Reinstate Driving Privileges in South Carolina by Requesting a DUI Administrative Suspension Hearing
Strom Law Firm can help you restore your driving privileges, while your DUI case is pending.
If you’ve lost your driving privileges from a DUI arrest in Greater Columbia, S.C. (and you are awaiting trial), it is possible to plea for a temporary reinstatement while your case is pending. This plea is made by requesting an Administrative Hearing from the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings. This must be requested within 30 days of the date of your arrest.
An Administrative Suspension Hearing is appropriate if:
- You refused a breathalyzer test. When a driver refuses to take a breath alcohol test (DataMaster DMT test), his or her license is automatically suspended for 6 months.
- Your blood alcohol content (BAC) registered .15 or higher. ABAC of .15 or higher results in an automatic driver’s license suspension for 30 days.
Driver’s license suspensions for DUI convictions can be found on our DUI penalties page.
A Temporary Alcohol License
If you request an Administrative Hearing to challenge the administrative suspension, you may get a temporary alcohol license that permits you to drive while awaiting the outcome of the Administrative Hearing.
If you are successful, your driving privileges will be reinstated. If your request is denied, you may be able to enroll in ADSAP and obtain a route-restricted license.
If you have any questions about this process, contact us for assistance.
At this hearing, you may challenge whether:
- proper notice if your implied consent rights were given,
- there was probable cause to make the arrest
- whether the officer followed protocol in regulating and obtaining a breath sample.
This hearing takes place at the Office of Motor Hearing and is decided by a hearing officer.
If the officer does not show after notice, the administrative suspension will be rescinded upon motion reinstated.
Contact a Columbia, South Carolina DUI Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC provide a free consultation to discuss the facts of your DUI arrest. Founded by a former U.S. Attorney, the team at Strom Law also includes a former Public Defender, and a former Assistant Attorney General and Richland County Assistant Solicitor. It’s awarded the highest Martindale-Hubble ranking and collectively holds more than 50 years of complex litigation experience.
Fill out the Free Case Evaluation form or call us immediately (803-252-4800). Let us fight your DUI charge, and help you protect your freedom and financial future. We offer flexible payment plans and accept Visa and Mastercard.
