Understanding License Revocation in North Carolina

North Carolina law allows for license revocation under a wide range of circumstances. Some of the most common include:

• Failure to appear in court or failure to pay fines
• DWI
• Refusing a breath or blood test (implied consent violation)
• Accumulation of DMV points for moving violations
• Speeding more than 15 mph over the limit (over 55 mph)
• Felony offenses involving a motor vehicle
• Moving violations during a period of revocation

In many cases, license revocation is mandatory even for first-time offenses. The duration of a revocation can vary from 30 days to a permanent suspension, depending on the charge and driving history.

The Importance of Hiring an Attorney Early

If you’ve been charged with a crime or traffic offense that could result in license revocation, don’t wait to act. The best chance to save your license is often before the DMV ever takes action. Here’s why early legal representation is critical:

• Many challenges to license revocations have strict time limits. For instance, challenging a 30-day civil revocation for DWI charge must be filed within 10 days of the beginning of the revocation period.
• We may be able to prevent the revocation from happening in the first place by resolving the underlying charge or securing a dismissal.
• We can identify opportunities for limited driving privileges, including pretrial privileges that will allow you to drive legally during the period of your revocation.
• We help you avoid compounding the problem with a DWLR charge, which can further extend your suspension and lead to jail time.
• We provide guidance on DMV compliance, hearing requests, and the timing of license restoration eligibility.

By involving a lawyer early, you protect your rights, your record, and your ability to stay street-legal and employed.

How We Help with License Restoration

If your license has already been revoked, Denninger & Philbeck can help you get back on the road legally. We routinely assist clients with:

• DMV Restoration Hearings
• Ignition Interlock Requirements
• Limited Driving Privileges (pretrial or post-conviction)
• Compliance with alcohol assessment and treatment requirements
• Petitions for reinstatement after long-term revocations

We guide you step-by-step through the restoration process, from reviewing your driving record to preparing for your DMV hearing.

What About Limited Driving Privileges?

In many cases, North Carolina law allows individuals with revoked licenses to apply for a limited driving privilege. These privileges can allow you to drive to:

• Work or school
• Medical appointments
• Court-ordered treatment or probation supervision
• Religious services
• Household maintenance errands

We handle all the paperwork, filing, and court appearances necessary to secure your limited driving privilege as soon as you're eligible.

You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone

License revocation can feel like a dead end but, with the right legal representation, it’s often just a detour. Whether you’re facing an upcoming DWI charge, a surprise notice from the DMV, or a long-term suspension that’s keeping you off the road, we can help.

At Denninger & Philbeck, we bring decades of experience to every driver’s license case we take on. We understand the stakes. We know the law. We’re here to get you back behind the wheel.