What If I Lost My License But I Need to Drive to Work?

 Posted on March 09, 2022 in DWI

Although work-from-home opportunities have increased after the pandemic, many adults still need to drive for their job. In the Collin County area, public transportation may not be sufficient for workers’ transportation needs. Consequently, losing your driver’s license can be a huge hindrance. If you lost your license due to charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and you work outside the home, you may be tempted to drive anyway. However, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license is considered a criminal offense punishable by heavy fines and a longer suspension period.

Fortunately, many drivers charged with DWI are eligible for an Occupational Driver’s License or “essential needs license” which enables them to drive lawfully.

Regaining Driving Privileges After a Drunk Driving Charge

Many people with suspended driver’s licenses are unable to fulfill their responsibilities without driving. If you lost your license but you need to drive to get to school or work, you may be able to get an Occupational Driver’s License. This license enables you to drive for up to 12 hours a day for specific purposes. You can apply for an Occupational Driver’s License by submitting a petition to the court. You will also need to fill out and submit a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate to prove that you are insured. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may also need to submit your driving record and appear in court in front of a judge to get an Occupational Driver’s License. You will need to demonstrate to the court why you need this license to fulfill your personal or professional responsibilities. A DWI defense lawyer can help you gather the necessary paperwork, submit a petition to the court, and argue your case in front of the judge at your ODL hearing.

Contact a Frisco Occupational Driver’s License Lawyer

If you lost your license because you were arrested for DWI, it is against the law for you to drive any vehicle. However, you may be able to regain driving privileges and get back on the road legally with an Occupational Driver’s License.

At the Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C., we understand that navigating the Texas court system can be complicated and overwhelming. We help individuals accused of drunk driving assert their rights and seek reinstatement of their driving privileges. Our Collin County criminal defense attorneys serve Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, Little Elm, Dallas County, Denton County, Collin County, and surrounding areas. Call our office at 469-333-3333 today for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/occupational-driver-license