Most Rochester residents convicted of drinking and driving are eligible for a conditional driver’s license.

A conditional driver’s license allows the convicted defendant to continue to drive for work, school, medical care and other necessities until his or her full driving privileges are restored.

Even if a conditional license is issued to the driver, however, there are several circumstances under which it may be revoked.

To obtain a conditional driver’s license, the defendant must attend the Drinking Driver Program and any treatment required by that program.

A failure to attend any class, evaluation or treatment session required by the Drinking Driver Program is grounds for revocation of the conditional driver’s license.

While there are certainly circumstances that may arise that would require the defendant to miss a class or treatment – such as a medical emergency – the defendant must be prepared to offer proof that there was an unavoidable reason for not complying with the program’s requirements if he or she hopes to avoid revocation of his or her conditional license.

A conditional driver’s license also will be revoked if the driver commits any alcohol or drug-related driving offense or any moving violation (including not wearing a seatbelt or cell phone use) while operating within the terms of the conditional license.

Also, if the defendant is found in violation of any traffic infraction – including a non-moving violation – which indicates the defendant was operating outside of the limitations imposed by the conditional license, the Department of Motor Vehicles will revoke the defendant’s conditional license.

A conviction for drinking and driving can have a long term impact on your driving privileges.

If you have been arrested for driving while intoxicated and need legal help, call us at 585-484-7432.