A police officer pulling you over can happen for a number of reasons. Typically, anxiety sets in anytime someone sees those blue lights in their rearview mirror. If you had a few drinks before getting behind the wheel, you may worry that your simple traffic stop could become a more serious situation.
It is common for officers to take drinking and driving seriously. Even if you do not believe the drinks you consumed impaired your abilities, an officer may see the situation differently. Often, if you face a charge for DUI, it is possible for your driving privileges to face some type of consequence.
Is losing your license always the same?
In many cases, the effects of a DUI conviction involve some type of driving restrictions. In certain instances, the restriction may be to install an ignition interlock device on a vehicle that prevents it from starting, unless the driver provides a clean breath sample. However, it is also possible that you could face driver’s license suspension or revocation.
It is important to know that there is a difference between having a suspended license and a revoked license. Driver’s license suspension is a serious outcome of a DUI conviction, or even a refusal to submit to a breath test under Oklahoma’s implied consent laws. Your license could remain suspended for a definite period of time, after which you can reobtain your license, or for an indefinite period of time, which means you can only reobtain your license after you take a certain action.
Revocation is more severe
If you think a suspended license is bad, you may need to know that a revoked license is even worse. In the event that a DUI conviction results in driver’s license revocation, you will not have the ability to have your license reinstated by simply waiting a certain period of time.
You would need to submit a request to the DMV to have the ability to go through the licensing process again, and if the DMV approves the request, you would likely have to complete a written test and road test, like when you obtained your license in the first place.
Avoiding consequences to your license
If you fear that you will face a suspended or even a revoked license due to a DUI charge, you may want to gain more information on this possible outcome. You may have the ability to utilize your defense presentation in order to avoid suffering such consequences. It may benefit you to discuss this concern with an attorney.