Crown Point Suspended Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney

Stracci Law Group: License Reinstatement Help in Crown Point and Northwest Indiana

Driving is one of the most important privileges people enjoy. However, traffic tickets, driving-related misdemeanors and felonies, and car crashes can put that privilege at risk. If you are facing a driver’s license suspension, seeking specialized driving privileges (also known as a hardship license), or pursuing a license reinstatement, a license suspension lawyer from the Stracci Law Group could help.

Our firm has represented many Hoosiers at risk of losing their driving privileges and many more seeking to reinstate suspended licenses in Indiana. Call today to speak with an NWI lawyer for a suspended license.

Call (219) 525-1000 or contact Stracci Law Group online to schedule a consultation.

Common Reasons for Driver’s License Suspensions in Indiana

There are many situations that can lead to a driver’s license suspension in Indiana. Losing your driving privileges can make it difficult to work, care for your family, and meet everyday obligations. If your license has been suspended, a Crown Point suspended driver’s license reinstatement attorney can review your case and help you explore options to restore your driving privileges.

In Indiana, standard and commercial driver’s licenses can be suspended for many reasons, including:

• Operating While Intoxicated Conviction (OWI/DUI): A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in a court-ordered license suspension.
• Failing a chemical test: If while being investigated for OWI/DUI, officers determine that your blood alcohol content is above the legal limit, your license can be suspended at your first court date.
• Refusing a chemical test: Indiana’s implied consent laws require drivers to submit to chemical testing when lawfully requested by law enforcement. Refusing a breath or blood test can lead to a one-year suspension for a first refusal and longer for repeat offenses.
• Too many traffic violation points: The Indiana BMV assigns points for traffic violations. Accumulating too many points can lead to a suspension.
• Driving without insurance: Failure to maintain valid auto insurance can result in suspension and may require proof of SR-22 insurance for reinstatement.
• Habitual traffic violator (HTV) status: Drivers who commit multiple serious traffic offenses or have a combination of serious traffic offenses and moving violations may be classified as habitual traffic violators, which can lead to long-term license suspensions.
• Failure to appear in court or pay fines: Missing court dates or failing to pay traffic-related fines can also trigger a suspension.

You will not be able to get specialized driving privileges for a commercial driver’s license. However, if your CDL is suspended, you may be able to get permission to drive vehicles that don’t require a commercial driver’s license.

Regardless of the reason for the suspension, an experienced Crown Point suspended driver’s license reinstatement lawyer can review your driving record and help determine the best strategy for restoring your driving privileges.

Demerit Points for an Indiana Suspended License

Certain traffic violations can result in expensive tickets and points on your driving record. Each violation can add a certain number of points. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles assigns points for traffic violations under 140 Indiana Administrative Code 1-4.5. Accumulating excessive points within 2 years may trigger an administrative suspension.

Anything up to 14 points typically prompts no action from authorities. However, if you collect between 14 and 18 points, you will receive a warning from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Once you reach 20 points, your license will be suspended for one month.

It is important to note that points do not stay on your record indefinitely; they drop off after two years. However, the more points you get in a two-year period, the longer your license suspension will be:

• 24 Points: Three-month suspension.
• 28 points: Five-month suspension.
• 32 points: Seven-month suspension.
• 38 points: Ten-month suspension.
• 42 points: Twelve-month suspension.

Certain violations and crimes are more serious than others and are thus worth more points. For example, if you are convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, you will get eight points added to your driving record, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle will add six points, and disregarding a traffic device will add four points.

You may be able to wipe out some points by taking a driver safety program or a defensive driving course. Stracci Law Group can carefully look over your driving record to see what courses you are eligible for and how they can help you knock points off your record.

Need to Drive During a Suspension?

Indiana law permits certain drivers to petition the court for specialized driving privileges (SDP) under Indiana Code § 9-30-16. These privileges authorize limited driving during a suspension period. Due to the wide-ranging impact a suspension can have, Indiana law allows certain individuals to seek specialized driving privileges while suspended.

These privileges allow suspended license holders to drive under certain circumstances. Previously, these individuals would seek out a hardship license attorney in Indiana for help. Hardship licenses are now sometimes referred to as specialized driving privileges. This change has broadened the pool of individuals eligible to drive while their licenses are suspended.

However, not everyone is eligible for these privileges; certain violations will disqualify you from obtaining an SDP. Stracci Law Group can evaluate your eligibility and prepare the paperwork that is required by the court. In some cases, a hearing in front of a judge may be necessary for you to get specialized driving privileges. Stracci Law Group can attend that hearing to make sure everything goes smoothly.

How Long Can Your License Suspension Last in the State of Indiana?

License suspensions in Indiana can last up to ten years. Suspensions of this nature are typically given for habitual criminal traffic violations.

Drivers classified as habitual traffic violators may face a five-year or ten-year suspension under Indiana Code § 9-30-10-16. If the BMV deems you a habitual traffic violator, your license could be suspended for five or ten years.

Regardless of the length of the suspension, a skilled attorney will strive to shorten the suspension period and help you repair your driving record.

Steps to Reinstate Your Driver’s License in Indiana

Restoring your driving privileges after a suspension often involves several legal and administrative steps. The exact process depends on the reason for the suspension and whether it was issued by the court or the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). A Crown Point suspended driver’s license reinstatement attorney can review your case and guide you through the process.

1. Identify the Reason for the Suspension

The first step is determining why your license was suspended. This typically involves reviewing your Indiana BMV driving record or court documents.

2. Complete Required Conditions

You may need to satisfy certain requirements before reinstatement, such as paying fines, completing court-ordered programs, or fulfilling probation terms.

3. Obtain SR-22 Insurance (If Required)

Some suspensions require drivers to file proof of SR-22 insurance, which proves that you carry the state’s minimum liability coverage. This coverage may be required for several years before normal driving privileges can be restored.

4. Pay BMV Reinstatement Fees

Before your license can be restored, you may need to pay any applicable reinstatement fees to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

5. Request Specialized Driving Privileges

If your license is currently suspended, you may be eligible to petition the court for specialized driving privileges, which allow limited driving for essential purposes like work or medical appointments. A Crown Point suspended driver’s license reinstatement lawyer can help prepare and file this petition.

6. Attend a Court Hearing (If Required)

Some cases require court approval before driving privileges can be restored. Legal representation can help present your case effectively.

When Drivers Do Not Qualify for Specialized Driving Privileges

Indiana law does not allow specialized driving privileges (SDP) in certain situations. Drivers generally cannot obtain SDP if they:

• Never held an Indiana driver’s license;
• Refused a chemical test after an OWI arrest;
• Were convicted of motor vehicle homicide;
• Previously received SDP and violated the court’s conditions.

Commercial driver’s licenses cannot be restored through specialized driving privileges. However, a driver whose CDL is suspended may request permission to operate non-commercial vehicles.

A Crown Point suspended driver’s license reinstatement attorney can review the reason for the suspension and determine whether a petition for specialized driving privileges may be filed. An attorney can also talk to you about alternative options, such as an ignition interlock device (basically a breathalyzer in your car).

Why Choose Stracci Law Group for License Reinstatement in Crown Point

Restoring driving privileges often requires filing court petitions, complying with BMV requirements, and understanding Indiana suspension laws. Our firm provides several advantages for drivers seeking reinstatement in Northwest Indiana.

Criminal Defense Experience

Our attorneys, with decades of combined experience dealing with OWIs, license suspensions, and specialized driving privileges in Northwest Indiana, can identify reinstatement options and restore driving privileges.

Former Prosecutors

Several attorneys at Stracci Law Group previously served as prosecutors in Northwest Indiana. That experience provides insight into how the State evaluates petitions related to license suspensions, OWI offenses, and specialized driving privileges.

Direct Case Review

We offer consultations at our Crown Point office to review the cause of a suspension, examine BMV records, and discuss possible steps toward reinstating your driving privileges.