suspended license Georgia, Valdosta, DouglasIf you have a suspended license and wish to regain your rights or minimize the consequences, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer right away. It can be difficult to deal with life when you have a suspended license. You may be unable to run errands, pick up your children from school, and travel to and from work. However, there are solutions to your problems. A license defense attorney can help you.

Georgia has complex traffic laws and the number of reasons for a license suspension may surprise you. Whatever the reason for your Georgia suspended license charge, The George McCranie Law Firm is here to assist you in getting your Georgia License reinstated! We know the terrible impact that a Georgia suspended license can have on your career and your family.

The way we defend your Georgia license suspension will depend on the reasons behind your suspension.

Common Reasons for License Suspension

A suspended license can be the result of an array of civil penalties or criminal convictions. However, the consequences are the same. You are unable to drive and must rely on someone else to help you in your everyday life. If your license has been suspended for any of the following reasons, we can help:

  • DUI Refusal – Refusing to submit to a state administered chemical test for DUI
  • Conviction for a felony Drug Charge
  • Failing to Pay Child Support
  • Driving without Insurance
  • Driving on a Suspended License
  • Failing to Appear in Court
  • Failing to Respond to Traffic Violations
  • Accumulating 15 Points within a 24 Month Period (including points in other states)
  • Using License in a Fraudulent Way.
    • Example: Minor Using Altered License to Purchase Alcohol
  • Under 21 Years of Age and have Committed an Offense Worth 4 Points
  • Under 18 and Accumulated 4 Points within a 12 Month Period
  • Underage Possession of Alcohol While Driving

Defense of each of these requires the detailed knowledge of the relevant laws and a never-ending commitment to the client. The George McCranie Law Firm dedicates itself to the defense of our clients driving privileges!

Major Violations That Result in Mandatory Suspended License

There are certain violations of law that result in a suspended license in all situations. Those are considered major violations and include the following:

  • Fleeing from a police officer
  • Committing vehicular homicide
  • Committing a felony using a vehicle
  • Using or applying for a driver’s license in a fraudulent manner
  • Hit and run, or fleeing the scene of an accident
  • Racing
  • Driving with an invalid registration
  • Forging a license or ID

These convictions can get you serious time in jail or prison and all result in a suspended license.

DUI Testing Refusal Suspension

If at the time of your arrest you refuse to submit to the state’s official breath, blood or urine test, the officer will issue an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) DS form 1205. The ALS is separate from the DUI charge. The ALS may suspend your license or privilege to drive without the possibility of a limited permit. This means that it is HARD suspension with no way to legally drive.

Do not ignore the DDS 1205 form – call us immediately. You only have 30 days to request an ALS hearing in writing or your license will be automatically-suspended!

If You’re Dealing With a Suspended License

suspended license Georgia, Valdosta, DouglasWhen we represent you, we will pursue all avenues to see that this does not severely impact your employment, education or family. The circumstances of your charges may allow a limited driving permit, allowing you to drive to work, school, college, or to receive medical care, etc.

Or we may have grounds to appeal the suspension. You have a right to appeal your suspended license. An appeal can determine if your license was legally or rightfully suspended. In order to appeal your suspended license, you must first submit a hearing request within the time frame allowed by law. Additionally, you must pay the following fees:

  • $150 for a DUI suspension
  • $150 for an implied consent suspension
  • $250 for a limited permit revocation

Additional fees may apply depending on the cause of your suspended license. You may also have additional requirements to appeal your suspension. It’s best to work with an attorney who can help you with every step of the process.

Suspended License Period

It is important to note that while the license suspension starts at the time of conviction, the State does not credit any suspension time served until you turn in your license or have a “lost license” affidavit filed. This is important!

By not taking either of these actions, you may be suffering under a suspension without getting credit for the time!

Having Your License Reinstated

When the suspension period ends, and you’ve met all requirements, you may apply for reinstatement.

You will find reinstatement requirements vary, based on the type and circumstances of the suspension. This highlights why it’s so important to have an experienced attorney represent you.

You will likely have to pay a reinstatement fee, which can vary, but may be:

  • First Conviction: $210, or $200 if paid by mail
  • Second Conviction within Five Years: $310, or $300 if paid by mail
  • Third Conviction within Five Years: $410, or $400 if paid by mail

These fees depend on the type of conviction you had that resulted in a suspended license. If your suspension was civil, your fees may be different.

Obtaining a Georgia Hardship License

If you have a suspended license, you may be able to obtain a hardship license that would allow you to drive in certain situations. You may have limited driving privileges that allow you to drive to and from the following:

  • Your place of employment and related locations
  • School for yourself or children
  • Doctor’s appointments and other medical providers
  • Drug and alcohol treatment programs
  • DUI classes or defensive driving programs

By obtaining a hardship license, you can regain some of your privileges after a suspended license. Although where and when you drive may be limited, you can begin to get some of your rights back and live your life again.

If you wish to obtain a hardship license, you will likely have to pay limited permit fees, including the following:

  • $25 for a limited permit
  • $5 for renewal of a limited permit
  • $20 for a duplicated permit

You may pay these fees via cash, money order, check, debit card, or major credit card.

Driving While Under Suspension or Revocation

If you have a suspended license, you are not allowed to drive. However, if you choose to drive anyway and law enforcement catches you, then you may face serious consequences, such as:

  • First Offense – This misdemeanor can result in two days to 12 months in jail and a fine of between $500 and $1,000.
  • Second or Third Offense within Five Years – This “high and aggravated misdemeanor” can result in between 10 days and 12 months in jail and a fine of between $1,000 and $2,500.
  • Fourth of Subsequent Conviction within Five Years – The court may charge this as a felony and can result in one to five years in prison and a fine of between $2,500 and $5,000.

In addition to these penalties, if you drive with a suspended license, your suspension period may be extended by six months. If you are a habitual offender, you may face even greater consequences.

Contact a Suspended License Attorney Today

If your license was suspended and you need to reinstate it to regain your life, then you should work with an attorney who can help you throughout the legal process. Whether you need to attend hearings or submit official forms, we can help you. Contact a suspended license defense attorney for more information about how we can help you get your license back.

Call McCranie Law Firm at 912-384-2889 to schedule your free consultation.