You may remember last summer when Onyango Obama (President Obama’s half- uncle) surrendered his driver’s license and pleaded guilty to drunk driving and was back in the drivers seat after less than a week.
To refresh your memory Onyango Obama entered a plea at his drunk-driving hearing and surrendered his driver’s license for 45 days. At the hearing, he conceded that the even without pleading guilty, the DAs had enough proof to convict him. Obama had two further violations, but they were dismissed. A week later the 67-year-old was approved for a hardship license and back driving.
The DWI Hardship License
Issued in certain states (including Minnesota), a restricted or hardship license enables a driver convicted of DWI to use a vehicle to drive to school, work, or for medical emergencies. This type of license also limits the individual to driving during certain hours of the day.
In Mr. Obama’s case, this license allowed him to drive within the state of Massachusetts between noon and midnight.
According to The Boston Herald, Obama successfully convinced a panel from the Registry of Motor Vehicles that the inability to drive would negatively reflect his position as a liquor store manager. His request was approved even with his status as an illegal immigrant.
Minnesota gives hardship licenses on a case by case basis. Some criteria as to whether or not your hardship licenses request is approved include your driving record, your school and/or work situation, medical conditions, family needs and more.
It’s also important to note that under Minnesota DWI law if you’re convicted of DWI with a BAC level of .16 or higher you don’t have the option of applying for a hardship license.
Have you been charged with DWI?
If you’ve had your license suspended for driving under the influence of alcohol, seek the services of a qualified DWI attorney to aid in your case for a hardship license. If you live in the Minnesota Twin Cities area, you should contact Minneapolis DWI attorney Douglas T. Kans of the Kans Law Firm, LLC at (952) 835-6314.
Tags: driving under the influence of alcohol, Hardship License, Minnesota DWI Laws, Obama
