North Carolina residents who have been convicted of a DWI know that there is a wide range of negative consequences, ranging from fines, costs, potential jail time and the stigma of a conviction.
One of the penalties that often affects drivers the most is the loss of a driver’s license. Most of us depend on our vehicles to get us to and from work or for running errands, traveling or giving rides to friends or family members. The loss of a driver’s license because of a simple mistake on a night out can be devastating, and the process of getting a license reinstated can be daunting or confusing.
DWI assessment and classes
There are several steps that must be completed to reinstate a driver’s license after a DWI in North Carolina. First, drivers must complete a DWI assessment at an approved DWI facility. The assessment is simply a meeting with a certified drug and alcohol counselor and takes approximately an hour.
After the assessment, the DWI facility sends a form to a state DWI office notifying them that the assessment is complete. Drivers must also complete any DWI classes required as part of their penalties. These are done through a DWI facility, as well, and can be accomplished online, at night or on weekends. At the end of the classes, another form is sent to the DWI office confirming completion.
Form approval
Once the classes and assessment are finished, and the appropriate forms have been sent, the state DWI office will review the forms and ideally submit an approval to the Department of Motor Vehicles. This process can take up to seven days. If it takes longer, it may help to contact the DWI office for an update on the approval.
Driving privileges are essential for many people. Although these steps may seem simple, complications in the process can result in questions or frustration, leading some people to giving up on trying. Having the guidance of an experienced legal professional from the start can increase the chance of a successful reinstatement of a driver’s license.
