What Do You Do If Your License is Suspended?
June 6, 2025
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Boulder, Colorado, one of the consequences you may face is the suspension of your driver’s license.
A suspended license can significantly impact your daily life, preventing you from going to work, attending important appointments, and running essential errands.
However, there are steps you can take to address this situation and potentially minimize the damage. It’s also crucial to understand the benefits of working with a DUI defense lawyer. At the Watkins Law Firm, I’m here to defend your rights.
Let’s explore what you should do if your license is suspended due to a DUI charge and what options are available to you to regain your driving privileges.
What Does License Suspension in DUI Cases Mean for You?
When a DUI arrest occurs, the suspension of your driver's license is often an immediate consequence. There are typically two types of suspension that you may face: administrative suspension and court-ordered suspension. Each type of suspension has its own requirements and conditions, and it’s important to understand how these work.
Administrative Suspension
In Colorado, an administrative license suspension typically occurs when you're arrested for DUI and either refuse to take a breath or blood test, or if you fail the test. The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the authority to suspend your license for a period of time, usually nine months for a first refusal and one year for failing the test.
This suspension is automatic and doesn’t require a DUI conviction. Importantly, it happens even before your case goes to trial, and you have the right to request a hearing to contest this suspension. If you don’t request a hearing within seven days of your arrest, the suspension will begin.
Court-Ordered Suspension
A court-ordered suspension occurs if you’re convicted of DUI in Colorado. The court will impose this suspension as part of your sentence. The length of the suspension varies depending on the specifics of your case.
According to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), for a first offense with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, the court may suspend your license for up to nine months.
However, if you have prior DUI convictions or if there were aggravating factors involved (such as an accident or injuries), the suspension period can be longer. In some cases, the court may also require the installation of an ignition interlock device if you're eligible to reinstate your license before the suspension period ends.
What Steps Should You Take if Your License Is Suspended?
A DUI-related license suspension isn’t the end of the road. While it can be a frustrating and difficult experience, there are ways to address the situation and mitigate its consequences. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in this predicament:
1. Know the Reason for the Suspension
The first thing you need to do is determine the exact reason for your license suspension. You should receive a notice of suspension from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court outlining why your license was suspended and the duration of the suspension. Review this information carefully to understand the type of suspension you’re facing.
If it’s an administrative suspension (based on a failed breathalyzer or refusal to take the test), you may have a limited time to challenge the suspension. If it’s a court-ordered suspension, you will need to comply with the court’s requirements before being eligible to regain your driving privileges.
2. Consult with a DUI Defense Lawyer
A DUI defense lawyer is a key player in managing the aftermath of a DUI arrest, particularly when your license has been suspended. An experienced DUI lawyer can evaluate your case and help you understand your options, including fighting the suspension, requesting a restricted license, or negotiating alternative sentencing options.
3. File for a DMV Hearing
In Colorado, if your license was suspended due to a failed breathalyzer test or refusal to take the test, you’re entitled to request a DMV hearing. This hearing provides an opportunity to contest the administrative suspension of your license.
During the hearing, you can present your case to a hearing officer and challenge the evidence or circumstances surrounding the suspension. A DUI defense lawyer can assist you in preparing for and representing you at this hearing, working to reduce or potentially overturn the suspension based on the facts of your case.
Be sure to request the hearing within seven days of your arrest to preserve your right to contest the suspension.
4. Explore Restricted License Options
In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for a restricted license during your suspension period. A restricted license allows you to drive under certain conditions, such as for work, medical appointments, or school. You must usually show proof of hardship and agree to conditions such as installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
5. Attend Court-Ordered DUI Education Programs
If your license suspension was court-ordered, the court may require you to complete DUI education or substance abuse treatment programs as part of the terms for reinstating your license. Completing these programs can demonstrate to the court that you’re taking responsibility for your actions and may help reduce the length of the suspension.
6. Appeal the Suspension
In certain situations, you may have the option to appeal your license suspension. This can be a complicated process that requires you to prove that the suspension was unjust or that you were unfairly penalized. A DUI defense lawyer can help you with this process and increase your chances of a successful appeal.
How Can Working With a DUI Defense Lawyer Help You?
Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, and the loss of your driver’s license only adds to the stress. Hiring a DUI defense lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to help manage your situation and protect your rights. Here are some of the key benefits of working with a DUI defense lawyer:
Offering Legal Knowledge
DUI laws can be complicated. A skilled DUI defense lawyer will be well-versed in Colorado’s DUI laws and know how to manage the legal system. They can provide you with a detailed explanation of your rights and options, helping you make informed decisions throughout the process.
Representing You in DMV Hearings and Court
Your DUI defense lawyer can represent you at DMV hearings and in court, helping you contest the suspension and negotiate a favorable outcome. Whether your goal is to reduce the suspension period, obtain a restricted license, or have the suspension overturned, your lawyer will advocate for you and work to protect your ability to drive.
Challenging Evidence and Defending Your Rights
Your DUI defense lawyer can examine the evidence against you and identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. If there were issues with the DUI stop, the breathalyzer test, or any other part of the process, your lawyer can use this information to challenge the evidence and strengthen your defense.
Negotiating a Plea or Alternative Sentencing
In some cases, a DUI defense lawyer can help you negotiate a plea deal or explore alternative sentencing options that may result in a shorter suspension period, reduced charges, or other benefits. A DUI defense lawyer may also be able to secure a conditional license or restricted driving privileges, allowing you to continue driving while serving out your suspension.
Protecting Your Future
A DUI conviction and license suspension can have long-term consequences for your life, affecting your job, your financial stability, and your personal life. By hiring a Colorado criminal defense lawyer, you’re taking steps to protect your future.
Your lawyer can work to minimize the impact of the charges and help you avoid a criminal conviction, which can carry long-lasting consequences beyond the suspension of your driver’s license.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a DUI License Suspension?
If your license is suspended due to a DUI, the immediate inconvenience is only one aspect of the consequences you may face. There are several long-term effects that can arise from a DUI conviction and license suspension, which include:
Increased insurance rates: After a DUI conviction, your car insurance rates will likely increase significantly, and you may have difficulty obtaining insurance at all. Many insurers consider individuals with DUIs as high-risk drivers, which can result in higher premiums.
Employment challenges: If your job requires you to drive, losing your license can affect your ability to work. In some cases, employers may be unwilling to accommodate employees who have had their licenses suspended due to DUI offenses.
Criminal record: A DUI conviction can result in a criminal record, which can have long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life. A criminal record can impact your ability to secure housing, obtain loans, and even pursue certain career opportunities.
These long-term consequences highlight the importance of addressing a DUI charge promptly and seeking legal representation to minimize the lasting impact on your life.
Speak to a DUI Defense Lawyer Today
The consequences of a DUI can be severe, but they don’t have to define your future. With the right legal representation, you can work through the suspension process and take the necessary steps to recover from a DUI charge. Contact me, Attorney Jennifer Watkins at the Watkins Law Firm, to learn more about your options and how I can assist you with your case. I’m proud to serve the Boulder, Colorado, area. Reach out today.