It is possible for you to drive to DUI school with a hardship license under certain circumstances. A hardship license is a special type of license issued to those who would suffer (or whose families would suffer) inordinately without one. It does not grant you the same privileges as a regular driver’s license, but it will allow you to get where you need to go.
The requirements for receiving a hardship license differ from state to state. You may have to prove economic hardship, take a driver’s education class, or prove that you have no other mode of transportation available to you. However, to know exactly how to get a hardship license and what you can and cannot do with one in your state, it is a good idea to consult an attorney.
There Are Many Potential Penalties for DUI
Per the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), drunk driving fatalities have decreased in recent years, but it remains a serious and deadly problem. Drunk drivers killed over 10,000 people in the United States in 2018 alone. As such, many states have enacted strict, zero-tolerance laws to deter people from drinking and driving.
If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher—this is the legal limit in most states, per the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)—then you may have your license suspended by a judge. The amount of time you spend without your license depends on state law, the severity of your offense, and whether you have been convicted of DUI or DWI before.
In addition to a license suspension, you may face fines and jail time or have to attend special DUI classes. These classes are designed to teach participants about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and include counseling services. The length of the classes, as with the length of your license suspension, will vary on a case by case basis. If you are a minor, a parent may have to accompany you to these classes.
Other DUI penalties include fines, prison time, and community service.
The Long-Term Impact of a DUI
Even after you have completed your classes and are ready to move on with your life, a DUI or DWI conviction may continue to haunt you. Having such a conviction on your record may affect your ability to vote, buy a house, go to school, and much more. It can also affect you on a more personal level; anyone who knows of your conviction may make snap judgments about you, thus impacting your reputation, your self-esteem, and your relationships.
A Lawyer Can Help Defend Your Rights
If you are facing DUI or DWI charges, you will want to do everything possible to protect your rights and minimize potential penalties. That is where a ALR hearing lawyer can come in handy. Remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. You are entitled to an attorney who truly believes those words and will do everything they can for you.
Depending on the specifics of your case, your lawyer may be able to help you by:
- Collecting evidence on your behalf: your DWI lawyer in Dallas, TX will examine your case closely for any discrepancies, signs of police error or misconduct, or anything else that will allow them to argue for a dismissal of all charges.
- Getting your charges dismissed: if at all possible, your lawyer will seek to get your charges completely dismissed. This way, you can keep your license, stay out of jail, and avoid having to go to DUI school.
- Getting your charges reduced: if a dismissal is not possible for whatever reason, your lawyer will negotiate for a lesser charge with less stringent penalties. This action may allow you to keep your license.
- Represent you in court: if a deal cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in the courtroom and fight hard for a “not guilty” verdict.
- Providing legal advice: this service may sound obvious, but explaining the legal process to you and helping you make legal decisions is one of your lawyer’s most important jobs.
At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we understand how scary it is to have your license suspended and face a DUI or DWI conviction. You likely have many questions beyond whether you can drive to DUI school with a hardship license.
Call us at (214) 696-9253 at any time to receive a free consultation and learn if one of our lawyers can help defend your rights. Our lead attorney, Randall B. Isenberg, has over three decades of experience with the law, both as a state district judge and a prosecutor. Now he and his team would like to put that experience to work for you.
