The Difference between a License Suspension and a Revocation

It’s always nerve-wracking when you see those red and blue swirling lights in the rearview mirror, especially if you know you had a little too much to drink before getting behind the wheel.  When you meet with your drunk driving lawyer, it’s important to know what questions to ask.

One of the most common questions about DUIs is how a conviction will impact one’s future driving record.  Furthermore, people always want to understand what the difference is between a license suspension and a license revocation.

A DUI suspension is for a specific period of time such as one year or three years.  When a suspension is up, your license can be reinstated by simply paying a fee.  A DUI revocation on the other hand is indefinite.

License revocations have no specific date of reinstatement.  Having your license revoked doesn’t necessarily mean that you will never get your license reinstated, however, for those who have multiple DUIs, that can occasionally be the case.  For most others, the date of reinstatement is determined by the Secretary of State.  The Secretary of State must decide that you are no longer a threat to the public roadways.  The hearings involved in this process can often be long and drawn out.

No matter what the details of your case are, make sure to consult with a DUI defense attorney in order to learn all of your rights.  Meeting with a lawyer can also help you know what to expect from the DUI in upcoming months and years.  Having the right lawyer can occasionally make the difference between a license suspension and a complete revocation.