Hardin County DUI: Can I Get a Hardship License?
Americans love their cars. Since the invention of the automobile Americans have had a love affair with them. For most Americans though the ability to drive is more than just a matter of a love affair with their vehicle, it’s a practical necessity. In many areas of the country public transportation is virtually non-existent. This means that in order to get to work, school, or a doctor’s appointment one must have a vehicle. If you have had your driver’s license in Hardin County, Kentucky suspended you may be at risk for losing your job, failing out of school, or even endangering your health or that of a loved one. The good news is that Kentucky does offer a hardship license to eligible motorists.
Hardin County DUI
Your Kentucky driving privileges can be suspended for a variety of reasons. For most people, a license suspension is the result of excessive and/or serious traffic violations or because of a conviction for driving under the influence, or DUI. The length of your suspension depends on the reason for the suspension. A first time Hardin County DUI, for instance, carries with it a potential license suspension of between 30-120 days. The first 30 days of a suspension for conviction of DUI are mandatory; however, you could be eligible for a hardship license after that period of time if the following are true:
- This is your first driving under the influence conviction AND
- You successfully completed a rehabilitation program AND
- Your inability to drive causes a hardship on your family or dependents
You may be able to qualify for a hardship license for a second or third DUI but a hardship license is statutorily unavailable for a fourth or subsequent DUI committed within the same five year period. Likewise, Kentucky does not allow a motorist to obtain a hardship license if your license was suspended because you refused to submit to a chemical breath test (breathalyzer). To be considered for a hardship license the initial, mandatory period of suspension must have elapsed. In the case of a first-time conviction that is 30 days. After that you must have a court order allowing you the hardship license.
Along with a court order authorizing the hardship license a motorist will need to provide a number of other documents, most notably, a notarized statement must be submitted supporting your claim that the continued suspension of your license will create a hardship on you and/or your family or dependents.
If your license has been suspended, consult with an experience Hardin County DUI attorney to find out if you could qualify for a hardship license.