Administrative License Hearing Lawyers in Columbia

Experienced DWI Lawyers Representing Clients throughout Missouri

Losing a driver’s license due to a DWI arrest can cause considerable hardship on individuals and their families. Unfortunately, a license suspension is an automatic consequence of such an arrest. To contest it requires making a written request for an administrative hearing within a certain time frame. You will then be required to appear at the hearing to make your case as to why your license should not be suspended.

In order to prevail at such a hearing, it is highly recommended that your case is reviewed and investigated by an attorney who is thoroughly familiar with the process, the local court system and its personnel. Murray Law Firm has been providing DWI defense to individuals throughout the area for decades. Our Columbia DWI attorneys know what to expect and how to deal with these matters. We have always been dedicated to criminal and DWI defense and to protecting all of your rights from the initial arrest through both the criminal and administrative processes.

Time is of the Essence

You will have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Hearing. If you fail to do so within the 15 days, your right to the hearing is waived and your license suspension will automatically go into effect.

The hearing will be conducted by a hearing examiner who will make the decision as to whether the license suspension will be upheld or not. The decision will be based on the arresting officer’s administrative records and on anything you may present in your defense. The arresting officer is generally not required to appear unless subpoenaed. Presenting a strong case is advised which is why it is crucial to retain one of our Columbia DWI attorneys.

Hardship Licenses

In a first DWI offense, a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) may be obtained. RDPs may only be used for such necessities as driving to work, school, an alcohol treatment program, for medical care, or to get an ignition interlock device (IID) installed.

RDP terms may apply in the following two ways:

• The final 60 days of the 90-day suspension with proof of an IID and auto insurance
• The full 90 days with proof of an IID and auto insurance

Those with second and subsequent offenses are not eligible for RDPs. They may, however, be eligible for Limited Driving Privileges (LDPs) either through petitioning the court or through submitting an application to the Department of Revenue.

To understand how to obtain a hardship license in your case, arrange to speak with a Columbia DWI lawyer at our firm as soon as possible.