Shreveport Suspended License Lawyer

Knowledgeable Suspended License Attorney in Shreveport, LA

What This Page Covers:

• In Shreveport, driver’s licenses can be suspended for various reasons, including multiple traffic violations, DUIs, and refusal of a breathalyzer test.
• Drivers have the right to appeal suspensions and can seek license reinstatement after serving their suspension period and paying relevant fees.
• A criminal defense attorney can assist in contesting citations, appealing suspensions, and navigating the reinstatement process.
• John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm specializes in suspended license cases in Shreveport, offering comprehensive legal support and free consultations.
• For your free consultation, send us a message through our online contact form or call us at (318) 714-1600.

Driving gives you a sense of freedom to explore new places, go to work, or simply visit the grocery store. Therefore, getting a driver’s license suspension can be devastating. Without a license, everyday tasks can become exponentially more difficult. Unfortunately, drivers in Louisiana may find it challenging to get their license restored once they have lost it. That’s why hiring an experienced Shreveport suspended license attorney is crucial if you have had your driver’s license suspended or are facing charges that could lead to a license suspension.

At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we can help you restore your driving privileges and protect you from further ramifications. Our skilled suspended license attorneys can offer guidance and aggressive representation to drivers facing license suspension charges in Shreveport.

For most people in Shreveport, having a driver’s license is crucial to being able to handle life’s necessities, such as getting to and from work, running errands, and visiting family and friends. However, as in all states, having a driver’s license in Louisiana is a privilege, not a right. There are several reasons why a driver’s license may be suspended, and there are subsequently some important actions that must be taken for it to be reinstated.

If your license has been suspended, a Shreveport suspended license lawyer can help you understand your legal options. They may also be able to provide services to help you get your license reinstated or obtain a hardship license so that you can continue working. 

What Can Cause a License Suspension in Shreveport?

A license suspension means temporarily losing driving privileges for a specified time. There are various reasons why your Louisiana driver’s license might get suspended. Most of these are related to specific driving violations. Common situations that can lead to a license suspension include:

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Refusing to take a drug or alcohol test
• Three reckless driving convictions in 12 months
• Accumulation of points
• Failure to pay fines
• Leaving an accident scene
• Causing an accident without car insurance
• Violating restrictions on your license

An experienced Shreveport Louisiana suspended license attorney can help you decide the best course of action, depending on the circumstances of your case.

The Reasons Your License Could Be Suspended in Shreveport

There are many reasons why someone’s driver’s license can be suspended in Shreveport. The type of actions that need to be taken to regain driving privileges depend on the circumstances of the case. Some reasons for license suspensions include:

• Getting too many traffic tickets in a short period: While Louisiana doesn’t use the same points system many other states employ to determine when a driver has received too many tickets to keep their license, they do have a method of tracking this information and a procedure for suspending licenses for this reason.
• Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol: If you are arrested for DWI, your license will not be automatically suspended. Instead, you have up to 30 days to request a hearing to fight the suspension of your driving privileges.
• Serious driving infractions: This may include failing to stop for a school bus with its stop-arm extended or causing an accident that results in injuries or death.
• Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test: When an individual obtains their driver’s license, they are required to sign a statement consenting to comply with an officer’s request for a breathalyzer test on the suspicion of drunk driving. Failing to comply with this request results in a mandatory suspension.

While the procedures and requirements for having one’s license reinstated depend on the circumstances that caused it to be suspended in the first place, generally, a driver has the right to appeal the suspension within a few days of receiving a citation that results in license suspension. Additionally, they have the right to receive a reinstatement of their license after they’ve served their suspension period and have paid the reinstatement fee to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

Consequences of Driving with a Suspended License in Shreveport, LA

Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Shreveport. These charges can result in lengthy jail terms, heavy fines, and several points on your driving record. The penalties are even more severe if an offender has previous driving with suspended license convictions. Here are the consequences of driving with a suspended license:

• Suspended class D or E license: A fine of up to $500, a maximum jail term of six months, and civil penalties of up to $1250.
• Suspended class A, B, or C license: Six months in jail, fines of up to $5000, and civil penalties of up to $2500.
• Suspended for subsequent DWI/DUI offenses: Serve a jail term of at least seven days and a minimum fine of $300.

Additionally, the license suspension period will be extended for one more year. You can turn to a Shreveport suspended license attorney to help clear your name or reduce your sentence.

How to Reinstate a Suspended License in Shreveport

The process of reinstating a suspended license depends partly on the reason for the suspension. Here are the steps to restore your suspended license in Shreveport.

Appeal the Suspension

In most cases, you’ll be notified when your license is suspended. If not, you can check the status of your driver’s license through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) website, call center, or in-person office visit.

After a license suspension, you will have the opportunity to file an appeal within a few days of the citation. You can contact a Shreveport suspended license attorney as soon as possible if you’re still eligible for an appeal. 

Pay Reinstatement Fees

A driver can also choose to wait out their suspension period and pay the license reinstatement fee. The OMV sends instructions on restoring your license after serving the suspension period. You’ll be required to pay various fees and fines and submit the necessary documentation. 

The reinstatement fees range from $50 to $300, depending on the reason for the license suspension. Unfortunately, this method usually takes time and money; and sometimes, you may not reinstate your license.

Apply for a Hardship License

A driver whose license has been suspended may still be able to drive for special reasons. The OMV offers a hardship license, which allows special driving privileges. During the suspension, you may qualify for this license if you want to drive to earn a living, a necessity of life, or if you have a medical hardship. You can call or visit Shreveport’s OMV offices to check your eligibility. You must complete at least 30 days of suspension.

Contact an Attorney

Your best option to reinstate a suspended license is to consult an experienced suspended license lawyer in Shreveport. With the help of a knowledgeable Shreveport criminal defense lawyer, you can effortlessly navigate the complex process of reinstating your license. A suspended license lawyer can help you by:

• Fighting the traffic violations before they result in a suspension
• Representing you in court and DMV hearings
• Applying for the hardship license after a suspension
• Appealing your suspension

Our team of skilled Shreveport suspended license attorneys can assess your case and work to clear your license. Don’t hesitate to contact us for top-notch legal representation.

How an Shreveport Attorney Can Help After Your License Has Been Suspended

An experienced criminal defense attorney can help drivers avoid license suspensions in many cases by fighting the citations that could result in a suspension or by appealing the suspension. In most cases, when a driver gets a traffic ticket, they should not agree to pay the ticket before talking with a Shreveport suspended license lawyer, as payment constitutes a guilty plea. Instead, a lawyer can look for reasons for the case to be dismissed or help negotiate a plea deal in which the driver pleads guilty to a lesser charge and avoids certain consequences such as a license suspension.

After a suspension has occurred, a Shreveport suspended license attorney can appeal the suspension on behalf of the driver by demanding an administrative hearing within 30 days of the citation that resulted in the suspension. Appealing the suspension involves gathering evidence to prove that the license was suspended in error or that the driver did not commit the infraction that resulted in the license suspension.

How Else Can a Suspended License Lawyer Help?

An experienced Shreveport suspended license attorney can also help a driver with a suspended license by petitioning the district court. A hardship license is typically available 30 days after a suspension for a first offense and allows the driver to drive to “maintain the necessities of life” such as going to work, seeking medical care, or transporting children to school.

Additionally, when a driver has completed their suspension period, an attorney can help them to complete the reinstatement process. This process involves paying a fee and submitting other documentation to show compliance with the conditions of the reinstatement. For example, if a driver is seeking reinstatement of their license after a suspension for a DWI, they must show that they have served the mandatory suspension period, have completed the installation of an interlock device as ordered by the court, and have paid their fee.

Fighting for You When You Need It the Most

Schedule A Consultation

Contact an Experienced Shreveport Suspended License Lawyer at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm

Having a suspended license stops you from driving. This can put your life on hold, preventing you from operating on Shreveport roads. With the complex Shreveport traffic laws, hiring a suspended license attorney gives you the best chance of reinstating your driving privileges.

At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we have helped many Shreveport drivers reinstate their driving licenses. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Louisiana traffic and criminal law. We can help you determine your next steps when your license is on the line. Don’t let a suspended license run you off the road. Call us at (318) 377-1555 or contact us online today to schedule an initial consultation.