One
of the most serious consequences of a DUI conviction is the drivers
license suspension. Typically a DUI based suspension will last 120
days. During those four months the DUI recipient cannot drive. There are
no exceptions for work, school, or other worthwhile activities.
For
my clients who live and work in the city, where public transportation
is available, and Ubers and Lyfts are abundant, the four month
suspension is an irritation that can be managed. My rural clients,
however, who commute to work, don’t have it so easy. If car pooling is
not an option they often impose on family members to drive them around.
When that is not an option, some lose their jobs.
When
faced with possible job loss, some clients make the poor decision to
drive in spite of their suspension. This is a bad idea on many levels.
First, it is a crime, a class B misdemeanor, if the same severity as the
DUI, punishable by up to six months of jail. Second, if caught, their
drivers license will be suspended for an additional year for each time
they are caught, even if they are not convicted of the new offense. It
is far better to not drive on the suspended license. Those who reject
this advice had better drive the speed limit, have their vehicle
registered, and make sure their vehicle has no equipment issues.
