License Suspension / License Revocation

When your driver’s license is suspended or revoked, it’s frustrating, it’s stressful, and you are anxious to get back on the road as soon as possible.

Getting back on the road can be difficult and confusing, and the DMV is not always as helpful as they could be. In many situations, you may feel like you should have your license back already, or you may be wondering if there is a way to get your license back sooner.

We may be able to help you get your license sorted out and reinstated – or – prevent you from getting an additional, consecutive suspension if:

• You are eligible for reinstatement, but the DMV is giving you the runaround;
• You are charged with an offense that would result in suspension like DUI, DUS, habitual traffic offender, leaving the scene, or other traffic violations;
• You have out-of-state convictions and the SC DMV is imposing penalties or other requirements before reinstating your license; or
• You’ve been declared a habitual traffic offender and you want to apply for early reinstatement.

Help! Why Won’t the DMV Won’t Reinstate My License?

Sometimes, SC DMV employees are extremely patient, kind, and helpful. At other times, trying to get information may feel like you are beating your head against the wall with no results.

There are many different reasons the DMV may refuse to reinstate your license, including:

• You have multiple, consecutive suspensions;
• You have suspensions from out-of-state convictions that transferred to SC;
• You have not met all requirements for reinstatement such as ADSAP completion for an in-state or out-of-state DUI conviction or implied consent violation;
• You have been declared a habitual traffic offender; or
• The DMV is making a mistake.

Your SC license suspension attorney can help you to find out why they will not reinstate your license and what you must do, if anything, to get back on the road.

What Charges Result in a License Suspension in SC?

Criminal charges or traffic violations that result in license suspension in SC include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI);
• Driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration (DUAC);
• Driving under suspension (DUS);
• Two or more reckless driving convictions within three years;
• Leaving the scene of an accident;
• Failure to pay traffic tickets; and
• Accumulation of more than 12 points on your driving record.

These are not the only ways to get your license suspended in SC, but they are the most common.

SC Habitual Traffic Offender – Can I Get My License Back Early?

If you are convicted of three “major” or ten “minor” traffic offenses within three years, your license will be “revoked” by the DMV for a period of five years as a habitual traffic offender (HTO). Can your SC license suspension attorney get your driving privileges back early?

Maybe – you can apply for early reinstatement after only two years if:

• You have no other license suspensions;
• You did not drive during the revocation period;
• You don’t have any traffic violations – charges or convictions – during the revocation period;
• You don’t have any charges or convictions for alcohol or drug-related offense during the revocation period; and
• You have never had a previous HTO revocation in any state.

It’s kind of like parole for your driver’s license – if we are successful and get your license reinstated, any conviction for a “major” traffic violation within the original 5-year revocation period will result in the revocation being re-imposed.

What if I Am Charged With DUS While I Am a Habitual Traffic Offender in SC?

Driving while you are a habitual traffic offender is a criminal offense that carries up to five years in prison.

Just being charged, even if there is no conviction, will prevent you from getting early reinstatement. If you are convicted, however, you are looking at additional, consecutive suspensions and possible prison time.

SC License Suspension Attorney in Columbia, Lexington, and Myrtle Beach

If your license has been suspended or revoked in any state, it can be difficult and confusing trying to get back on the road. Your license suspension attorney at the Thompson & Hiller Defense Firm may be able to help you get your license reinstated -or- find out what you will need to do before reinstatement is possible.

If you are having trouble cutting through the administrative red tape to get your South Carolina license reinstated, call the Thompson & Hiller Defense Firm now at (843) 444-6122 or contact us online. We will evaluate your case and let you know if we can help.