License Reinstatement Attorney

Serving Wyoming & South Dakota

When your driver’s license is suspended or revoked in Gillette, everyday life can feel like it just stopped. Getting to work, handling shifts at the mine or in the oilfield, taking kids to school, and even buying groceries suddenly depend on other people. At Just Criminal Law, we help people whose driving privileges are on the line because of criminal charges, including DUI and related offenses.

Since 2009, our team has handled a wide range of traffic and criminal cases, and we understand how court cases, probation, and actions by the Wyoming Department of Transportation fit together. With a former prosecutor leading our attorneys, we know how the state looks at your file and what decisions can affect your license. We work to bring order to a chaotic situation so you know what is happening and what comes next.

If you are searching for a license reinstatement attorney because you need to drive again legally, you do not have to figure this out alone. We are here to talk through what led to your suspension, where your case stands, and which steps are realistically available.

If you are ready to talk with a license reinstatement attorney in Gillette who will take your situation seriously, reach out today.

What is a Driver's License Suspension?

A driver’s license suspension is the temporary withdrawal of your privilege to operate a motor vehicle. Unlike a revocation, which completely terminates your license and requires you to re-apply as a new driver once the penalty period ends, a suspension typically has a definitive end date or specific conditions that, once met, allow for reinstatement.

In both Wyoming and South Dakota, a suspension means that while you still technically "own" a license, it is legally invalid. Driving during this period is a criminal offense that can lead to jail time, heavy fines, and a further extension of the suspension period.

Common Ways to Get Your License Suspended

While many people associate suspensions with drunk driving, there are numerous administrative and criminal reasons why the state might pull your privileges. Common triggers include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWUI): The most common cause, often resulting in an immediate "Administrative Per Se" suspension before you even go to court.
• Accumulation of Points: Both states use a point system where repeated moving violations (speeding, reckless driving) lead to automatic suspension.
• Driving Without Insurance: Failure to maintain the state-mandated liability minimums ($25,000/$50,000/$20,000 in Wyoming).
• Failure to Appear (FTA): Missing a court date for even a minor traffic citation.
• Non-Driving Related Issues: This includes failure to pay court-ordered child support or unpaid judgments resulting from an accident.
• Refusal of Chemical Testing: Under "Implied Consent" laws, refusing a breath or blood test during a DUI stop results in an automatic, often longer, suspension.

Wyoming License Reinstatement Law & Penalties

In Wyoming, the Department of Transportation (WYDOT) manages license withdrawals. Under Wyoming Statute § 31-7-119 and related codes, the path to reinstatement depends heavily on the nature of the offense.

Reinstatement Requirements

To get your license back in Wyoming, you generally must:

• Serve the Suspension Period: This ranges from 90 days for a first-time DUI to several years for repeat offenders.
• Pay the Reinstatement Fee: Most suspensions require a $50 fee. If the suspension was due to child support, the fee is reduced to $5.
• File an SR-22: If your suspension involved a DUI or lack of insurance, you must have your insurance provider file an SR-22 form (Proof of Financial Responsibility) with WYDOT, typically for three years.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): For DUIs with a BAC of .15% or higher, or subsequent offenses, you must install an IID and apply for an "IIR" restricted license.

Probationary Licenses

Wyoming may allow for a probationary "hardship" license during your suspension, which permits driving to work or school. However, this is generally only available for first-time offenders and is strictly prohibited for those with a second DUI within ten years.

South Dakota License Reinstatement Laws

South Dakota laws (SDCL Chapter 32-12) are equally strict. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the process.

Recent Fee Increases

As of 2026, South Dakota has updated its fee structures via Senate Bill 11. Reinstatement fees can now range from $50 to $225, depending on the severity and number of previous offenses. Additionally, obtaining a certified abstract of your driving record now carries an increased fee.

The Point System

In South Dakota, points are assessed for moving violations. Reaching the threshold results in:

• First Suspension: 60 days.
• Second Suspension: 6 months.
• Third Suspension: 1 year.

Financial Responsibility

Like Wyoming, South Dakota requires an SR-22 filing for those convicted of DUI, vehicular homicide, or reckless driving. If you fail to maintain this insurance, your vehicle registration and license plates may be suspended along with your driving privileges.

License Reinstatement FAQs

How do I know why my license was suspended?

You can request a "Certified Driver Abstract" from the WYDOT or South Dakota DPS. At Just Criminal Law, we can review your record to identify every "stop" or "hold" on your license and create a roadmap for clearing them.

Can I fight the suspension?

Yes. You have a limited window (often only 10–20 days from the date of arrest or notice) to request a Contested Case Hearing. An attorney can represent you at this hearing to challenge the evidence and potentially prevent the suspension from taking effect.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is not insurance itself; it is a certificate issued by your insurance company that proves to the state that you carry the minimum required liability coverage. If your policy cancels, the state is notified immediately, and your license is re-suspended.

Do I have to retake the driving test?

In Wyoming, if your license was revoked (rather than suspended), you must pass the vision, written, and driving skills tests again. In South Dakota, testing is often required following any revocation period.

Why Choose Just Criminal Law?

Navigating the bureaucracy of two different state agencies is exhausting. Just Criminal Law provides local expertise for drivers in Gillette and surrounding areas in Wyoming and South Dakota. We don't just tell you what to pay; we investigate whether the suspension was lawful, represent you in administrative hearings, and help you secure hardship permits so you can keep your life on track.

Call (307) 300-2240 to discuss your license and next steps.