7 Tips to Making Life Work After DUI License Suspension

A DUI conviction can be a life-altering experience, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent one.

Many people mistakenly believe that once they have been convicted of driving under the influence, their road to redemption is doomed. But there’s hope.

If you’re in Colorado and looking to get your license back after a DUI, this comprehensive guide will share seven proven strategies to help you regain your driving privileges and get back on the road.

So, buckle up, and let’s explore how to move forward after a DUI in Colorado.

#1 Attend a DMV Hearing

If you’re arrested for a DUI, your license may be automatically suspended if you fail to request a DMV hearing within seven days of your arrest. Because of this, it’s crucial to request a hearing right away to avoid automatic license suspension.

At Right Law Group, we will represent you in these hearings to ensure you have the best possible chance of keeping your license. In many cases, we can handle this for you without you ever having to show up. Our job at these hearings is to question law enforcement, present evidence, and make the case to the hearing officer that you should be allowed to keep your license. Hiring an experienced attorney who is familiar with the DMV process is key to giving you the best shot at keeping your license.

#2 Get an Ignition Interlock Device

If the DMV does restrict your license, there may be ways to get you on the road again soon. An ignition interlock device may be an available option that allows drivers to start driving right away. This device is designed to prevent drivers from taking their vehicles out for a spin when they’re over the limit.

Here are five ways this technology can help get your license back in Colorado after a DUI:

1. It requires regular breath testing before starting and driving the car
2. The device will track all attempts at driving while intoxicated
3. It records start times, stop times, and distance traveled
4. Records indicate if there have been any violations of the law
5. Results are reported directly to authorities so you can monitor progress easily.

Expertise and precision are crucial when installing an interlock device. In Colorado, the DMV has a list of approved vendors to guarantee proper installation and monitoring.

#3 Take a Drug or Alcohol Education Course

To fully reinstate your Colorado driver’s license, you must demonstrate that you understand the consequences and risks of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Alcohol and drug education and treatment classes help with this by providing information on the legal and personal implications of DUIs and strategies for avoiding future incidents. The classes also emphasize changing attitudes and behaviors related to drinking and driving through interactive lectures, videos, group discussions, and other activities.

During these courses, you will learn about substance abuse treatment options, driver safety practices, decision-making skills, and more. Once complete, you should receive a participation certificate, which will not only help you get your license back, but may help in a criminal case as well.

#4 Pay Any Fines or Restitution

As the old adage goes, “you have to pay for your mistakes.” This is particularly true regarding getting a driver’s license back after being convicted of DUI in Colorado.

In some cases, court-related costs may need to be paid as part of the sentencing. Depending on the situation and income level, you can make these payments over time through a payment plan set up by the court system.

The DMV now also requires that a $25 “DUI restoration fee” be paid before a driver license can be reinstated.

#5 File an SR-22 Insurance Form

Filing an SR-22—or proof of insurance form—is key to restoring your driving privileges in Colorado.

Here’s how you’ll want to approach filing an SR-22 form:

1. Contact your insurance company. They’ll need basic information about your DUI incident before providing coverage.
2. Ask about fees upfront. Various fees may be associated with getting an SR-22 certificate, including an increase in your insurance rates
3. Get proof of liability insurance to receive your SR-22 certification
4. Send your SR-22 affidavit to the DMV. The DMV will be able to provide you with the proper form which will need to be completed and filed with them.

#6 Submit a Formal Request for Reinstatement

To request a driver’s license reinstatement, you must complete Form DR2780 (application for reinstatement) from the Colorado Department of Revenue and mail it to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or upload it online.

You must ensure all information on the form is accurate before submitting it and include your reinstatement fee of $95.

#7 Work With a Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney

Working with a criminal defense attorney is one of the best ways to get your license back after a DUI conviction in Colorado. A criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system and work with the DMV to reinstate your driving privileges. They can also represent you at DMV hearings, negotiate plea deals, and challenge the evidence against you in court.

Working with a criminal defense attorney increases your chances of successfully regaining your license and minimizing the impact of the DUI conviction on your life. Choosing an attorney with experience in DUI cases is important to ensure the best possible outcome.

Get Your License Back — Call Right Law Group Now

Getting your driver’s license reinstated after a DUI in Colorado can be intimidating, but it is possible. With the right attitude and initiative, you can regain your driving privileges. Although there are many steps to take before applying for reinstatement, they will help you recover from this situation.

You don’t have to let a mistake define who you become—contact our criminal defense attorneys at Right Law Group today for a FREE consultation.