Having your license suspended following an OUI arrest can make life extremely
difficult. Limited mobility can make it difficult to hold down a job and
perform basic tasks. Under certain circumstances, however, the state of
Massachusetts may issue you a hardship or “Cinderella” license
that will allow you to drive a vehicle for up to 12 hours in order to
get to work, school, or medical appointments.
Determining Eligibility for Hardship Licenses
Once your case has been resolved, you may be able to apply for a hardship
license. In order to be deemed eligible for a hardship license, the Registry
of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has several requirements that must all be met.
As always, consulting with a Quincy criminal defense attorney from our
firm can help give you a better idea about your chances of approval.
The requirements for a hardship license include:
- No evidence that you have driven since your license suspension
- Documented proof of completion of an alcohol treatment program
- Serving a minimum amount of suspension time
- Proof of compliance with all after-care
- There must be a documented, legitimate hardship
In addition to fulfilling the list of requirements, each applicant must
attend a scheduled hearing with the RMV. Your eligibility can be negatively
affected if you have multiple OUI offenses or if you refused to take a
Breathalyzer test at the time of your arrest. It is important to note
that approval is not guaranteed since hardship licenses are ultimately
granted at the discretion of the RMV. For the full RMV list of requirements,
click here.
If you are in need of a hardship license, a Quincy criminal defense lawyer
from South Shore Criminal Defense can help guide you through the legal
process and help you prepare for your RMV hearing. We also have offices
in Brockton and Pembroke, and serve many of the surrounding communities.
With decades of experience and a legacy of excellence, we can point you
in the right direction and improve your chances of approval.
To speak with an experienced OUI Lawyer, contact our office today at (617) 420-2716.