Restricted Drivers License Lawyer Virginia
Suspended License Attorney Serving Fairfax and Surround Areas
Petitioning for Restricted Driving Privileges in Virginia
Driving may be necessary for your job, your education or to take care of your children. Depending upon why your license is suspended or revoked, you may be eligible for a restricted driver's license. Whether you are moving to Virginia after a DUI/DWI or have just been convicted of your first DUI/DWI, reckless driving or a drug offense, MacDowell & Associates, P.C. can help you petition the court for limited driving privileges.
Who Is Eligible?
Restricted driver's licenses are available for people convicted of crimes such as DUI/DWI, reckless driving, and drug offenses. Interestingly, if you are suspended due to a conviction for driving under a suspended or revoked license or driving after being declared habitual offender, Virginia law does not allow the court to award you a restricted license.
Contact our attorneys for a free consultation to learn if you are eligible to petition the court for a restricted driver's license.
Restricted Operator's License and DUI/DWI
A Virginia circuit court may give you a restricted driver's license if you have been convicted of driving under the influence. However, the amount of time that must pass before you can request restricted driving privileges depends upon your conviction:
- First offense DUI/DWI: restricted driver's license available at time of conviction
- Second offense DUI/DWI in ten years: available after four months and ignition interlock is required to be installed on your vehicle
- Second offense DUI/DWI in five years: available after one year and ignition interlock is required to be installed on your vehicle
- Third offense DUI: available after three years and ignition interlock is required to be installed on your vehicle
Limited Driving Conditions
The limitations on a restricted driver's license are put in place by the presiding judge. For example, the judge may decide that you can only drive to and from work, school or to see your children. The restrictions often include installing an ignition interlock device on your car, which only lets you drive when you haven't been drinking.
Requesting a Restricted Driver's License
A judge is not required to give you a restricted driver's license. Therefore, you must petition the court for a restricted license and do it well.
You must have a reason for needing a restricted driver's license that Virginia law allows for. You cannot use a Restricted License for any social driving, running errands or even grocery shopping. Of course, the best way to avoid the challenges of having a suspended license with limited driving privileges is to avoid the suspension in the first place, whether by having a charge dismissed or reduced, or by an agreed disposition with a prosecutor.
Our lawyers will help present your petition and collect the documents that you need. We will argue for the least restrictive option possible to get you back on the road.
Contact our law office at 703-763-0923 or send us an e-mail for a free consultation.
