In Florida, drivers can face suspension, revocation, or cancelation of their licenses for certain driving violations. Losing the privilege to drive has many implications for most individuals. One of the most challenging situations to manage is securing transportation to and from work. Many people in the Greater Orlando area and across the United States live and work in locations where public transport is not a realistic alternative for commuting to their workplace. For some people, driving is an integral part of their work responsibilities.
While the courts can penalize people who breach driving laws, some exceptions recognize that not allowing people to maintain employment and support themselves and their families will have vast adverse consequences. Talk to a traffic attorney about “Business Purposes Only” hardship licenses in Orlando.
Most people have a Class E driver’s license that allows the operation of non-commercial vehicles that weigh less than 26,001 pounds. Those who plan to drive larger commercial vehicles require a special license to do so. Most drivers, however, only need to have a Class E license.
In the case where your Class E driver’s license is suspended, which may occur if you are apprehended for driving while intoxicated or for another traffic violation, it may be feasible to get your license reinstated with certain limitations.
A C Restriction on a Class E driver’s license is a limitation for “Business Purposes Only.” A driver with a C Restriction will be permitted to drive under the following conditions:
A D Restriction on a driver’s license is much more limiting than a C Restriction. This restriction is for work purposes only. It only allows individuals to drive to and from their work and for occupational purposes while on the job.
When someone is arrested for a DUI in Florida, the citation functions as a temporary license for ten days. The best way to proceed after a DUI is to request a formal review hearing before those ten days are up. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to dispute the license suspension and the DUI charge. Most individuals will need a lawyer to represent them at hearings because they are rather complicated.
Those who can’t afford a lawyer may want to forgo the hearing and ask for a hardship exemption to their license suspension. Because the DUI charge will remain on their driving record, this alternative is only suggested for people who cannot pay for a DUI defense lawyer.
If you retain a lawyer, your lawyer will request a formal review hearing and file to receive a 42-day permit. This temporary permit will have a C Restriction, which allows you to drive for business purposes only. During these 42 days, your lawyer works to have the suspension canceled.
If you and your lawyer are successful, your driver’s license suspension will be overturned, your license will be reinstated, and there will be no records of your license suspension. If you are not successful in opposing the suspension, a hard suspension will be placed on your license. However, you’ll still be able to apply for a hardship license.
After your temporary permit expires and once you’ve finished any hard suspension placed on your driver’s license, you may apply for a hardship license. However, not everyone is eligible to receive one. If any of the following circumstances apply, you will not be granted a hardship license:
DUIs are not the only reason for driver’s license suspensions and revocations in Florida. Individuals may see their driving privileges suspended for failure to pay child support, felony possession of a controlled substance, and other circumstances.
If you are caught driving for reasons that are not allowed on the C Restriction, you may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, which may require the following penalties:
After the restriction period ends, your license is restored to a standard Class E license.
If your license has been suspended or revoked in the State of Florida, it is essential that you consult with an experienced Orlando business hardship license lawyer immediately to protect your employment and financial wellbeing.
The attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm have over 100 years of combined legal experience and are here to help you through this challenging time. We have overturned countless license suspensions and are highly experienced in defending against DUI charges.
If you would like to speak to an attorney about restoring your driving privileges or need legal aid to contend for your hardship license in Florida, contact The Umansky Law Firm today. Schedule your free consultation by completing a contact form.
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