Baton Rouge Suspended License Attorney
Practice Areas
The Baton Rouge suspended license attorney team at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown provides top-tier legal representation for individuals facing Louisiana driver’s license suspension. With extensive experience in traffic courts, our Baton Rouge suspended license lawyer understands the intricacies of the legal process and works diligently to secure favorable outcomes for our clients. Whether you’re seeking to restore a restricted license or secure a hardship license to maintain your daily responsibilities, our Baton Rouge suspended driver’s license attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our knowledgeable team guide you through the complexities of license suspension cases with confidence and expertise.
Your Driver’s License May Be Suspended For
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (LA OMV) has the authority to have your Louisiana driver’s license suspended if you are convicted of a vehicle-related offense.
Common reasons for a driver’s license suspension include a DUI conviction, accumulating excessive traffic violations, or failing to appear in traffic courts following a vehicle-related arrest.
Each of these incidents can prompt the LA OMV to invoke a driver’s license suspension, impacting your ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads.
DWI Conviction or Refusing to Submit to a Sobriety Test
If you’re arrested for a DWI, the arresting officer could issue an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) notice. This administrative suspension notice informs the motorist that their Louisiana driver’s license is suspended until they request an administrative hearing to contest the administrative suspension, typically within 30 days.
A DWI conviction or refusal to comply with a sobriety test can result in a Louisiana driver’s license suspension in Louisiana. If you are found to be operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or have a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit, the Office of Motor Vehicles may issue an administrative suspension. Additionally, non-compliance with a sobriety test can lead to an automatic suspension.
The administrative suspension is different from a license suspension following a DWI conviction. If you later are convicted of DWI, the court may have your Louisiana driver’s license suspended as part of criminal penalties, typically along with the installation of an ignition interlock device. The length of the license suspension will depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), a prior DWI conviction, and other relevant circumstances.
In such cases, a Baton Rouge DUI lawyer can provide assistance by challenging the administrative suspension or license suspension, representing you in court, and negotiating with the LA OMV to potentially reduce the administrative suspension period.
Felony Traffic Violation
A felony traffic violation, such as negligent homicide, can result in license suspension due to the severity of the offense.
When a person is convicted of such a crime, it goes on their driving record, leading to serious legal consequences under Louisiana law. A negligent homicide conviction impacts your Louisiana driver’s license privileges and can affect your personal and professional life.
If you are charged with a felony traffic violation, A Baton Rouge vehicular homicide lawyer can provide legal guidance and work towards reducing the impact on your driving record and overall life.
Serious Accident Involvement
You could have a Louisiana driver’s license suspension if you were at fault in a serious accident that caused significant injury or property damage. The Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles (Louisiana DMV) may enforce this license suspension through a court order. If it is proved that your recklessness caused the accident, you will face non-possession of your Louisiana driver’s license for a designated period, impacting your ability to drive legally. A Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney can help challenge the accusations and protect your rights in court.
Three Reckless Driving Tickets in One Year
Accumulating three reckless driving traffic tickets in one year can lead to a license suspension. The repeated violations suggest a pattern of dangerous behavior on the road, threatening public safety.
In this situation, you have the right to appeal the suspension. A Baton Rouge reckless driving lawyer can assist in the appeal process, providing legal guidance and representation to challenge the license suspension.
Fleeing from Law Enforcement
Fleeing from a law enforcement officer can result in a license suspension. For example, if a driver attempts to drive off while a law enforcement officer is writing a traffic ticket, this act is considered resisting an officer in Baton Rouge.
This behavior violates traffic laws and endangers public safety. As a result, the court and public safety services may suspend the offender’s license to deter such reckless actions and uphold the law.
Difference Between Revoked and Suspended License in Louisiana
In Louisiana, revocation and suspension of a driver’s license are similar in that both prevent you from driving, but they are different in terms of license reinstatement issues.
A license suspension means you cannot drive for a specific period, but you can get your license back once all fines are paid and conditions are met. An administrative suspension often follows a conviction and can be challenged through an administrative hearing.
On the other hand, revocation means your license is canceled entirely, requiring you to undergo a thorough investigation before obtaining license reinstatement. After a revocation, you must request a license reinstatement through the court and pay the reinstatement fee to get your license back.
Driving Privileges and Driver’s License Suspension Period
The driver’s license suspension period is determined by the severity of the offense and the regulations set by the court and the Department of Motor Vehicles. During this suspension period, you are not permitted to drive.
However, in some cases, you may be permitted limited driving privileges through a hardship license. A Louisiana hardship license allows you to drive for necessary things such as work or medical appointments. The conditions and the duration of the suspension are determined based on the details of the conviction and relevant legal guidelines.
Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License in Baton Rouge, LA
If you are caught driving on a suspended license, the Louisiana DMV will enforce strict consequences. The penalties can include extended suspension periods, hefty fines, and even potential jail time. The severity of these penalties is determined by the specific circumstances of your case and any prior offenses.
A Baton Rouge traffic ticket lawyer can help you understand your rights, determine the best course of action, and work towards minimizing the impact of these penalties on your record and daily life.
Driving on a Suspended or Revoked Class D or E License
If you hold a Class D or E driver’s license and are found driving on a suspended or revoked license in Louisiana, the penalties can be quite harsh. You may face a fine of up to $500, a jail sentence of up to six months, and additional civil penalties that can reach as high as $1,250. These penalties are designed to enforce the seriousness of driving without a valid license and to promote public safety.
Driving on a Suspended or Revoked Class A, B, or C License
The penalties are particularly serious if you are caught driving on a suspended or revoked Class A, B, or C driver’s license. You can face a fine of up to $5,000, a jail sentence of up to six months, and a civil penalty of up to $2,500. These tough penalties reflect the higher responsibility of operating a commercial vehicle like a truck or school bus.
Given the potential impact on your livelihood and the severity of the consequences, consulting with a Baton Rouge CDL ticket lawyer is important. An experienced attorney can help you explore options for reducing penalties and work towards protecting your commercial driving privileges.
Driving on a Driver's License Suspended for a Second or Subsequent DUI or OWI
If you are found driving while your license is suspended due to a second or subsequent OWI/DWI conviction, you must serve at least seven days in jail, and the minimum fine increases to $300. The court may also impose further restrictions, such as the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device once your driving privileges are reinstated.
Repeat offenses are taken seriously in Louisiana, leading to stricter enforcement and consequences. It’s crucial to attend your court date to address these charges and understand the full extent of the penalties and requirements that may be imposed.
Suspended License Reinstatement in Baton Rouge
Reinstating a suspended license in Baton Rouge involves meeting specific requirements based on the reason for the suspension.
For example, you must obtain a tax clearance letter if your license is suspended due to non-payment of state income taxes. You will also be required to pay reinstatement fees and demonstrate financial responsibility for a period of time, typically through proof of insurance.
Reinstatement issues can arise if these requirements are not fully satisfied or if there are other unresolved violations.
Our attorneys can help you file the necessary paperwork for license reinstatment, show you where to pay reinstatement fees, and help ensure your legal rights are uhpeld throughout the Louisiana driver’s license reinstatment process.
Baton Rouge License Suspension FAQs
How to Check if a License is Suspended Online in Louisiana
To check if your Louisiana driver’s license is suspended, visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website. You will need to enter your license number and social security number to access your information. The system will provide a notice regarding the suspension status of your license, allowing you to take any necessary actions to address the issue.
If I Pay My Reinstatement Fee, Will My License Still be Suspended in Louisiana?
Paying your reinstatement fee is essential to regaining your driving privileges, but payment of reinstatement fees doesn’t automatically mean your license will be reinstated. Other requirements may need to be fulfilled, such as providing proof of financial responsibility, completing any required courses, or obtaining a tax clearance letter if your suspension was due to unpaid state income taxes. Until all conditions are met, your license may remain suspended.
If Your Driver's License Gets Suspended in Another State, Can You Legally Drive in Louisiana?
You cannot legally drive in Louisiana if your driver’s license is suspended in another state. A suspension in one state is recognized in other states due to the Driver License Compact agreement. Therefore, driving in Louisiana with a suspension from another state can have additional legal consequences. Resolving the suspension in the other state before attempting to drive in Louisiana is necessary.
Baton Rouge Suspended License Lawyer
If you’re dealing with a suspended license in Baton Rouge, The Law Offices of Ossie Brown can help. We offer experienced legal guidance to help you file for a hardship license or reinstate your driving privileges. Our knowledgeable attorneys can address issues related to your suspension, advocate on your behalf in court, and work to resolve any outstanding legal matters.
Don’t let a suspended license disrupt your life. Call 225-343-1111 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards getting back on the road.
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