Nashville License 
Suspension Lawyer

When someone loses their driving privileges due to a suspended license, it can create serious challenges in managing their everyday life. This can range from struggling to commute to work to dealing with increased legal consequences if caught continuing to drive. While it can be overwhelming to navigate the reinstatement process or challenge an initial allegation, a Nashville license suspension lawyer can help fight for your rights to keep driving and move forward.

At McNally Law, we have witnessed how worried our clients are about their ability to work, care for family, and handle their daily responsibilities when facing the prospect of a license suspension. To help, our experienced team of defense attorneys can step in to challenge the justification for suspension, negotiate reinstatement terms, and explore all other legal options available. Regardless of how you entered this situation, we are here to lead you to a resolution.

If you are facing the possibility of having your license suspended, it’s important to understand your rights and common defense strategies that can challenge this attempt. Depending on the specifics of your case, a Nashville license suspension lawyer can choose one of the following defense strategies to help keep you on the road:

Challenging the Validity of the Suspension

Just because someone has started the process to suspend your license does not automatically mean their rationale is justified. Administrative errors, mistaken identity, or not being properly notified about the suspension can all be grounds to challenge the merits of the suspension attempt. Once hired, your defense lawyer can review the details of your case to try and identify any areas where they can argue for a dismissal of the suspension.

Requesting an Administrative Hearing

All drivers in Tennessee have the right to request an administrative hearing before their license is officially suspended. During this hearing, the individual in question has the opportunity to present their own evidence, question witnesses, and make a case for why their driving privileges should remain active. To boost the effectiveness of this hearing, a defense lawyer can help you prepare based on insufficient evidence or other mitigating circumstances.

Negotiating a Restricted License

If your defense attorney believes the evidence against you is compelling and a full reinstatement is unlikely, they may suggest you request a restricted license. If approved, this would allow you to drive under certain pre-approved conditions, such as commuting to work, school, or necessary medical appointments. It is up to your attorney to create a compelling case to suggest a full license suspension would be unfair and too restrictive on your daily life.

Appealing the Suspension in Court

If your license is already suspended due to a DUI, traffic violation, or failure to pay a fine, you have the right to work with a defense lawyer to appeal the decision. To make this happen, you will need to work with your defense lawyer to better understand why the verdict was handed in the first place. If you can introduce new evidence or challenge the validity of what was originally presented, it could be enough to get your license back.

Addressing Outstanding Fines or Violations

Oftentimes, when a license is suspended, it’s due to an outstanding violation like an unpaid traffic ticket or failure to appear in court. In some cases, your defense lawyer may be able to convince the court to restore your license if you satisfy an outstanding issue, like paying a fine. Be sure to ask your attorney about the possibility of identifying an opportunity to do this to ensure you are exploring every option possible to regain your driving privileges.

Q: How Can I Find Out if My License Is Suspended?

A: Most individuals will receive a formal notification in the mail to let them know their license has been suspended. It will also be communicated at the conclusion of your legal battle, whether that is through negotiation with your attorney or the final verdict addressed in court. If you have been recently ticketed or charged with a traffic offense, hiring a defense lawyer is highly recommended to help determine whether suspension is a likely consequence or not.

Q: How Long Does a License Suspension Last?

A: The total length of your license suspension will depend on the reason for the suspension. If you have prior offenses, this could also impact how long it is suspended, as a history of offenses signals that you might have trouble obeying the laws of the road. Some suspensions are temporary and can be lifted after a set period, while others will require you to take specific actions. For example, paying off a fine or completing a driving course.

Q: Can a License Suspension Affect My Job?

A: Yes, a license suspension can have significant consequences on your ability to hold your job. This is especially true for individuals who have a job that requires driving in and around Nashville. For example, commercial drivers, delivery workers, and anyone else who relies on commuting may face job loss. Sometimes, a defense lawyer can help you earn some driving privileges back during this period to help you maintain your job while still fulfilling your other sentence requirements.

Q: Can I Get a Hardship Exemption to Avoid a License Suspension?

A: Under some circumstances, a driver may qualify for a hardship exemption. This would allow them to continue driving despite the pending suspension. A hardship exemption is most often granted for individuals with unique circumstances, such as dealing with a medical issue that requires frequent medical appointments or being the sole caretaker of a dependent. While approval is never guaranteed, a defense lawyer can help make the case for this exemption.

If you are dealing with the prospect of a license suspension, contact our firm today. We understand how important your driving privileges are, especially when there are others in your family who rely on you. Let’s get started on your case today and explore every possible option to minimize the impact this will have on your life.