Washington, DC License Revocation & Suspension Attorney

If you depend on your driver’s license for work or to obtain food or medicine or to transport or spend time with your family then there is no way you can afford to lose it.

Drivers whose licenses have been suspended, revoked or canceled are prohibited from driving on the streets of the District of Columbia. Driving on revoked or suspended license is a criminal offense that carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and/or a $1000 fine. A conviction could also result in 12 points on your DC permit and another period of revocation or suspension.

Among other possible conditions, DC licensees who are revoked must re-take the written driving and physical road skills tests to obtain a new DC license. Most drivers revoked for an alcohol or drug-related driving offense must also obtain high risk insurance (SR-22) upon reinstatement.

Reasons for License Revocation or Suspension

The DC DMV may revoke your drivers license after a show cause hearing or if it receives a record of conviction for:

An alcohol or drug-related driving offense

Aggravated Reckless driving

Vehicular homicide

Any felony involving the use of a vehicle 

Negligent driving leading to death 

Leaving the scene of an accident when there are injuries

Refusing a urine, blood or chemical test after a DUI arrest

The DC DMV may revoke or suspend your drivers license if it a receives a record of conviction for: 

• Speeding in excess of 30 miles per hour

• Operating while having a diabetic coma or seizure 

• Maintaining a poor ticket history that reveals disrespect for traffic laws 

• Failure to appear at a hearing for a moving violation 

• Operating without insurance 

• Providing false information to the DMV

Length of License Suspension or Revocation

Suspensions based on point accumulation are for 90 days. All other suspensions are based on the seriousness of the offense and range from 2 to 90 days. Persons suspended for failure to appear for a DMV hearing remain suspended until the fine is paid and/or traffic school is completed.

The minimum revocation period for a 1st time offender is 6 months. Persons with 2 (non-DUI) offenses face a 1 year revocation and persons with 3 offenses may be revoked for 2 years.

Individuals who have refused to take urine, blood or chemical test during a DUI arrest face a 1 year revocation. 1st time DUI offenders can be revoked for a minimum of 6 months. Persons with 2 or more DUI offenses within a 15 year period may be revoked for 2 years and persons with 3 or more offenses within a 15 year period may be revoked for 3 years.

Dealing With a Revoked or Suspended License

If you are facing license suspension or revocation then you should promptly consult with an attorney who is experienced at practicing law at the DMV. Revocation and suspension hearings are not a slam dunk for the government, there may be deficiencies in the government’s case or there may be legal defenses to the suspension or revocation. If you have already been revoked or suspended the DMV may have done so in error as the DC DMV often makes mistakes concerning point accumulation and with other matters such as the requirement for SR-22 insurance.

Protecting your license and maintaining your freedom of movement are serious matters. If you have been served with a notice of proposed revocation or suspension you will need an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about DC traffic law and the administrative consequences you face at a show cause hearing. Riley Legal can defend you to get the best result possible.

If your license has already been revoked or suspended Riley Legal can help you pursue all legal remedies available to get you reinstated or to challenge the denial. No matter the cause of the revocation or suspension you still may be able to appeal or drive on a restricted license.

If you are facing a criminal prosecution for driving on a suspended or revoked license Riley Legal can provide a vigorous defense. Sean Riley provides comprehensive counsel to defend you in DC Superior Court and guide you through the DMV’s administrative process to clear your driver's license or out-of-state privilege to drive in DC. Riley Legal will help you understand all your legal options and their consequences so you can make informed, confident decisions about your case. Call now.