If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Indiana, you’re facing some pretty stiff penalties. You’re going to face jail time, fines and a suspension of your driver’s license. Even for your first offense, the penalties are much higher than in some other states.
One question a lot of people ask when they’re facing a DUI is whether they can apply for a provisional license. If you work or go to school, losing your license even for just 3 months can be devastating. Most people wouldn’t know what to do with themselves if they lost their license for 3 months.
There is a common misconception that you are entitled to specialized driving privileges if you get convicted of a DUI. People believe that, if they can prove they have a job, they’ll automatically be granted these privileges. This is not the case.
A DUI Attorney in Indianapolis Can Help You Apply for Specialized Driving Privileges
Thankfully, Indiana is one state that has made it easier to apply for specialized driving privileges. Almost anyone whose license is suspended can petition the court for these privileges. If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you just have to wait at least 30 days for the court to lift the suspension. Even if your petition is accepted, your license will be suspended for at least a month.
In order to receive specialized driving privileges in Indiana, you must take the following steps:
- Complete a petition for specialized driving privileges
- Sign and date it
- Include your name, date of birth and address
- State why you’re requesting specialized driving privileges
- Be filed in the county in which you live
- Be filed in your county’s Superior Court
- Serve a copy on the DMV
A DUI attorney can handle this for you. At least if an experienced attorney does this for you, you know It’ll be done right.
Certain People Can Not Be Approved for Specialized Driving Privileges
Anyone whose license has been suspended can technically apply for specialized driving privileges. However, that doesn’t mean they’ll be granted. There are certain groups of people whose request will not be granted. These groups include:
- People who never held a valid driver’s license
- People with a commercial driver’s license
- Also, people who refused to submit to a chemical test or breathalyzer
- People convicted of DUI where a person was killed
- People who have already received specialized driving privileges and failed to follow the rules
Your DUI attorney can review your case and let you know if your license may be restored. Even if it’s restored, there are certain limitations that will be imposed on your license. You may only be allowed to drive certain days and hours. You may be limited to drive back and forth to work or school. Some people are granted driving privileges for childcare exchanges only. If you violate the terms of your specialized driving privileges, your license will be suspended once again.
If your Indianapolis DUI Lawyer Gets Your License Restores, You Need to Follow Certain Rules
First of all, if your DUI lawyer manages to get your request for specialized driving privileges approved, you’ll have to follow certain rules. If you fail to do so, your license will be suspended all over again. You also need a good reason for requesting these privileges. Your attorney can help you file your petition and make sure you outline your reason for the request.
If your petition is granted, it’s important you follow the rules, including:
- Carry a copy of your court order with you at all times
- Provide a copy of your court order to any law enforcement officer who requests it
- Maintain proof of insurance on your car
- Follow the details of your specialized privileges (i.e. hours, days, purpose, etc.)
Contact a DUI Attorney in Indianapolis Today
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, contact a DUI lawyer in Indianapolis today. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for specialized driving privileges. The judge approves these requests on a case by case basis. The judge has total discretion when making his decision. Nobody is entitled to specialized driving privileges. They are a privilege, not a right!
Call today and schedule your initial consultation. There are certain procedures that have to be followed when you request specialized driving privileges. Your DUI attorney knows what these procedures are. They’re very familiar with the process and have helped dozens of clients before you.
Contact a DUI attorney today. When it comes to your driving license, everyday matters!
