No Driver’s License? How a DUI Could Impact You
If you were just arrested for a DUI and you do not have a driver’s license, you will want to figure out your options quickly. Whether your license was expired or revoked, or you never passed the driving test, follow these steps for help.
- Get an Attorney Right Away
As described below, you could face additional charges and penalties for driving without a license – in addition to your DUI charges. A lawyer can advise you of your options, go to court with you, and potentially negotiate a sentencing deal or dismissal of charges.
Before you secure a lawyer, do not talk to friends and family about your lack of a driver’s license, or the circumstances leading up to your DUI. The prosecutor could use them as witnesses to show that you knew your license was expired or that you were way over the limit. In addition, it is possible that your lawyer will discover a legal technicality – maybe your license was reinstated or you were not read your rights. If you tell everyone that you drove drunk without a license, it will not help your defense.
- Learn about Possible Penalties
If the arresting officer took away your license when you were arrested, he or she probably noticed that it was not valid. You may have been told on the spot that you were getting arrested because you had no driving privileges. If you had no license, the same is true.
Penalties for driving when your license is canceled, denied, suspended or revoked vary depending on the circumstances. You will likely face a misdemeanor charge. Fines range from $100 to $5,000, or the judge can sentence you to up to one year of imprisonment. If it is your second or third offense, fines are more expensive. If your license was revoked due to a prior DUI, hefty fines or imprisonment are more likely.
- Explore Your Options
Moving forward, you may be able to get your license back if you request an administrative hearing through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). You must do so within 15 days or you lose the right to a hearing. However, the DPS will be reluctant to reinstate your license if it was revoked for a prior DUI offense. If your license was suspended because you had not paid fines or renewal fees, you may be able to pay the fines and get it back. This depends highly on your individual circumstances, and a lawyer can give you more advice on what to do.
In addition, your lawyer can talk to the prosecutor about a possible compromise or plea bargain. If you plead guilty to one crime, the prosecutor may withdraw the other charges or reduce the sentences. Ask your lawyer if you are interested in making a deal.
Have you been charged with a DUI in Oklahoma and don’t know where to turn? Seek out the attorney who knows the system. Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor now using his trial experience and expert-level knowledge of DUI science to defend drivers, has the experience and the insight to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.