The Beltz Law Firm
214-321-4105
When should you seek an attorney to obtain an occupational license? The answer may seem obvious but we have seen an increase in calls to our office from drivers who do not need an occupational license. Rather, they need only resolve holds against their license in order to avoid a full on suspension. But, when a suspension is pending and you are not sure if an occupational license is worth the effort, you should call our office to hear your options.
You Don’t Necessarily Need an Occupational License:
1. When you have outstanding warrants for traffic violations (How To Fix: Hire an attorney to post surety bonds for warrants that can be lifted. Pay warrants that do not qualify for surety bonds).
2. When you have Omnibase holds for traffic violations (How to Fix: First, lift warrants before going into court. Then, pay all omnibase fees if applicable).
3. When you have a suspension for failure to complete a required drug course or driving course (How To Fix: Complete the course and submit proof to DPS. Then, pay any reinstatement fees to DPS)
4. When you must submit or fail to submit SR-22 liability insurance to DPS (How To Fix: Acquire SR-22 insurance and submit proof to DPS. Pay any reinstatement fees).
5. When you have a suspension for failing to make conviction based surcharge payments to DPS under the Safety Responsibility Act (How To Fix: Bring surcharges current with DPS and pay any reinstatement fees).
Under the situations listed above, you can reinstate your Texas license by merely complying with DPS requirements or bring current your past due obligations. Of course, there could be a situation where doing what is required above may be cost ineffective or impossible at the time. In those tough situations, you may need to obtain an occupational license until you can financially afford to make all of your restrictions compliant. Therefore, you can see that an occupational license is not always needed; but, it may be your only option.
You Need An Occupational License:
1. When your license has been suspended for a defined period of time due to traffic convictions or traffic ticket based violations (i.e., habitual violator, careless, reckless driver)
2. When your license has been suspended for a defined period of time due to alcohol related contact with law enforcement.
3. When your license has been suspended for an infinite time due to a civil judgment against you that resulted from an automobile accident where you failed to maintain liability insurance and you have failed to satisfy the judgment or taken the appropriate steps to have the judgment against you satisfied.
4. When your license has been suspended for a definite period of time due to a drug based conviction(s).
Under these conditions, your license cannot be reinstated by simply “fixing” the restrictions against your license. You must either serve the suspension period or apply for an occupational license. In any case, we will be glad to help you understand your situation and decide on the best option for your particular circumstance. Call our office today.