Legal Topics > Criminal Law and Police > Automobile > Drunk Driving DUI/DWI

DUI Drivers License Suspension Lawyers

LegalMatch Law Library Managing Editor, Ken LaMance, Attorney at Law

What Happens to My License if I Am Convicted of Drunk Driving?

Depending on the law in each state, a drunk driver's license can be suspended or revoked for a DWI/DUI conviction. If a license is revoked, there is no guarantee that a driver will have his license reinstated at the end of the revocation period. The length of time that the license is suspended or revoked for following a DUI conviction varies from state to state:

California

First offense: Suspended for 6 months
Second offense: Suspended for 2 years
Third offense: Revoked for 3 years
Fourth offense: Revoked for 4 years

Florida

First offense: Revoked from 180 days to 1 year, eligible for a hardship license before revocation period ends
Second offense within 5 Years: Revoked for minimum of 5 years, eligible for a hardship license after 1 year
Third offense within 10 Years: Revoked for minimum of 10 years, eligible for a hardship license after 2 years
Four or more offenses: Permanent revocation

Illinois

First offense: Revoked for minimum of 1 year
Second offense within 20 years: Revoked for minimum of 3 years
Third offense: Revoked for minimum of 6 years
Four or more offenses: Permanent revocation

New York

DUI conviction:

First offense: Revoked for minimum 6 months
Second offense within 10 years: Revoked for minimum 1 year
Third offense within 10 years: Revoked for minimum 1 year

DWAI (Driving with Ability Impaired) conviction:

First offense: Suspended for 90 days
Second offense within 5 years: Revoked for minimum 6 months
Third offense within 10 years: Revoked for minimum 6 months

Texas

First offense: Suspended from 90 days to 1 year, eligible for an occupational driver's license with restricted driving privileges
Two or more offenses within 10 years: Suspended for 1 year

Are There Other Possible Penalties?

Yes. Administrative License Revocation or Suspension (ALR/ALS) laws passed in most states permit an arresting officer to seize the license of drivers who fail or refuse to take a breath test. Under these laws the license is automatically revoked or suspended before the driver is convicted of drunk driving. This administrative penalty is completely separate from any criminal penalties the driver may face.

What Should I Do if I Am Arrested for Drunk Driving DUI/DWI?

If you are arrested for Drunk Driving DUI/DWI, you should speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately to learn more about your rights, your defenses and the complicated legal system.