When people commit certain crimes, their driving privileges can be suspended. There are an abundance of violations that may lead to a license suspension. Among these crimes is a DUI.
A DUI-related license suspension can be a massive inconvenience for people who use their vehicles every day to run errands, go to work, attend school, pick up their kids, or engage in any other activities. Because people use their car so much, they may be tempted to risk driving without their license to get things done. There may be an emergency and a motorist feels as if they need to drive in spite of a suspension.
Regardless of the circumstances, driving while your license is suspended due to a DUI has serious consequences in Bucks County. If you are in Bucks County and are facing a Dui-related license suspension, you have options to make this experience less of an inconvenience. However, you won't have access to these options without the aid of a skilled criminal defense attorney.
DUI-Related License Suspension in Bucks County
Immediately after a person is convicted of a DUI in Bucks County, he or she may be subjected to a license suspension. The duration of this suspension is determined by a person's blood alcohol content level, the amount of drugs in their system, and whether they're eligible to be approved for entry into what's known as the “Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition” program.
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Program
ARD is a diversionary pre-trial intervention program offered for first-time, non-violent criminal offenders. This program allows individuals an opportunity to avoid and minimize stiff penalties like jail time, the loss of driving privileges, and the creation of a criminal record by completing the terms of the program. The terms assigned to each member of ARD are individualized to their respective situation. For example, a person arrested for a DUI may be required to attend highway safety school and undergo a drug and alcohol treatment program to complete the program.
If the requirements are fulfilled by the end of the ARD period, the mandatory license suspension penalty will be significantly reduced (to a 30- or 60-day suspension), and the initial criminal charges will be dismissed.
Occupational Licenses
Motorists who face a mandatory license suspension also have the option of applying for a restricted occupational license by application of the court. This request basically petitions the courts for permission to for a license to drive solely for work during a suspension. If this request is granted, occupational limited licenses may only be granted 60 days after the initial suspension. It's important to note that acceptance into the ARD program voids a person's eligibility for an occupational license.
Bucks County Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Bucks County, and are facing a mandatory license suspension, you should immediately consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has extensive experience helping clients in this situation gain acceptance into the ARD program or receive an occupational license.
If you've been caught driving with a DUI suspended license, attorney Joseph D. Lento can help you reduce these charges to forgo the mandatory jail requirement, lessen the costly fines associated with this crime, and shorten the additional license suspension. Contact him today for help.
