Questions on a work/home driving permit

[symbol646]

What is the name of your state? GA

I month ago I took a plea for my DUI. My license has been suspended and I currently have a work/home driving permit. After four months I am able to get my full license back after I complete DUI school.

My first question, If I get pulled over on my way to work, does the officer automatically arrest me and will the court decide if I was going too or from work. I have a couple of different ways to work and grocery stores, gas stations, etc, are on certain ways. Also, how strict are they if I am doing work related activities making the need for me to drive. An example would be if I had to go to Kinko's to pick up some copy work. What would be the penalty for driving outside your work/home restricted license?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[outonbail]

Originally Posted by symbol646

What is the name of your state? GA

I month ago I took a plea for my DUI. My license has been suspended and I currently have a work/home driving permit. After four months I am able to get my full license back after I complete DUI school.

My first question, If I get pulled over on my way to work, does the officer automatically arrest me and will the court decide if I was going too or from work.

I would think the officer would be able to figure out if you were on your way or returning from work easily enough. He/she could easily have their dispatch call your employer and inquire what hours your scheduled to work. If they have your home address and work address, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out if your going to work or not.

I have a couple of different ways to work and grocery stores, gas stations, etc, are on certain ways.

My only advice is that the shortest distance between two points is the safest bet. Don't expect to be driving five or ten miles out of your way and think an officer is going to buy some story about this is the way you go to, or come from work. I wouldn't advise pushing the matter if you want to get your license restored as soon as possible.

Also, how strict are they if I am doing work related activities making the need for me to drive. An example would be if I had to go to Kinko's to pick up some copy work.

Driving within the scope of your employment should be acceptable. But here again, if an officer was to contact your employer and ask if your working today, they better say, "Oh yes, but he/she's out picking up copies for me right now".
Basically, your not going to fool anyone playing some work related driving game if it's not.

What would be the penalty for driving outside your work/home restricted license?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Driving on a suspended/restricted license, and violation of probation for starters.

If you've only got four months to sweat it out, why are you even considering this nonsense?
Just don't drive, is it that difficult to understand? There is no gray area here, so don't look for an excuse for being stupid.

[BigMistakeFl]

I'd follow closely the restrictions. It's pretty much between you and the cop whether or not you are in violation. If your job requires that you go to Kinko's for copy work, I'd make sure I have something in writing declaring that as a work assignment. It's an extra step, but I'd take documentation every time you drive. If your work requires you to drive out of town, get a letter from your probation officer to that effect.

[garrula lingua]

It's not a good idea to drag your employer into your potential case of driving on a suspended dl.
I've seen it where it's determined to be
1. a probation violation, and
2. a new charge, and
3. the employer winds up firing the defendant.

In order to prove you were driving, the Prosecutor can require that your employer apear in court and testify as to that workday and your activities (all paperwork can be hearsay).
Most employers would rather have bamboo jammed under their fingernails than go to court to be questioned by the Prosecutor on the stand.

If you get cited, the burden is on you to prove that you were driving to/from work.
The Prosecutor just has to prove you were driving, and your dl had been suspended.

[symbol646]

Thank you for the input thus far.

I will definitely not get my employer involved if it comes down to it. I do stay very strict for driving only too and from work, but I don't live in a big city so I can't survive sometimes without driving. I, by all means, try to get any of my family or friends to bring me places. After all the things you have to go through after a DUI, I can't believe anybody would ever get a second DUI.

What kind of penalties are there for driving on a suspended/restricted license and violating my probation? How long would my license be suspended? Any jail time?

Thanks again.

[BigMistakeFl]

If you're considering risking it and driving for unauthorized reasons, you're making a tremendous mistake. Your restricted or hardship license is not what you may think. Your license is still suspended. You would be arrested and charged with driving on a suspended license and violation of probation just to mention a couple of things.

Don't try to find another ride, FIND another ride. Bike, walk, friends, public transportation.... whatever you have to do to stay out from behind the wheel unless it is strictly abiding by your restrictions.

[symbol646]

Quick question.

I am almost 2 months post getting convicted, thus I only have 2 more months left with my work/home permit. In order to get my license back I have to complete a DUI class. This is my first conviction and I am doing the "standard" for a first time DUI. I have called my probation officer several times to get this scheduled, but he doesn't return my calls. How long do the classes take to complete? I don't know if this is a couple day thing or could last for a month or longer. I live in GA.

Thanks.

[BL]

I don't know in your State , but in NY they have/had classes on a Sat. morning as not to interfere with the work week . You must successfully complete this class . No missing dates,times,etc .

You should be allowed to drive to and from those classes .

Check with DMV , not your PO on the class . They should be able to fill you in .

AS others have advised , stick strictly to the restrictions .

[tbud333]

In California the standard DUI suspension of license is 4 months along with the completion of DUI classes. The classes my son took lasted 4 months. He went once a week for 3 hours per class. He was also required by the class to attend 8 AA meetings. That's why it is important to get enrolled into the DUI class as soon as possible, because even though his 4 months of suspention were up , he was not done with the classes. You can't get license back until you complete the class.

[BigMistakeFl]

And in my state, Florida, the DUI classes were all day for three consecutive days. No missing, no being late or you get to start over. They tested for drugs and alcohol during that three days too.

My PO also was unable to answer my questions about scheduling. It was not her job to do this, it was mine. Funny part was, the reservation for the DUI classes were made through the probation office, just not my actual PO. She was burdened down with other things, and had more people to call back than she probably ever got to. It was a simple matter of me taking a bus to that probation office and registering with the clerical staff in the reception desk, and paying for the classes in advance.