Obtaining an Occupational License after a DWI
When you are convicted of a DWI or DUI your driver’s license may be suspended. The period of suspension can range from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the circumstances of your arrest or conviction and your previous driving history. Despite this, people still need to get around town after a DWI or DUI, and public transportation is not always a viable option. In these cases, it may be possible to obtain a restricted, occupational license.
The decision about whether to grant you an occupational license rests with a judge. Occupational licenses are often granted to people who need to:
- Drive to work
- Drive to school
- Shop for groceries and household items
- Take children or elderly parents to medical appointments
If you have to do any of these things, and have to drive to do them, you may be able to apply for an occupational license even while your regular license is suspended. But the necessity of these tasks does not guarantee approval of your request. The judge will also have to consider such things as your past DUI / DWI history and whether there are other reasonably sufficient modes of transit available.
If a judge grants you an occupational license, there are usually certain restrictions. This is why these licenses are sometimes called restricted licenses. Some common restrictions are:
- Hours per day you can drive
- Destinations to which you can drive
Violating the terms of your restricted license can cause a new license revocation and other legal difficulties.
Contact Us
If you or someone close to you is facing a DUI or DWI charge, and wishes to pursue a restricted license, contact a San Antonio occupational license lawyer at the Law Offices of Chris S. Barnett. We may be able to help you defend against your charge and request an occupational license. Call us now at 210-587-6464.
