You may have a suspended or revoked license if you have been arrested or convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). Being unable to drive can have a significant effect on your day-to-day life, your employment, and even your ability to take care of your family. Luckily, there are options in California for a hardship license. To determine if you qualify and how to apply, you should look through your options with a San Diego drivers license hardship lawyer.
If you have just been arrested for a DUI, it is essential that you find a DUI defense attorney who can represent you in your DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) hearing and criminal case. They could even potentially prevent the suspension of your license in the first place.
If you are in need of a license after a DUI conviction or arrest, there may be options. Although these options come with certain restrictions, they can still allow you to move through your daily life more freely and take care of important needs. At Lee Law Group, our attorneys have more than 20 years of collective experience with complex legal issues like hardship licenses.
We understand the criminal and administrative processes required in the aftermath of a DUI arrest, and we can use our knowledge and resources to help you navigate them. The process can be complicated, and you may be unsure of whether you can receive a restricted license. We can help you determine your options.
There are two types of hardship, or restricted licenses, in California: an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) and an employment and treatment program-based license. An IID is open to repeat offenders and allows individuals to travel where they want as long as they pass a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test.
An employment-based license has different requirements. An IID is not required, but the individual can only travel to certain locations. These include DUI school, to and from work, and for the purposes of employment. This license is only available to first-time offenders and requires a hard suspension period of 30 days.
In addition to those requirements, both types of hardship licenses require the payment of a $125 fee, SR-22 insurance, and DUI program enrollment. You may be able to apply for these hardship licenses if you are arrested or convicted of a DUI, depending on the circumstances and the orders of the court.
When you are arrested for a DUI, you will have to take a blood or breath chemical test to determine your impairment. Under California’s implied consent law, you are required to take the chemical test. If you do not, you could face immediate license suspension and other penalties. Additionally, if you refuse the chemical test, you will be ineligible for a restricted license.
After a DUI arrest, you have 10 days to schedule a hearing with the DMV, or else your license will be automatically suspended. It’s important to request this hearing, as it may prevent the need for a restricted license. An attorney can represent you in the DMV hearing.
If you lose the DMV hearing, your license will be suspended. You could apply for an employment-based restricted license after the 30-day requirement.
If you succeed in the hearing, your license is not suspended until your criminal trial takes place. If you are convicted of a DUI at the criminal trial, the court will suspend your license, and you can immediately apply for either type of restricted license without waiting 30 days if the court does not order the installation of an IID.
An attorney can help you navigate this process.
You can get a hardship license in California by meeting some of the following criteria and requesting the license:
Depending on the type of hardship license, you may also need to wait a specific period of hard suspension or get an ignition interlock device (IID) installed into your vehicle. Some hardship licenses require you to be a first-time offender.
To apply for a restricted license with the California DMV, you must visit a DMV office and provide proof of the following:
If you are applying for an ignition interlock device (IID) restricted license, you must prove that the IID was installed in your vehicle or vehicles. If you are applying for an employment-based license, you must show that you waited the required 30 days prior to applying.
To reinstate a license that was suspended due to unpaid child support payments in California, you must contact the support agency that suspended your license. The most efficient way to get your license reinstated is typically to pay the support you owe and pay it on time in the future.
These agencies provide notice prior to suspending a license, and you should take action quickly. If you are unable to make your payments, you should discuss your ability to pay with the court or support agency.
A: You can fix your suspended license in California by serving the required time of your suspension, and then applying with the DMV for reinstatement. To reinstate your license, you will have to pay the reinstatement fee and show proof of your car insurance. If you are in need of a license before then, you may be able to apply for a restricted license. An attorney can help you determine if you qualify for either type of restricted license.
Whether you have been arrested or convicted, an attorney can provide you with comprehensive legal support and advice. Lee Law Group can review your case and determine the ideal way to reinstate your driving privileges. Contact our firm today.
Ernest Lee & Jeremy helped me through my DUI case back in 2022, they are professional and trustworthy. I recommend Lee Law Group for any of your traffic violation needs.…
This was my very first time needing services of a lawyer. I was unsure where to begin but was referred to Lee Law Group so I trusted my referral. It…
When I needed a lawyer a went around calling for help and many just threw a price and didn’t even really care about my situation, but when I got ahold…
I appreciate for the work that he has for usando the referral that I gave to him. He is definitely a great and caring attorney. I would recommend Ernest Lee…
Thank you to Lee Law Group for helping me out with a legal matter! Very prompt and honest it was a pleasure having Ernest as my attorney they handled everything…
Lee Law Group of San Diego provided me with excellent service and professionalism! I am very appreciative of their work and efforts and recommend this group and Ernest Lee for…
When I needed a lawyer a went around calling for help and many just threw a price and didn’t even really care about my situation, but when I got ahold…
I utilized the services of the Lee Law Group in early December 2020. Ernest Lee was there for me. She is not only a extremely optimistic experienced professional, perhaps the…
The first moment I called I knew I was in the right hands I was met with professionalism and clear communication unlike no other after I was being accused of…
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Very professional and very satisfied with Mr lee's work.
Ernest is amazing! When was looking for a lawyer to represent me for my DUI I came across a lot of them but because of Ernest personally reaching out to…
Ernest is personable, honest, and quick to help you with your needs. I broke down my situation and he was immediately able to provide guidance and services. I don’t know…
Attorney Ernest Lee has provided legal services for me in a very professional and supportive manner. Mr. Lee and his staff are very kind, understanding and honest. They go above…
I appreciate for the work that he has for us ando the referral that I gave to him. He is definitely a great and caring attorney. I would recommend Ernest…
Everyone I worked with was extremely supportive. I never thought I’d need a lawyer but I’m glad I found them. As soon as I explained my situation they told me…
Posted by Meaza September 27, 2020 Mr.Lee is the best lowyer. I was so fortunate to find him to represent my case and have him as my lowyer. He is…
When I needed a lawyer a went around calling for help and many just threw a price and didn’t even really care about my situation, but when I got ahold…
I’m amazed that my lifetime dui’s (which I won’t mention the number) Attorney lee is able to get me house arrest and I was able to avoid no jail time.…
Mr Lee was an amazing attorney! He was very responsive over the phone and email. He was a very kind individual who always had an open ear. He'll make you…
The lee law group was very helpful Mr. Lee really believes in his clients and will go above and beyond in your situation. Thank you Lee Law Group!
Ernest Lee is an excellent attorney. I had never had any legal issues aside from traffic tickets. However, when I faced serious legal problems, I quickly learned TWO things: 1)…
Thank you to Lee Law Group for helping me out with a legal matter! Very prompt and honest it was a pleasure having Ernest as my attorney they handled everything…
Ernest is amazing! Very professional from the start and was very personable. If you want a Lawyer to care about you, Ernest is the right person for you!
Ernest Lee has the best legal service I have retained. He will do what it takes to help your situation. He is a high level attorney and I will not…
I am Kristi R Tenney, The Lee Law Group has been very respectful and professional. Never once talked down to me.Ernest Lee Is honest and fair. He's easy to get…
Lee Law Group is a fine group of professionals, and a great place for anyone who is looking for local legal counsel. Highly recommended.
I am so thankful I chose Ernest to represent me for my DV case. He is reasonable with his prices and will work around with you. As soon as I…
Lee law group was amazing. They was able to get my DV case thrown out. They always kept me informed on what was going on and things i should do.…
I am so thankful I chose Ernest to represent me for my DV case. He is reasonable with his prices and will work around with you. As soon as I…
Ernest by far the best Lawyers in San Diego. Highly Recommend.
Ernest Lee was very professional. Communication between him and I was great. Appreciate your services and would recommend him to anyone in need of a great lawyer.
I 100% most definitely recommend Mr. Ernest Lee's services. He and his staff were immensely helpful, I couldn't be where I am today without them! If you're looking for an…
Mr. Lee is excelent in his job. He is a friendly and honest man. He will let you know right away if he can help you or not and doesn't…
Mr. Lee and his firm really came through for me in my time of need and helped me get through with the best possible outcome. For them i’m very appreciative…
Highly recommend Mr Lee and his team. I had a criminal case in California, but lived in another state. Mr Lee was excellent at communicating and explaining the status of…
Mr Ernest Lee took great care of my case. He is very professional and he is a great human being. He really demonstrated me that he really care for his…
Mr. Lee handled my case with expertise and professionalism, he kept me informed during every phase of the proceedings. He was able to have my case outright dismissed. I am…
Attorney Lee is awesome.awesome in integrity,professionalism&dedication to his clients...highly recommended.
Ernest Lee and the firm have represented myself and family very professionally. They got us the best judgements in each case and even restored our rights. Also, cleared our offenses…
My son was mistakenly identified as a suspect in a crime. I called this firm and they got him out and free in 2 days. Impressive. Thank you Atty. Ernest…
I had never been in any kind of trouble and had no idea what the outcome of my future was going to be when I encountered a felony charge after…
Very knowledgeable. Went beyond my expectations to help my son.
Great experience. Everything I needed handled was handled in a timely matter and very personable and professional!
Mr. Lee has represented me on two occasions. For my first case, it was an outright dismissal and for my second, I believe I was able to get the best…
Attorney Lee was able to get me results above&beyond my expectations.he is highly motivated& dedicated..... awesome attorney
Attorney Lee is awesome.awesome in integrity,professionalism&dedication to his clients...highly recommended.
Well I spoke with Mr. Lee on the phone and he was super helpful and made my situation a lot simpler than I thought it would be so thank you…
Amazing service at an even better price. Mr. Lee is very experienced and helped me throughout my process. His honest and truly cares about his clients. 10/10 recommend!!!!
Ernest Lee is the best guy to help you if you find yourself in a tricky legal situation. Since the first time I spoke to him he was up front…
Like many others in the reviews, I was dealing with a DUI case. My daughter made a few bad decisions, but luckily no one was hurt and her vehicle was…
From the start, Mr Lee has made this process as pleasant as it could be. He is very affordable considering all the other fines and fees that have to be…
Absolute professionalism. Helped me out in a pinch and was pleasant thru the whole ordeal. I would highly recommend using his firm. I can’t say enough about how satisfied I…
I consulted with multiple criminal defense lawyers but once I spoke to to Ernest Lee, I knew he was going to be the lawyer we move forward with. He was…
I would recommend Mr. Ernest Lee to my closest friends. If you are looking for a lawyer that knows the law and actually cares look no further, Mr. Lee is…
Ernest Lee was an amazing attorney this was my second DUI, he set up a great payment plan and he worked very hard to get me the best plea deal.…
Mr. Lee is a man of his word. I cant Express how excited I am. He went and did what many other Lawyers said they couldn't do or were over…
Mr. Lee consistently goes above and beyond, and listens to our concerns instead of blowing us off. He understands humans make mistakes, but can improve their lives too.
Ernest Lee was the best choice, I could have made to represent me. Was scared and confused; the situation I found myself in was a difficult one. Was unsure Which…
Not only is Mr. Ernest Lee an excellent attorney, he is also a Guardian Angel sent down from heaven! He will work hard for you, for your best possible outcome.…
Best lawyer ever. You can count on Ernest to be totally honest and give you the best possible legal advice. He is a total pro and I would recommend him…
Attorney Lee is the best. My dad was being charged with a felony DUI, I did my research for two weeks looking for a lawyer, none gave me any answers…
Well, I have needed Mr. Lee for a 2nd time - see my review below for details on what happened to me when Mr. Lee represented me the first time.…
Attorney Lee was very forthcoming when I went to meet with him, and the office environment was professional and clean. He was kind enough to work out a payment plan…
Mr. Lee was able to prevent career ending charges from ever being filed. Kept me informed and updated constantly, unprompted. Was compassionate to my panic. Worth every penny. Saved my…
I am so happy I found Ernest to be my lawyer. I was convinced that I didn't need one for my case but after talking to him I realized that…
Ernest used his contacts and skills to get me out of a fairly sticky situation. He was always available to answer my questions and took care of my legal issues…
Mr. Lee and his amazing team are an absolute godsend and needless to say, I most certainly would recommend his excellent services to anyone needing a DUI and Criminal Defense…
I don’t do many reviews but this one had to be done for the amount of work Mr. Lee & his team put in. I was charged with a very…
Mr. Lee is professional and gets the job done. His price is fair for all the work he does for you and your future. Communication is key and he does…
Ernest is honestly the best lawyers I have ever had. This was my second DUI and my first lawyer wasn't very helpful like Ernest. He just did everything himself without…
Mr lee is always on his job ive used him on two separate occasions and haven’t had to show up to court once is a big piece of mind knowing…
I give a 5 star because he did such a great job, help me out till the case was close Very helpful never give up and it is true he…
Ernest Lee is the most amazing lawyer, very thorough & explains everything to a simple manner. He went back to court for me multiple times even when my case was…
Ernest Lee helped me and I know he can help you too. I had never received anything more than a few traffic tickets and after I was arrested for a…
Great lawyer, went above and beyond to make sure I got the best possible outcome. Also still continued to help me after I had paid him everything.
Ernest Lee and the Lee Law Group represented me in an employment case where I was wrongfully terminated. They provided excellent customer service, and even though he is in charge…
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LEE LAW group took the up most care with my DV case that I was going to be charged with DV and he got out in front of the problem…
I think Mr.Lee is the most hard working attorney that will work for you to get the best outcome out of your legal situation, and moreover, he is not going…
Mr. Lee was amazing! He was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful throughout my entire legal process. He knew the law like the back of his had and fought very diligently…
Extremely helpful! Mr. Lee and his team helped me with a case in 2015, and has continued to help me years later for my professional career goals. I couldn’t thank…
I was hesitant at first to approach a lawyer, believing that lawyers are only out to get your money. But Mr. Lee definitely proved that assumption wrong. Never have I…
Mr. Lee was amazing! I needed some help and he jumped right in. I called for help and he starting making calls immediately just off a phone call. He has…
Definitely a lifesaver! Got my case dropped and for a very reasonable price. Very knowledgeable and a consummate professional! Definitely worth it!
Ernest Lee helped me through a crisis situation and the results were phenomenal. Both Mr. Lee and his team were very professional and amazing with communication. You are in good…
Mr. Lee is very professional and was like a godsend! Though it may not be a situation or place that you want to be in, I can say that there…
Thank you to lowyer Ernest Lee, your a great men and keep up the good work. I will recommend your services to anyone without exemption. Carlos C
Ernest was courteous and professional and handled my case promptly. I was updated all along the way. My record seal had a favorable outcome.
An excellent attorney, very good choice I made. Definitely I recommend it. He achieve to dismiss my case.
Extremely helpful! Mr. Lee and his team helped me with a case in 2015, and has continued to help me years later for my professional career goals. I couldn’t thank…
Mr. Lee is very upfront and honest guy who knows the system and, more importantly, the people in it. I was surprised he asked for such a low fee to…
I'm extremely happy with the service received from Lee Law Group. They made promises they kept and fought for me. I was treated with respect and they always answered my…
Mr. Ernest Lee took my DUI case personally. After a sure to be charged circumstance, Ernest got me a outstanding deal due to my military punishment and military ordered treatment.…
Attorney Ernest Lee & ms Natalie brown are very professional they made an agreement with the prosecutor and got my case completely dismissed I couldn’t do it with out them…
If I could give them more then 5 stars I would these guys are great very professional and fast to get back at you with what ever questions you have…
Ernest is amazing! Very professional from the start and was very personable. If you want a Lawyer to care about you, Ernest is the right person for you!
Man did I mess up but who was there to catch my fall Ernest Lee all he needs now is a cape
Hello my name is Rich and I had just got pulled over for my second DUI and i was terrified! I knew this incident would drastically change my life and…
Because of Mr. Lee, I did not even have to go to court. I owe him huge thanks. I would recommend him to everyone who needs a lawyer.
He did a great job thank-you Ernest Lee
Mr. Lee is excelent in his job. He is a friendly and honest man. He will let you know right away if he can help you or not and doesn't…
I would recommend to anyone in need, very professional, will to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Mr. Lee is a man of his word. I cant Express how excited I am. He went and did what many other Lawyers said they couldn't do or were over…
From the start, Mr Lee has made this process as pleasant as it could be. He is very affordable considering all the other fines and fees that have to be…
Mr. Lee covered two of my criminal cases in a phenomenal way. He got me reduced sentences, so I am glad I paid for his representation.
Ernest Lee was an amazing attorney this was my second DUI, he set up a great payment plan and he worked very hard to get me the best plea deal.…
Lee law group did a good job on my case and very helpful
Very satisfied with my experience with Lee Law Group. They exceeded expectations and had done so in a timely manner.
E. Lee helped me through a crisis situation, where I really didn’t know what my best first step would be, but he guided me through it and made sure to…
Finding out in such short notice I was in a bad situation I need a lawyer immediately not knowing who to call he happens to be the first one I…
I have not needed criminal defense before. I am a corporate officer in a large company - a professional - and could not really afford to have a criminal charge…
I have never met a lawyer that cared so much! I am from out of state and Mr. Lee went above and beyond my expectations and navigated us (I say…
Ernest Lee & Jeremy helped me through my DUI case back in 2022, they are professional and trustworthy. I recommend Lee Law Group for any of your traffic violation needs.…
After making a bad decision landed me in trouble with the court of San Diego, the best decision I could've ever made was calling Lee Law Group for their services.…
Honestly, one of the best law firms I have ever dealt with, the staff was very friendly and took the stress our of my case, but, the the attorney Mr.…
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Ernest Lee is one of the best attorneys I know. I should know, I worked with/for him.
Lee Law Group are amazing they helped me out from the very beginning and are on top of my case until this day. I highly recommend they’re services
Ernest and his team were amazing! They answered any questions I had within hours (even on weekends) and I left everything in their hands. Mr. Lee was able to get…
I 100% recommend Lee and his team. I have had many questions and he's been very kind to to take the time to explain things to me guide me through…
WOW! DMV hearing WON - check! One more WIN to go. Lee Law Group’s (Ernest & his teams) services have been beyond five stars. They have been there every step…
After I accidentally drove into a military base in San Diego I realized too late that my passenger was drinking and had her containers on my center console. I was…
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