Having a valid driver’s license is essential in most parts of the country. Very few cities are like New York City, where you do not need to drive in order to get around. Most of America is made up of cities and towns that require people to use a car to get around, which requires a driver’s license. One important question that many people have is how can an ex-felon get a suspended driver’s license reinstated?
The answer to the question is not clear cut. That’s because the laws regarding this issue are going to vary by state. Each state is going to have different laws regarding having suspended licenses reinstated, as well as how this pertains to those who have a felony record. There are some things you can keep in mind about an ex-felon having their driver’s license reinstated following suspension, but you will need to get clarification by the department of motor vehicles or secretary of state in the state that you live in.
The Felony Matters ::: Being an ex-felon does not necessarily keep you from being able to get your driver’s license reinstated. This is the good news. However, there is more to it than that. The type of felony that you have may play a role in whether or not you can get your license reinstated and when you are eligible to do that. The reason that your license was suspended also plays a role in whether or not your license can be reinstated and at what time you will be eligible to do so.
If your license was suspended and you were convicted of a felony because of something to do with your driving, then you may have a difficult time getting them reinstated. This does not mean that you won’t be able to, but it could be more challenging. If you were driving recklessly and caused an accident, for example, and it leads to your license being suspended and you were convicted of a felony, then you may not be able to get them. Or it may be a certain number of years before you are eligible to get them back.
Those who have had their license suspended for nothing to do with a felony driving conviction, they may be able to get them reinstated quicker. For example, if your license were suspended because you owed on parking tickets, your felony conviction likely won’t matter it getting them reinstated. This will make it easier for you to get them reinstated and it will most likely happen faster than if your suspension is tied to your felony conviction.
Ex-Felony License Reinstatement Options
The options you have as an ex-felon in order to get your driver’s license reinstated vary the state that you live in. It is going to largely be up to the governing body in your state whether or not you can get your license reinstated and if there’s a certain time frame that it has to be done.
Here is the process that can be used for an ex-felony to get their driver’s license reinstated:
- Check with your state to see what the laws are regarding your situation. You will need to contact your local department of motor vehicles or secretary of state office to inquire about this issue. Let them know you would like to get your driver’s license reinstated and ask what you need to do so that it can happen. They will look up your record and tell you if and when you are eligible to, and what the process includes.
- Follow the process that is required by the state in order to get your driver’s license reinstated. This could include paying fines, attending driving courses, or visiting their office for testing. They will tell you what needs to be done and how to do it so that you can move closer to having the driver’s license reinstated.
- Once you complete the process of doing what your state requires in order to have the license reinstated, then you will be ready to move onto the next step of getting them back. Depending on your situation and why they were suspended in the first place, you may have a probationary period that the state puts on you. This means that you will be on probation with the license once they are reinstated, and they can be revoked if you do something to violate the probation.
Appealing a Denial for Reinstatement
There may be some people who are denied the opportunity to have their driver’s license reinstated, for whatever reasons. The state may deny them the ability to do so because of what they did to have their license suspended. It may also be denied because the person hasn’t met all the requirements to have it reinstated. Either way, the denying of driver’s license reinstatements does happen at times, but there are still things you can do.
If you are denied having your license reinstated, then you may want to speak with an attorney. The attorney can review the case and determine if you have a just cause for getting the license reinstated. If they feel you have a case they will work to help you get the license reinstated. Some people may shy away from hiring an attorney to work with for this, but you have to decide how important it is to you to have your driver’s license back.
Whether you need your driver’s license for a job, personal reasons, or for a combination of the two, getting a suspended license reinstated is important. Most people are able to get their license reinstated at some point, including ex-felons. If you want your license reinstated do not be discouraged or give up. Keep at the process, finding the way toward reinstatement that will work for you. In the end, all that will matter is that you were able to get your driver’s license back, which will be convenient no matter where you live.
