If you’ve found yourself facing a suspended license in Indiana due to multiple speeding tickets, a DUI conviction, or a pending DUI case, you might be wondering if there’s any way to regain your driving privileges. The good news is that Indiana offers a solution in the form of specialized driving privileges (SDP).
These privileges can allow you to get back behind the wheel for essential activities like work, childcare, school runs, medical appointments, and more. It’s essential, however, to understand the rules and potential consequences of an order for specialized driving privileges.
Understanding Specialized Driving Privileges
Specialized driving privileges are a lifeline for individuals in Indiana who have had their driver’s licenses suspended. These privileges are granted on a case-by-case basis by individual judges, providing those with suspended licenses the ability to drive under certain conditions. While it’s a welcome opportunity, it’s crucial to recognize that there are strict rules that must be adhered to.
Specialized driving privileges are designed to allow you to continue your daily life, even with a suspended license. Here’s a breakdown of what a typically order will entail:
- Work: You’ll be allowed to drive for work, whether it’s your daily commute or occasional work-related errands. You can keep your job without having to worry about transportation.
- Childcare: If you’re responsible for getting your children to and from school, daycare, or extracurricular activities, specialized driving privileges can help you fulfill these parental obligations.
- Medical appointments: Access to healthcare is crucial, and an order for specialized driving privileges almost always allows for medical-related commitments.
- Other necessities: If you’re a caregiver for an aging parent or heavily involved in your church, there’s probably a way to make it work. Generally speaking, the more detail you can provide about a given activity, the more likely the judge is to approve it.
- Ignition interlock device: In most alcohol-related DUI cases, you’ll be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. This is basically a breath-test machine that is mounted in your car. If it detects alcohol on your breath, you’ll be locked out and unable to operate your vehicle.
As long as you’re abiding by the conditions that the judge has imposed, you’re free to live your life and handle your responsibilities.
Violating a Court Order Is a Crime
Driving privileges can be a lifesaver for someone with a suspended license, but it’s crucial to take the responsibility seriously. Violating the conditions of your SDP order can lead to severe consequences:
- New criminal charges: If you knowingly or intentionally disregard the conditions of your order for specialized driving privileges, that is a crime. You can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
- Habitual traffic violator (HTV): If you’re already classified as a habitual traffic violator by the BMV, a violation can lead to another ten-year license suspension. For many people, driving convictions have a way of snowballing.
- Revocation of specialized driving privileges: When you violate your order for specialized driving privileges, you’re running the risk that the judge will find out and revoke your order altogether. All specialized driving privileges are discretionary, and the last thing you want to do is show the judge that you’re not taking them seriously.
Make the Right Call
Navigating the complexities of specialized driving privileges in Indiana can be challenging. If you’ve violated your SDP order or just have questions about the process, it’s essential to seek experienced legal counsel.
The Marc Lopez Law Firm is here to help. Our Indiana criminal lawyers understand the importance of retaining your driving privileges, and we’ll do everything we can to get you back on the road. Give us a call at 317-632-3642 and remember—always plead the 5th!
