Facing a DUI charge can turn your life upside down—especially when your driver’s license is suspended. In a city like Fort Lauderdale, where commuting to work, school, or even basic errands often requires driving, losing your driving privileges can feel devastating. One of the most common questions people have after a DUI arrest is: Can a DUI lawyer help restore driving privileges faster? The short answer is yes—but the process depends on the specifics of your case, your prior record, and how quickly you act after the arrest.
How DUI Charges Affect Driving Privileges
In Florida, a DUI arrest usually results in an automatic license suspension. This can happen before you even go to court because the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) enforces administrative suspensions when drivers either fail or refuse a breath test.
- First-time DUI with a breath test over .08: Suspension of 6 months.
- Refusal to take the breath test: Suspension of 12 months.
- Repeat offenders: Even longer suspensions, with harsher penalties.
Without legal help, many drivers mistakenly wait out these suspensions, not realizing that a DUI lawyer can step in to challenge the case or request a hardship license that allows limited driving.
The Role of a DUI Lawyer in License Restoration
A skilled DUI lawyer does much more than defend you in criminal court—they also guide you through the administrative process that impacts your driver’s license. Here’s how they can help:
1. Filing for a Formal Review Hearing
You only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DHSMV hearing to challenge the suspension. A DUI lawyer ensures this critical deadline is met and prepares arguments to contest the validity of the suspension, such as errors in breath test procedures or unlawful stops. Winning this hearing could restore your license immediately.
2. Applying for a Hardship License
Even if your suspension holds, an attorney can help you apply for a hardship license, which allows you to drive to work, school, or for essential needs. This process requires showing proof of enrollment in DUI school and presenting your case to the DHSMV. Lawyers often streamline this process to minimize delays.
3. Reducing Penalties Through Negotiation
If your case moves forward in criminal court, your lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges. For example, a reckless driving plea might carry less severe license consequences than a full DUI conviction.
4. Ensuring Compliance With Requirements
Restoring driving privileges often requires DUI school completion, alcohol treatment programs, or ignition interlock devices. A lawyer ensures you understand and comply with these requirements so you avoid further delays.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
The clock starts ticking the moment you’re arrested. Waiting too long to consult a DUI lawyer in Fort Lauderdale could mean missing your chance at a hearing or hardship license. Immediate action not only increases your chances of getting back on the road sooner but also strengthens your overall defense strategy.
Choosing the Right DUI Lawyer
When it comes to DUI defense, experience matters. Eric H. Clayman, P.A., based in Broward County, brings a unique perspective as a former police officer and DUI investigator. His extensive background in law enforcement gives him insight into how DUI cases are investigated—and how to challenge them effectively in court and administrative hearings. Unlike many defense attorneys, Mr. Clayman’s relationships with law enforcement agencies often help his clients navigate the process more smoothly.
Final Thoughts
So, can a DUI lawyer help restore driving privileges faster? Absolutely. From contesting suspensions to securing hardship licenses, an experienced attorney can significantly reduce the time you’re sidelined without a license. If you’re in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Broward County and facing a DUI, don’t wait—contact Eric H. Clayman, P.A. for immediate guidance and aggressive defense. Acting quickly could make the difference between being stuck without transportation for months and getting back on the road much sooner.
This post was written by a professional at The Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A. The Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A., serves Ft. Lauderdale and Broward County, specializing in criminal defense, including DUI, drug crimes, and violent offenses. With a background as a former police officer, Eric H. Clayman brings invaluable insight into law enforcement procedures. His experience as a DUI investigator, narcotics investigator, and member of street crimes and auto theft units, along with executing high-risk felony warrants, gives him a strategic edge in defending his clients. Committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best results, the Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A., dui lawyer Davie FL, is your trusted ally in the face of criminal charges.