When your job relies on your ability to drive and you get a DUI in Florida, you may face difficulty maintaining your job. Understanding your options for defending your ability to work may give you the confidence to pursue assistance.
One option you may have is to petition for a hardship license. This request allows you to plea for the privilege to drive in order to maintain your job and your ability to provide for your needs.
Eligibility for a hardship license
You must meet certain requirements before obtaining eligibility to petition for a hardship license. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or FLHSMV, depending on your circumstances, prior to your petition, you must have proof of the following:
- Completion of traffic school
- Completion of a qualified DUI program
- Apply to FLHSMV for hearing
If your petition results in the reinstatement of your driving privileges, you will need to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for at least 6 months. During this probationary period, it is critical that you maintain sobriety to keep your CMV license.
Planning for your future
Even if you received approval for a hardship license, your employer may have hesitations about your return to work. You can use this time to prove your commitment and demonstrate your loyalty to your job. On top of completing a required DUI program, you may choose to participate in training sponsored by your employer to learn how to be more effective at your job.
Remember that subsequent convictions can result in a lifetime revocation of your CMV license which could mean permanent job loss for careers that require you to drive. With this in mind, you may feel incentivized to overcome your DUI and create a brighter future for yourself and the people you care about.
