
Having a driver’s license suspended can be a life-altering consequence. Drivers find themselves unable to get to work, pick up kids, drive to the grocery store or to doctor’s appointments, etc. In New Jersey, license suspension can happen for many reasons. From getting a DUI to failing to pay child support, a driver’s license suspension is a consequence of various crimes. If your driver’s license has been suspended, it can feel like a never-ending battle to try and get it reinstated. Don’t feel like you have to fight this battle alone. Call a New Jersey attorney for help. An experienced lawyer like Leon Matchin has helped many drivers get their licenses back after suspension.
Reasons Licenses Are Suspended
There are many reasons why a driver could have their license suspended in New Jersey. Interestingly enough, some of these scenarios don’t even involve driving! Whatever the reason, license suspension is highly disruptive to day-to-day life.
DUI
Receiving a DUI charge typically means you will face license suspension. If it’s the first offense, suspension will end when an ignition interlock device is installed in your vehicle. If it’s a subsequent offense, your license suspension will last longer. For example, if you are facing your third DUI offense, you’re facing license suspension for eight years.
Uninsured Motorist
Did you know that driving without automobile insurance can lead to license suspension? To avoid this penalty, make sure you purchase an insurance policy for all vehicles you drive and keep track of when payments are due so that you don’t miss them.
Twelve or More Driving Points
Certain driving violations lead to points on your permanent driving record. Points increase your insurance policy, and twelve or more points leads to license suspension. Drivers receive points for scenarios like reckless driving, speeding, and failure to stop at a stop sign or traffic light. Drivers can have points reduced through driver improvement courses. Additionally, your points will decrease each year without an additional violation.
Failing to Appear in Municipal Court
Have a court date in Municipal Court? Better put it on your calendar, because failing to appear in Municipal Court is grounds for license suspension.
Unpaid Parking Ticket
Leaving a parking ticket unpaid can have serious consequences, as in a suspended license! Make sure you do not forget to pay for your parking ticket. Pay it right away, or make a note on your calendar of the due date. If you wish to contest your ticket, figure out the process before it’s too late and your ticket is due!
Unpaid Child Support
Another non-driving incident that can lead to license suspension! If you are six months or more late on child support payments, your license will be suspended, and a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
Ignition Interlock Device
Ignition interlock devices have helped drivers convicted of a DUIs get back on the road a lot sooner. In the past, drivers charged with a DUI had their license suspended for a certain amount of time, depending on the situation. Now, drivers facing a first-time DUI charge can have an ignition interlock device installed on their car for three months instead of license suspension. This device helps those convicted of DUIs maintain their job and a sense of normalcy in their lives. Second and third offense DUIs do have a license suspension requirement, but after that period, drivers also receive an ignition interlock device for monitoring.
Driving with a Suspended License
Driving on a suspended license leads to further consequences. If you are pulled over with a suspended license, you will face fines and potential jail time. In addition, your license suspension will last longer.
Getting Your License Back with the Help of a New Jersey Attorney
If you’ve faced license suspension, a New Jersey attorney may be able to help you get back your license sooner. An experienced attorney like Leon Matchin can look through the situation surrounding the license suspension and create a defense to help you get your license back sooner. For example, maybe you got a new car and thought you had coverage. But your insurance company failed to adequately communicate to you about your policy. This defense can help get someone get their license back after charges of driving without insurance. It’s critical to be fully transparent and honest with your attorney about the details surrounding your license suspension. Having all the details will help them create a more solid defense.
License suspension can be detrimental to your career and relationships. Fighting a license suspension all on your own is overwhelming and often not very effective. Hire an attorney as soon as possible to start the process of reinstating your license. Whether your license suspension was due to a DUI or you were driving uninsured, a New Jersey attorney like Leon Matchin can help.
For more information about license suspension, reach out to Leon Matchin. Contact Leon by phone at 732-887-2479, or email him at [email protected]. He will set up a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case and go over your options.