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Can I Get a Driver’s License If I Have Drug Charges On My Record?

Can I Get a Driver's License If I Have Drug Charges On My Record?

If you’re trying to get your driver’s license but you also have drug charges on your record, you might be worried. It’s understandable to have fears as to whether or not those drug charges will keep you from getting a driver’s license. Unfortunately, there is no single answer since whether or not the drug charges will keep you from a driver’s license depends largely on your case. Only your attorney can tell you whether or not your drug charges will influence your ability to obtain a driver’s license. However, there are four main considerations that might influence the likelihood of you being able to obtain a license.

When Were You Charged?

If you were charged many years ago for your drug violation, you might have an easier time getting your driver’s license. Also, if you were charged for using drugs when you were very young, it might also be easier for you to obtain a license. Most courts and judicial officials understand that you make a lot of mistakes when you’re young and everybody makes mistakes from time to time. Charges that happened when you were young, especially if they were relatively minor, might not keep you from getting a driver’s license. However, if you were charged six months or a year ago, that might make things a bit more difficult for you. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to get a license.

Do You Have Other Charges?

The presence or absence of additional charges on your record can also come into play when it comes to whether or not you’ll be able to obtain a driver’s license. If you only have the one drug charge and nothing else exists on your criminal record, you’ll probably have an easier time getting your license. Again, most judicial officials understand that mistakes happen. If you only have one drug charge and you haven’t committed any other crimes then you’ll probably be able to get your license. However, if you have other charges on your criminal record it might make things a bit more difficult for you.

Nature of the Charges

Also, you have to take into consideration the nature of the charges. If you were caught smoking pot when you were 18 and now you’re applying for a license when you’re 21, that drug charge probably won’t affect you very much. However, if you have multiple charges or if you were charged with something like selling drugs or distributing cocaine, then you might have a much more difficult time obtaining or renewing a driver’s license. When it comes to getting a driver’s license, judicial officials want to make sure that you have a character that indicates you will be responsible with the privilege of driving. Driving is not a right, it’s a privilege. Anything you can do to prove or show that you’re a responsible human being can help mitigate the effects of a drug charge on your record.

Were The Charges Traffic-related?

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you have to ask yourself whether or not the drug charges were traffic-related. If you were simply smoking marijuana in an alley when you were young, that charge might not have a lot to do with getting a license. However, let’s say you had a license in another state and you were caught driving under the influence of marijuana. That might make it a lot more difficult for you to get a license in another state. Again, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get a license, but it could make things a lot more difficult for you.

It’s very important to hire legal representation anytime you’re trying to make a case for your character or your record. It’s true that driving is a right and not a privilege. However, most states also have undue hardship laws. That basically means that if it would cause you undue hardship to not have access to driving, you might be able to get a restricted license. Having a qualified and experienced traffic attorney by your side when you fight for the privilege to get a license is your best shot at winning your case. Get a consultation today and fight for your rights and for your freedom.

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