Contesting a License Suspension in Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania license suspension can be more than just a mere inconvenience. It can be costly and impact your life in myriad ways, from earning a living to spending time with loved ones. Your driving privileges can be revoked via court order or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Contesting a license suspension in Pennsylvania can be an arduous process, especially if you aren’t quite sure of how to properly contest it or what your options might be. A Pennsylvania traffic lawyer can help.

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C., we mount an aggressive defense to help you get your license reinstated as quickly as possible. We recognize that every case is different, and some drivers fall victim to circumstances beyond their control, resulting in consequences that impact their ability to operate a vehicle legally. Contesting a license suspension requires top Pennsylvania traffic lawyers who have the background and expertise to fight on your behalf. 

Reasons for a Pennsylvania License Suspension

Your Pennsylvania driver’s license can be suspended for numerous reasons, including: 

  • Failure to pay a traffic ticket
  • Excessive traffic violations
  • DUI offense(s)
  • Driving without insurance
  • Driving with a revoked license
  • Excessive speeding
  • Non-driving violations (such as failure to pay child support)

Suspension length depends on the nature of the offense. Moreover, if the suspension was due to a court conviction, additional fines may be levied to garner reinstatement. In total, a suspended license can be costly and land you in more legal hot water if you continue to operate a motor vehicle anyway. 

Contest a License Suspension with a Pennsylvania traffic lawyer

Contesting a license suspension in Pennsylvania starts with retaining the services of an experienced Pennsylvania traffic attorney. We will look over the facts of your case to determine if it is eligible to be contested and what information we might need to gather to submit a request for a hearing. We will gather all pertinent documents relating to the circumstances surrounding your license suspension so that we are fully prepared to defend you against the suspension vigorously. 

To get a hearing for a license suspension, you must file an appeal in your county’s Court of Common Pleas Civil Trials Division. You must file within 30 days of receiving the notice regarding the impending suspension. Once a hearing has been granted, then the state will have to provide information proving that: 

  • Any traffic stop associated with the suspension was due to reasonable cause.
  • If the suspension is related to a DUI, the state must prove the arresting officer had reason to stop you for driving under the influence. The state must also provide that you did not consent to an on-site chemical test and were informed of the consequences of this refusal.

One of the reasons it is vital to retain counsel to defend you through this process is that there are many avenues to pursue in contesting a license suspension in Pennsylvania. For example, if the suspension is due to a DUI arrest, first-time offenders may be available to participate in the ARD program. This program can help prevent the suspension from processing through or at least shorten the time your license is suspended. 

License suspension due to traffic violations may sometimes be mitigated by taking a driving course. There are many ways to contest a license suspension and present other options that allow you to retain your driving privileges. However, it takes knowledge of the state’s traffic system and a willingness to fight the suspension until you’ve exhausted all other options. Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. is adept at garnering you the best outcome for your case. 

You must move quickly contesting a Pennsylvania license suspension. Once the 30-day window is up, you won’t be granted a hearing and may have to deal with the suspension. The only exception to this rule is a breakdown in communication from the court or fraudulent activity. In other words, if you are unable to prove the extraordinary circumstances that caused you to miss the 30-day window, the state will allow the suspension to stand. 

Request a Free Consultation with a Pennsylvania Traffic Lawyer

Are you prepared to contest a Pennsylvania license suspension? The accomplished team at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. is ready to help you navigate the legal complexities of this issue. With more than 65 years of criminal defense experience, our team stands ready to work with you to help restore your license and get you back on the road. 

Our expert team of attorneys has won numerous awards, including U.S. News—Best Law Firms 2021 and AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. Call 215-798-7081 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an expert Pennsylvania traffic lawyer today.  We are located right off Route 309, in Colmar, Hatfield Township, and offer free and convenient parking. We also maintain a Newtown, PA location. Contact us today.