Getting convicted of a DUI can alter a person’s life in numerous ways. One of the biggest consequences is the possibility of a license suspension. For people with various obligations, losing driving privileges can make daily life difficult. You may have heard of the possibility of getting a temporary conditional license in the event that your standard driver’s license is suspended. To find out about how hardship licenses work in Connecticut, read on or reach out to one of our Hartford County DUI Attorneys today.
WHAT ARE HARDSHIP LICENSES?
Hardship licenses can also be referred to as conditional licenses. Only some states offer these special temporary licenses. They essentially allow drivers with suspended licenses to continue driving under specific circumstances. The purpose of conditional licenses is to allow people to continue meeting their daily obligations while their standard license is suspended.
With a hardship license, you normally have to follow certain rules when using it. For example, you are normally only allowed to drive during daylight hours. Depending on the circumstances, you may not be allowed to drive outside of the state.
Connecticut offers hardship licenses under specific circumstances. In order to obtain a hardship license, you’ll need to file an application with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see if you qualify. Conditional licenses usually can’t be used for commercial vehicles no matter the circumstances.
CAN I GET A HARDSHIP LICENSE WITH A DUI CONVICTION?
Unfortunately, Connecticut does not currently offer any type of hardship license to people with DUI convictions. This can be devastating to anyone who requires reliable transportation, whether that be for work, school, or childcare.
You have to meet certain requirements to obtain a conditional license in Connecticut. If you have any of the following on your driving record, you also won’t be eligible for a hardship license:
- Failure to appear or pay a citation
- A prior alcohol-related offense
- Three or more prior moving violations
- Vehicle manslaughter or vehicle assault violation
If you’re ineligible for a hardship license, you’ll simply have to wait for your license to be reinstated. If this is your first DUI offense, your license will likely be suspended for at least three months. This means that you’ll have to rely on public transportation, ridesharing apps, or carpooling with others to meet your daily obligations. This can be difficult to deal with.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you’ll likely want to reach out to a seasoned criminal defense lawyer that can fight for you. The right attorney will work hard to fight the charge and minimize the consequences you face. For quality legal counseling from seasoned DUI defense lawyers, contact the Law Office of Marc M. Needelman today!
