Having your license suspended for driving under the influence can have a devastating impact on every aspect of your life. You may not be able to get to work, and participating in certain family functions may no longer be possible. If you are facing a DUI charge, you may be worried about the many consequences you could face upon conviction. Fortunately, our Jersey City DUI lawyers at Bhatt Law Group know how to protect your rights.

To find out how you can keep your license and move on with your life, call (201) 798-8000 now.

DUI Driver’s License Suspension

The license suspension period for a DUI mainly depends on two factors: blood alcohol content (BAC) and number of past offenses. If you are a first-time offender, you will lose your license for up to three months if your BAC was between .08 percent and .10 percent, and from seven months to one year if your BAC was .10 percent or higher. If you are caught drinking and driving a second time, you could lose your ability to drive for up to two years. For a third offense, your license could be suspended for up to a decade.

If you lose your freedom through a guilty verdict, you may have to face additional penalties. For example, you may have to pay up to thousands of dollars in fees and surcharges, and you may end up spending up to a month behind bars. Since the consequences of being convicted are so severe, it is important to do everything in your power to avoid being found guilty in court.

Keeping Your License After a DUI Conviction

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you may challenge a license suspension that is received for a DUI. Once you receive a notice of your suspension from the Motor Vehicle Commission, you may request to make your case in court. You will appear before a judge or an administrator and convince them of your need for a license. You may make the point that you will lose your job without transportation, or that you need a license for driving your children to school.

Even if you can get your charges reduced in court, you may still have your license suspended. New Jersey uses a point system to track violations and assign penalties. For example, speeding can be worth between two and five points, and failure to yield is worth two points. When you reach 12 points on your record, your license will be suspended. One way to avoid this consequence is by enrolling in a driver improvement program. Completing this course will remove three points from your record.

The Importance of Legal Representation

The most effective action you can take when fighting for your driving rights is hiring an experienced DUI defense attorney. A lawyer may be able to use one of several techniques to get your charges reduced or eliminated. For example, evidence in your case might have been mishandled or collected illegally. This would be the case if you were subjected to an illegal vehicle search. It may also be possible to prove that your constitutional rights were violated at some point.

Contact a Jersey City DUI Lawyer Today

Whether you are in the middle of a criminal trial or recovering from an arrest, it is important that you seek legal assistance if you have been charged with a DUI. The Jersey City DUI attorneys at Bhatt Law Group will handle the legal aspects of your case. They will devise a strategy that will prove your innocence.

If you have questions about your case, call (201) 798-8000 for a free legal consultation.