Driving on a DUI Permit

Unfortunately, I have had clients who ultimately had to plead guilty to a DUI. It happens. The evidence against them is simply too overwhelming for us to overcome at trial. Once of their first concerns is about getting to and from work or other places while their license is suspended.

If it's your first DUI in the last 5 years, the Judge can provide you with an "Affidavit of First Conviction" where you can get a temporary permit to drive under very limited circumstances. As of January 1, 2013, if you are driving on a DUI limited permit, you are allowed to drive for the following purposes:

(1) Going to your place of employment;
(2) Receiving scheduled medical care or obtaining prescription drugs;
(3) Attending a college or school at which you are regularly enrolled as a student;
(4) Attending regularly scheduled sessions or meetings of support organizations for persons who have addiction or abuse problems related to alcohol or other drugs, which organizations are recognized by the commissioner;
(5) Attending under court order any driver education or improvement school or alcohol or drug program or course approved by the court which entered the judgment of conviction resulting in suspension of your driver’s license or by the commissioner;
(6) Attending court, reporting to a probation office or officer, or performing community service; or
(7) Transporting an immediate family member who does not hold a valid driver’s license for work, medical care, or to procure prescription medications or to school.

I often get questions like, "I don't have a job. What about driving for an interview?" I'm afraid that would be a "no". But, ultimately, you need to be skilled in answering the officer's questions if you happen to get pulled over. A wrong answer could land you back in jail.

Fortunately, this restriction lasts only as long as it takes you to complete all the conditions necessary for reinstatement of your license. If you have a pro-active attorney (and you're pro-active yourself) you can have most of these done before you even plead.

If you or someone you know has been charged with DUI, please contact me. I can be reached via email at jason@carnellfirm.com or by phone at 770-729-4809.