Getting charged with a DWI in New York State can be scary, especially when you know the consequences can mean losing your license. If you are worried about that, you may be somewhat relieved to know that you may be granted a hardship license by the court.
A hardship license is different than a conditional or restricted license. A hardship license is only available within three days of your arraignment on your driving while intoxicated charges. A hardship license is granted at the discretion of the court or the judge. It is not a guaranteed right. It is something that a court can decide whether or not you are given a hardship license.
Hardship licenses will only allow you to drive to and from work for the first 30 days of your case. You may not use your license to run errands, to go to the doctor, or if you were, say, a salesperson, to go to and from different appointment. It only allows you to go from your home to a fixed residence or place of business. The court will take that information down and actually put it on the hardship license, the address and the times that you are working.
This is available for the first 30 days, and after 30 days, if you are eligible, you may apply to Department of Motor Vehicles for a more expansive conditional or restricted license. Please remember, you are not eligible for hardship licenses if you have refused to take the breathalyzer test or if you’ve had a prior DWI or driving while impaired conviction within the last five years.
If you are seeking representation for a DWI, please call our experienced Buffalo DWI attorney Arthur Pressman. Please contact us today to set up a free consultation.