Even if you have had your license suspended or revoked as the result of a DWI conviction, you may be able to qualify for a limited license, sometimes known as a “work permit”. Acquiring this license would allow you to drive to work, outpatient chemical dependency sessions that may have been mandated as part of your sentence, post-secondary classes in which you are enrolled, or any situation that is necessary for you to provide for your family.
Before looking into the options of a work permit, it is important to contest any DWI charges leveled against you. An experienced attorney can help you through the legal process. Being charged with a DWI does not mean that you will be convicted.
If your attempts at fighting the charge are unsuccessful and your license is revoked, you attorney can advise you in the process of applying for a limited license.
Understand Your Rights
Several rules guide the issuance of limited licenses and it is important to understand requirements involved.
- If this is your first DWI or violation of an implied consent law, you are required to wait fifteen days before you can apply for a limited license.
- If this is your second DWI or violation of an implied consent law, you must wait ninety days before applying.
- If this is your second offense and you declined a sobriety test, you will need to wait 180 days.
- If you lost your license as the result of a criminal conviction for manslaughter or vehicular homicide, you must wait 365 days before applying.
- If you were underage at the time of your conviction, you must to wait ninety days.
- If the vehicle you were driving was also used to commit a felony or hit and run that resulted in bodily injury, you may have to wait an additional sixty days before applying.
Regaining Your Ability to Drive
If you have received three or more convictions for DWI and had your license revoked, you may be ineligible for a work permit. Your attorney can advise you on next steps or challenge your conviction.
If you happen to qualify for an interlock program, you will most likely qualify for a work permit as well. This is not possible in every circumstance, but again, your attorney can advise you on what steps must be taken. It is important to work closely with an attorney throughout the conviction and application process to make sure your rights are protected.
Learn More About DWI Cases:
- Bail Bonds and DWI Cases
- Breath and Blood Tests
- Commercial DWI Information
- Civil Penalties for DWI Cases
- DWI Court Procedures
- DWI Jail Alternatives
- Getting Arrested for DWI Without a Driver’s License
- Implied Consent Laws
- How Does Minnesota Establish DWI Bail?
- Multiple Arrests for DWI in Minnesota? What Now?
- DWI Cases for Non-Citizens
- What is a Qualified Prior Impaired Driving Incident?
- What is Reasonable Suspicion?
- DWI Cases and Vehicle Forfeitures
