When the Officer Neglects to Give You Temporary License After Your Millersville, MD DUI

When you are charged with a Millersville, MD DUI, the officer is supposed to confiscate your license, then give you a temporary license, also called a DR-15A. However, this isn’t always the case. When the officer doesn’t follow proper protocol, it can leave all involved confused and unsure of what to do. Here, an Anne Arundel County drunk driving lawyer discusses what happens when an officer neglects to give you a temporary license.

You Haven’t Lost Your Right to Drive

If the officer didn’t give you a temporary license after your Maryland DUI, you may assume that you have lost your driving privileges. However, this is not the case. The officer cannot take away your right to drive, as that would be a violation of your due process right to a hearing before losing your driving privileges.

Driving Without the Temporary License

Although you haven’t lost your right to drive, if you are caught without the license you will receive a ticket for “driving without a license.” You can argue the fact that the officer didn’t issue a temporary license as a defense when you go to court, however, and the judge may dismiss the charges.

What To Do

If the arresting officer neglects to give you a temporary license, have someone drive you to the station in which the officer works and explain your situation and you will likely be given a DR-15A. You can also go to the MVA and present what happened, or you can allow an Anne Arundel County DUI lawyer from Jimeno and Gray to do the work for you.

Give us a call at (410) 590-9401 if you have received a Millersville, MD DUI. We will do what we can to help you receive the ruling you desire and help you through this stressful time.

Request your free copy of the book The ABCs of DWIs in Maryland, written by Anne Arundel County DUI attorney, Gregory Jimeno, when you call.