License suspended/revoked - how to get back in good standing (lawyer, DMV)

[sonderella]

Today I was pulled over for speeding. 50 in a 35.

The officer informed me that my license was suspended. This was a big surprise to me. The officer informed me it was suspended because I failed to appear for a court date last July. I was unaware of the court date, but I'm not disputing it. Long story but it probably is legit and I'm a dumb ass. He gave me my license back but said I could be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor if I drive before getting it reinstated. Yikes.

So, I want to get back in good standing asap.

I went online to the DMV site to find out what I need to do. It appears I have to show up at a DMV office and pay a $65 restoration fee and a $50 service fee and reapply for a license. That's fine. It also says "Take required tests, if applicable."

I have no idea if my situation is considered "applicable" or not. Does anybody here know? I am an adult with a license issued in 2018. Do I have to take another written test? A driving test?

There's a 109-page driver's handbook I need to start studying if I have to take another written test. Ugh.

I am really hoping I can show up at a DMV office tomorrow, pay some fees, and get my license reinstated. Does anybody know how likely that is?

Edited to add: the ticket says "operate a motor vehicle on a street or highway while the defendant's driver's license was revoked" but when I called the DMV info line, the automated system said it was "suspended", not revoked. Not sure that makes a difference. Then I ordered a copy of my driving record and it does say "suspended".

[Edward Teach]

I'm sure you're going to have to do more than just pay a restoration fee and take a test...you're going to have to first resolve the actual issue that caused the suspension in the first place, i.e., your failure to appear last July. I'd talk to a lawyer if it was me.

[Mr. Raleigh]

Originally Posted by sonderella

Today I was pulled over for speeding. 50 in a 35.

The officer informed me that my license was suspended. This was a big surprise to me. The officer informed me it was suspended because I failed to appear for a court date last July. I was unaware of the court date, but I'm not disputing it. Long story but it probably is legit and I'm a dumb ass. He gave me my license back but said I could be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor if I drive before getting it reinstated. Yikes.

So, I want to get back in good standing asap.

I went online to the DMV site to find out what I need to do. It appears I have to show up at a DMV office and pay a $65 restoration fee and a $50 service fee and reapply for a license. That's fine. It also says "Take required tests, if applicable."

I have no idea if my situation is considered "applicable" or not. Does anybody here know? I am an adult with a license issued in 2018. Do I have to take another written test? A driving test?

There's a 109-page driver's handbook I need to start studying if I have to take another written test. Ugh.

I am really hoping I can show up at a DMV office tomorrow, pay some fees, and get my license reinstated. Does anybody know how likely that is?

Edited to add: the ticket says "operate a motor vehicle on a street or highway while the defendant's driver's license was revoked" but when I called the DMV info line, the automated system said it was "suspended", not revoked. Not sure that makes a difference. Then I ordered a copy of my driving record and it does say "suspended".

You need to hire an attorney. Suspended or revoked, you failed to appear in court for the first offense for whatever reason. A good attorney will make things "right". I know this, from personal experience.

[sonderella]

Update for anyone interested: I went to the DMV this a.m. They said I needed to go to county courthouse to get the non-appearance issue resolved prior to paying fees to get my license reinstated.

So, I went to the courthouse, which sent me to the County Justice Center (a block away). The clerk at the County Justice Center was very helpful. She had me fill out a form explaining why I missed the initial date, then asked for a copy of my current registration, then walked me over to a D.A.

The D.A. looked at the form and dismissed it in less than 10 seconds, no costs involved.

I do have to go back to the DMV tomorrow with my "cleared for reinstatement" status and pay $65 to reinstate plus $50 as a service fee and I will have my license back in good standing.

I do have to deal with my most recent speeding ticket, but that is apparently a separate issue and won't impede my getting my license back tomorrow.