Let Our Manassas Driver's License Restoration Lawyers Help You Get Your Driving Privileges Restored If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

Losing your driver's license can feel like losing your independence. Daily tasks like commuting to work, running errands, taking your children to school, and visiting loved ones become incredibly challenging. 

If you're facing a suspended or revoked license in Virginia, don't despair. Our experienced Manassas driver’s license restoration lawyers at the Wilson Law Firm understand how frustrating it can be to lose your driving privileges. We’re here to guide you through the driver's license restoration process and help you reclaim your driving freedom.

Why Could Your Virginia Driver's License Be Suspended or Revoked?

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court may suspend or revoke your driver's license for many reasons. Common reasons you may have lost your right to drive include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs
• Accumulating too many points on your driving record for traffic offenses
• Failing to maintain required auto insurance coverage or pay uninsured motor vehicle fees
• Failing to pay child support
• Being convicted of reckless driving
• Having a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely

How Long Could Your Driver's License Be Suspended or Revoked?

The length of your driver's license suspension or revocation varies depending on the offense you were convicted of committing or the underlying reason you lost your license. If your conviction was for a first-time DUI, you face a one-year suspension, while subsequent DUIs can lead to a suspension of three years or more. You could lose your license for up to six months if you’re convicted of reckless driving. 

For offenses like accumulating too many points or failing to pay child support, your license may be suspended until you resolve the issue, such as completing a driver improvement course or catching up on missed payments. In cases involving severe or repeated offenses, a judge could impose a longer suspension or even permanently revoke your license.

Vital Steps to Take If Your Driver's License Was Suspended or Revoked in Virginia

You must take the proper actions to restore your suspended or revoked driver's license. You should also avoid making mistakes that make getting your license back take longer or more difficult.

Our driver’s license restoration lawyers can help you take these crucial steps to begin the restoration process:

1. Obtain your compliance summary. You can order your compliance summary online, by phone, or in person from the DMV. This document outlines the requirements you must fulfill to restore your license.
2. Pay unpaid court costs. While not mandatory for license restoration due to a 2019 law change, paying your court costs can help you avoid accruing interest. Many district courts allow online payments for convenience.
3. Determine If You Can Get a Restricted License. Depending on the reason for your suspension, you may qualify for a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, and medical appointments. Offenses like DUI, reckless driving, and aggressive driving may be eligible.
4. Fulfill Other Requirements. Your compliance summary will detail any additional steps you must take, including providing proof of auto insurance, completing a driver improvement course, or paying your back child support.

What Happens If Your Driver's License Was Suspended in Another State?

If you have a suspended license from another state, attempting to drive in Virginia can still land you in legal trouble. Virginia participates in the Driver’s License Compact (DLC), an agreement between states to communicate with each other about license suspensions and revocations. To resolve an out-of-state suspension, you'll need to fulfill your obligations with the issuing state before you can legally drive in Virginia.

How Can You Request a Restricted License in Virginia?

If your driver's license has been suspended due to a DUI, reckless driving, or other conviction, you may be able to obtain a restricted license by petitioning the court. A restricted license allows you to drive during specified times for essential purposes, such as commuting to work or school, attending medical appointments, transporting your child, and attending worship services or court-ordered programs.

To request a restricted license, you must demonstrate a legitimate need for transportation to the judge. While the court is not obligated to grant your request, having our attorneys represent you can improve your chances significantly. If approved, you will receive a restricted license, which you must carry whenever you drive. 

Penalties for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

Getting behind the wheel with a suspended or revoked license is a serious offense in Virginia, classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, an additional license suspension, and the impoundment of your vehicle. It's simply not worth the risk.

How Our Driver’s License Restoration Lawyers Can Help

Going through the driver's license restoration process can be overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with the stress of a suspended or revoked license. Fortunately, you don't have to face this challenge alone. 

Let the knowledgeable driver’s license restoration attorneys at the Wilson Law Firm handle the heavy lifting for you. We can:

• Review your driving record and identify your reinstatement requirements
• Guide you through each step of the restoration process
• Petition the court for a restricted license on your behalf
• Represent you in court hearings related to your suspension or revocation
• Provide advice on how to maintain your driving privileges moving forward