Driver’s license issues
What is an occupational license?
Losing your driver’s license can be a debilitating event. You don’t realize how much you depend on your ability to drive yourself anywhere you want to go at any time, at least not until it’s gone. Unfortunately, loss of driving privileges can be a side effect of being convicted of a crime. There are many types of crimes that can result in the State of Wisconsin revoking your driver’s license: drunk driving, eluding law enforcement, drug possession, and others. Luckily, you may be eligible for what’s called an “occupational license.”
What is an occupational license?
An occupational license allows you to drive for very limited purposes. It caps the number of hours you can drive per day (12 hours) and the number of hours you can drive in a week (60 hours). An occupational license also restricts the destinations you can drive to. For example, the conditions of your occupational license may limit you to driving to and from work, church, school, or other other necessities. An occupational license can be a lifeline if your ability to earn a living depends on being able to drive.
When can I get an occupational license?
In many situations, you can apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles for an occupational license right away or after a short waiting period. For example, there is no waiting period if your license was revoked because of certain first-time offenses such as drunk driving or drug possession. You are also immediately eligible for an occupational license if your license is revoked for failure to pay child support. If your license is administratively suspended while your drunk driving case is pending, you may also get an occupational license right away. Most other cases force you to wait 15 days or longer before you can apply for an occupational license. In some situations, you may need to wait as long as one year before you can apply for an occupational license. For example, the DMV will not give you an occupational license if your regular license was already revoked for another incident in the past 12 months.
How do I apply for an occupational license?
You have to submit a paper application to the DMV. That application can be found here. But first check your eligibility for an occupational license here. If you’re eligible, you will need to purchase special insurance called SR22 to show that you are financially responsible for any accidents you may cause while driving.
If you are facing a criminal charge that puts your driver’s license in jeopardy, your best bet will be to work with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. A criminal defense lawyer will be able to defend your rights in court and maneuver you into position to protect your driving privileges.
