related to your DUI case.

For a first offense, you will be charged with a misdemeanor, and potential penalties include:

  • Up to 12 months in jail
  • Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000
  • An additional six-month license suspension on top of the existing suspension

Additionally, you may also be sentenced to serve probation, where you are required to check in with a probation officer. If you are caught for subsequent offenses, you could be charged with a high and aggravated misdemeanor or felony, depending on the number of violations.

It should also be emphasized that driving on a suspended license charge or conviction can negatively impact your ongoing DUI case. The state can and will use this separate criminal infraction to pursue more substantial penalties in your DUI case.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Savannah DUI License Suspension Lawyer?

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, your first step must be to hire a skilled Savannah DUI lawyer. Only a qualified DUI lawyer can help you navigate the Administrative License Suspension legal process. Your lawyer can file and appeal to try to prevent your license suspension and represent you at the driver’s license hearing.

A DUI lawyer can also challenge key aspects of the state’s case, including whether the officer had probable cause to initiate a stop or cast doubt on the accuracy of the breath or blood test. Your legal representative will also negotiate with the prosecuting attorney to try to have the administrative license suspension reduced or rescinded, often in exchange for a plea in the DUI case.

We Are Ready To Advocate For You

To learn more about avoiding DUI license suspension in Savannah, call our experienced attorneys at Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C. at (912) 233-1273 or contact our law firm online. We are located in downtown Savannah and offer credit card payment options.

When you come to us for help, we will professionally analyze the state’s evidence and determine whether we can assist you. If we accept your case, we will work to protect your driver’s license, allowing you to continue driving while awaiting the outcome of your DUI case. Our attorneys have a proven track record for securing successful outcomes for Savannah DUI cases.

Some of the other services we offer include:

DUI Defense

  • Aggravated DUI
  • CDL DUI
  • DUI Accidents
  • DUI Field Breath & Blood Tests
  • DUI License Suspensions
  • Felony DUI
  • Multiple DUIs
  • Underage DUI