When do I Need a lawyer for DUI license reinstatement

Many prospective clients ask me when they need a lawyer for license reinstatement of their drivers license or driving privileges due to a DUI conviction.

First, if your license has been revoked for a DUI conviction, it is always a smart move to use a lawyer to help you prepare for and attend your license reinstatement hearing.  Do you know what questions will be asked of you at your hearing?  Do you know how to answer those questions?  Common sense answers do not help you.  For example, how would you answer the question, “Have you ever drank more than intended?”  Many people would answer yes to that question.  “Of course I drank more than intended!  I got arrested for a DUI, didn't I?”  But if you answered yes to that question, you might as well have told the Secretary of State that you are an alcoholic.  That answer is a symptom of alcohol dependence and indicates a loss of control of your drinking.  This is an example of a type of question that your lawyer can prepare you for so you can answer truthfully (and successfully).

Next, your license reinstatement lawyer can review your treatment documents BEFORE you attend your hearing to determine if they make sense.  AN example of this would be reviewing your drinking pattern to make sure that it fits with your potential testimony.  If the drinking pattern indicates that you drink 1 time per week between 4-6 beers you cannot testify that you drink 2 times per week up to 8 beers because that would be inconsistent and the Secretary of State will deny your petition and you will not be successful in getting your license back.

A time when I don't think you need a lawyer is when dealing with unpaid parking tickets.  While there may be lawyers who help with this process, I always tell people that by the time you can pay me to handle your traffic tickets, you can probably pay off most of your fines and clear your license that way.

If you need help or are looking to clear up your drivers license due to a revocation for a DUI conviction, contact us at the Law Offices of John W Callahan, Ltd., to help you get your license reinstated.

Posted by License Reinstatement Lawyer John W Callahan