Driving under the Influence (DUI) is one of the most serious driving offenses in Canada. Although there are several driving offenses, the charge of DUI/DWI results in serious consequences and is likely to have grave implications on your future. Driving with a blood alcohol level of or above 0.08 % is a crime and your driver’s license can be revoked or suspended if you are found guilty. It can also make life costly and difficult through increased insurance costs and hefty fines.
How the DUI conviction affects your driving privileges will depend on what state you were arrested in. Some states will invalidate the license the moment you’re arrested. Some states allow you to fight the charge before suspending it; you’re generally allowed one month before this occurs. If you don’t request a hearing within this time frame, your driver’s license will be suspended. This consequence is called the Administrative License Revocation or Suspension. They generally occur because you were caught with a blood alcohol that was higher than the legal limit; they are also separate from your DUI court case.
Keep in mind that should you refuse to take the chemical tests (blood, breath and/or urine) at the time of your arrest, the state has the right to suspend your license automatically. If you’re required to take this test, it’s in your best driving interest to do so. Even if you don’t reside in the state you are arrested, your license can still be revoked in your state.
If you don’t want to lose your privilege to drive, then it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced DUI lawyer. He/she can help you fight the DMV to keep your license as well as your court case. Remember that the DMV case is entirely different from the DUI case but regardless of what the DMV case outcome is, your DUI case can affect it and your privilege to drive. It’s highly recommended that you challenge your suspension. The worst-case scenario is that you are found guilty of the DUI charge and receive the suspension anyway. Now you can have a restricted license that allows you to drive to a disclosed location (usually work and school) but you will need to make the request at the DMV hearing. You can do this on your own but your DUI attorney would be better equipped and knowledgeable about these matters.
Obtaining car insurance after you’ve been charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can prove to be a challenging task. Most major car insurance companies will not give you coverage and those that will cover you charge an arm and leg for premiums. If you’re a first-time DUI offender, this doesn’t seem very fair, right? If you’re currently insured (In most states you have to be insured), it’s possible that your insurance premium may not go up at all. Many insurance companies check your record every few years. However, if or when they do find out, they could raise your rates or even cancel your insurance.
What Companies Look At Before Offering Insurance
There are several factors that come into play in a company’s decision to offer you an auto policy. Many insurance companies will look at your previous driving history, of course, and some will even check your credit to see how financially stable you are. They also look at your claims history reporting. All of these variables combine to create an “insurance score”, much the same way credit bureaus come up with a credit score.
What Is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a Department of Motor Vehicles form that provides proof of insurance. This SR-22 is required who have been arrested or convicted for a DUI and want to get a restricted license. It also lets the DMV know that the car insurance company has issued at least a minimum liability coverage for the person filing the form.