One of the most damaging things about being arrested for a DUI in Tampa, Florida is the license suspension that results from the arrest. Depending on whether this is your first, second or third DUI there will be a license suspension. In a first-offense case, assuming that a chemical breath test was given and your breath alcohol content was above a .08, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is seeking to suspend your license for a period of six (6) months. Alternatively, if there was a refusal of a chemical test then the DHSMV will be trying to suspend your license for twelve (12) months on a first time refusal. In either a breath case or a refusal case, assuming that your license was valid at the time of your arrest, then you are entitled to a restricted 42 day business purposes only license. We will obtain this permit for you from theDepartment of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicleslocated at 2814 E. Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa, Florida. We make sure our clients receive the temporary permit within 48 hours of hiring us. This is just a “paper license.” In a second-offense refusal case, the DHSMV is seeking to suspend your driver’s license for eighteen (18) months, with no opportunity for a restricted license if we are unsuccessful at the hearing. No matter how many times you have been arrested for DUI as long as your license was valid at the time of the offense you will be entitled to the 42 day permit.

Within the 42 days the Department will hold a hearing to determine whether there was sufficient cause to uphold your license suspension. We will fight for you at this hearing and attempt to overturn that suspension. If we are successful you will be allowed to obtain a duplicate license for a small fee. If we are unsuccessful, you will have to wait a certain period of time prior to getting a hardship license which will be in the discretion of the Department Hearing Officer. Please call our office at 813-200-4213 for more specifics.