Suspended License Issues & Revocation Hearings in Brooklyn Traffic Cases
Dealing With Suspended Licenses and Revocation Hearings in Brooklyn
Why Licenses Get Suspended in Brooklyn
There are a few common reasons why drivers in Brooklyn may face a suspended license:
- Accumulating too many points on your license through traffic violations and tickets
- Failure to pay traffic tickets or fines
- Failure to appear in court for a traffic violation
- Failure to provide proper documentation after an accident
- DUI charges
- Reckless driving charges
Many drivers are surprised when they find out their license has been suspended, especially if they were unaware of the tickets or violations that triggered the suspension.
Getting Notice of a Suspension
In most cases, the New York State DMV will send out official notice that your license is suspended. This will usually include details on why your license was suspended, how long the suspension will last, and what steps you need to take to get your license back.
However, sometimes drivers will only realize their license was suspended when they are pulled over by police or attempt to renew their license. Since mailing addresses can change and notices do occasionally get lost, it’s important to stay on top of your driving record.
You can check the status of your license on the NY DMV website. This will let you see any tickets, violations, suspensions or revocations on your record.
Getting Your License Reinstated
The steps to getting your license back after a suspension vary depending on the reason for the suspension. Generally, you’ll need to:
- Pay any fines or fees you owe for traffic tickets and violations
- Resolve any outstanding tickets/violations by either paying them or appearing in court
- Provide proof of insurance and valid vehicle registration
- Pay a license reinstatement fee (usually around $70 for a first offense)
For suspensions related to excessive points, you may just need to pay a fee if enough time has passed for your points to reduce through the DMV’s point reduction process. For more serious offenses like a DUI, you’ll likely need to provide proof that you’ve completed any required alcohol education programs.
Many drivers attempt to get their license reinstated on their own through the DMV. However, for complex cases, working with a traffic ticket lawyer can help ensure you correctly complete all the required steps. Having an attorney assist you can prevent any delays and ensure your suspension gets lifted quickly.
Understanding Revocation Hearings
If the DMV believes you are at serious risk of being an unsafe driver, they may call you in for a driver’s license revocation hearing rather than just suspending your license.
Some examples of situations that can trigger a revocation hearing include:
- Multiple alcohol-related offenses
- Three or more speeding tickets within 18 months
- Five or more points on your license
- Two or more violations for running red lights
- Vehicular assault charges
- Leaving the scene of an accident
Unlike a suspension, a revocation means the permanent termination of your driving privileges. So these hearings are your only chance to avoid losing your license altogether.
What to Expect at a Revocation Hearing
Revocation hearings take place at your local DMV office’s traffic violations bureau. You’ll appear before an administrative law judge who will review the details of your driving record and the incidents that triggered the revocation hearing.
You’ll have the chance to explain any mitigating circumstances about the violations and tickets on your record. You can also provide evidence of any driving courses, counseling programs, or other steps you’ve taken to improve your driving skills since those incidents.
It’s crucial to thoroughly prepare your defense strategy before the hearing. Working with an experienced traffic ticket attorney can significantly help your chances of convincing the judge that your license should not be permanently revoked.
If the judge’s ruling goes against you, you have 30 days to file an Article 78 appeal to challenge the decision in court. A traffic lawyer can handle this appeals process for you as well.
Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Case
To increase your chances of success, it’s wise to have an experienced traffic violation lawyer assist you with suspended license issues and revocation hearings. Take time to research Brooklyn traffic attorneys with proven experience handling DMV hearings and license reinstatement cases.
Look for lawyers who are very familiar with the NY DMV’s policies, procedures, forms and requirements. They should also have relationships with court administrators and judges to appropriately negotiate on your behalf when needed.
Be sure to understand legal fees upfront so there are no surprises. Many traffic lawyers work on flat-fee or hourly bases. Some may be willing to allow you to make payments over time if finances are a major factor.
Don’t Delay – Take Action Now
Finding out your license is suspended or that you need to attend a revocation hearing can be upsetting. But trying to ignore these notices or skipping your hearing will only make the situation worse. Any delays can negatively impact your driving record and future insurance rates.
So as soon as you become aware of suspension or revocation action against your license, get in touch with a skilled Brooklyn traffic attorney who can start working to protect your driving privileges. With the right legal guidance, you can resolve these issues, get back on the road again, and avoid further complications down the line.
I hope this overview gives you a good understanding of license suspension and revocation processes in Brooklyn. Let me know if you have any other questions!