{"id":710,"date":"2022-04-21T19:31:34","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T19:31:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/?p=710"},"modified":"2022-04-21T19:32:04","modified_gmt":"2022-04-21T19:32:04","slug":"do-you-need-a-lawyer-for-an-sr-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/sr-22-tips\/do-you-need-a-lawyer-for-an-sr-22\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting an SR-22: Will You Need a Lawyer?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Unless you\u2019re an expert at law, it can be unclear whether you need a lawyer or not in certain situations. One of those situations is when you are forced to file <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SR-22<\/a> insurance with the state.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The SR-22 certificate may increase the cost of your insurance and will have numerous other mostly negative effects on your life. But how does the SR-22 actually work, and will you need a lawyer to help you deal with everything?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re going to get to the bottom of this. Keep reading to discover the answers!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-sr-22\">What Is an SR-22?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An SR-22 certificate is required proof that you have met the minimum car insurance requirements in your state. Some drivers get confused about all of this because they hear terms such as \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/insurance-facts\/what-is-the-difference-between-sr-22-and-regular-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SR-22 insurance<\/a>.\u201d However, there is no special type of insurance for those who must file an SR-22.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, Sr-22 refers to a certificate that an insurance company will file with the state on your behalf, certifying you are carrying the correct amount of insurance for that state. Drivers who are required to file an SR-22 are typically considered high-risk drivers and their insurance rates will correspond to this designation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why You May Be Required to Get an SR-22&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A conviction for reckless driving may result in an SR-22. The same goes for traffic infractions where you commit several violations in a short time period. If you are caught driving without insurance, you may be required to file an SR-22. If your license is suspended for any reason, you will most likely have to file an SR-22.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common event that triggers an SR-22 requirement is a conviction for DUI or DWI. These convictions are at the heart of whether you need to hire a lawyer during this process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will You Need a Lawyer with Your SR-22?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are challenging the reason behind an SR-22 requirement, then it might not be a bad idea. If you\u2019ve been charged with a DUI or DWI, you can expect to face tremendous financial costs \u2013 and part of that may be attorney\u2019s fees if you intend to contest your DUI charge. However, if an attorney helps resolve your case with the DUI charge being dismissed, it\u2019s probably well worth the cost.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we noted before, most who have an SR-22 on file do so because they are convicted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/dui-laws-and-limits-by-state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">of a DUI<\/a> or DWI. There are other consequences (financial and beyond) to having such a conviction on your record. Because of this, many people need a lawyer to help defend against the initial charge. You may not have a choice in this matter beyond hiring a lawyer of your own choice if you can afford to do so or getting a public defender if you cannot.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What can the lawyer do for you? If your lawyer is successful, then you can avoid a conviction or challenge a previous conviction. If you can avoid or overturn a conviction, then you may be able to avoid having to file an SR-22 in the first place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While it is less common, some drivers also consult with a lawyer to help them navigate confusing SR-22 paperwork. Keep in mind, though, that your insurance carrier will likely help in this matter at no additional charge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2.avif 1000w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-300x200.avif 300w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-768x512.avif 768w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-600x400.avif 600w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-960x640.avif 960w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-570x380.avif 570w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-237x158.avif 237w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-244x163.avif 244w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-285x190.avif 285w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-213x142.avif 213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2.webp 1000w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-300x200.webp 300w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-768x512.webp 768w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-600x400.webp 600w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-960x640.webp 960w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-570x380.webp 570w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-237x158.webp 237w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-244x163.webp 244w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-285x190.webp 285w,https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-213x142.webp 213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2.jpg\" height=\"425\" width=\"637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-570x380.jpg 570w, https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-237x158.jpg 237w, https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-244x163.jpg 244w, https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-285x190.jpg 285w, https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/getting-an-sr-22-will-you-need-a-lawyer-2-213x142.jpg 213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px\" class=\"wp-image-711 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"lawyer with paperwork and gavel\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is an SR-22 Expensive?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No. The filing fee for an SR-22 is between $15 to $25. However, the insurance that goes along with an SR-22 can be quite high. The association between needing an SR-22 and insurance prices is that someone who needs an SR-22 is seen by insurance companies as being a risky investment.&nbsp; And so they charge accordingly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the paperwork is not expensive, having an SR-22 on file means you\u2019ll pay more for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/rates\/sr-22-average-rates-by-state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">car insurance<\/a>. Some drivers end up paying around 30% more for their insurance. Other drivers end up paying nearly 400% more!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Will an SR-22 Be Required?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally speaking, drivers must have an SR-22 on file for a minimum of three years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This varies from state to state, case to case, and driver to driver. The important thing to remember is that if you let your insurance coverage lapse, the state will find out. Insurance companies are required to report that information in real-time. This could potentially lead you to not only starting your SR-22 term over, but it could make it hard to find an insurance company willing to work with you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"c-section c-quote\" id=\"home-auto-quote-block_6261b121a91d8\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-quote__img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/components\/quote\/pic1.svg\" alt=\"Someone shopping for a car, looking for quality and savings\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"112\" height=\"99\">\r\n        <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--small c-quote__title\">Find Cheap SR-22 Auto Insurance Quotes<\/h2>\r\n                <form class=\"c-quote__form js-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/quote\">\r\n            <div class=\"c-quote__item c-quote__item--zipcode\">\r\n                <input class=\"c-quote__input c-quote__input--center js-only-numbers js-valid-zipcode\" type=\"tel\"  name=\"zipcode\" placeholder=\"Zip Code\" aria-label=\"Zip Code\" maxlength=\"5\" required>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"c-quote__controls\">\r\n                <button class=\"c-button c-button--purple c-quote__button\" type=\"submit\">Get a quote<\/button>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"c-quote__powered\"> Powered by\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-quote__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/components\/quote\/freeway-logo.svg\" alt=\"Freeway Insurance Logo\" width=\"73\" height=\"18\">\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/form>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line with SR-22 and Hiring a Lawyer&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A conviction for DWI can cost upwards of $25,000-$45,000. That includes the three-year term of paying double or triple the normal cost for car insurance when you are required to file an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/sr-22-rate-savings-tips\/how-much-does-a-dui-raise-your-car-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SR-22 certificate<\/a>. Choosing to hire an attorney will be expensive, but if you think you have a good chance of beating the DWI conviction, it\u2019s probably money well spent. On the other hand, fighting a DWI that results in a conviction anyway means you\u2019ve added to an already financially heavy burden.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consulting with an attorney prior to making a decision may be your best bet.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Save Money and Get the Best SR-22 Insurance Today&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can tell, an SR-22 can make your insurance very expensive over the years. But what if you could save on every single payment?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to save is by switching insurance carriers. Getting quotes from different carriers is the best way to get a better SR-22 rate. What if you could get competitive rates at the click of a button?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At SR-22 Adviser, we\u2019re here to help you save money each month. To get started, visit our partner site for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/quote-form\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">competitive quotes online<\/a> today!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"c-section c-opinion-banner\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n        <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__question js-opinion-banner-question\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--center c-opinion-banner__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/h2>\r\n            <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__content\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__controls\">\r\n                    <button class=\"c-opinion-banner__control c-opinion-banner__control--ok js-opinion-banner-control-ok\" aria-label=\"Yes, this article is helpful\">\r\n                        <span class=\"o-icon c-opinion-banner__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                                <title>Yes, this article is helpful<\/title>\r\n                                <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-thumbs-up\"><\/use>\r\n                            <\/svg><\/span>\r\n                    <\/button>\r\n                    <button class=\"c-opinion-banner__control c-opinion-banner__control--no-ok js-opinion-banner-control-no-ok\" aria-label=\"No, this article is wasn't helpful\">\r\n                        <span class=\"o-icon c-opinion-banner__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                                <title>No, this article is wasn&#8217;t helpful<\/title>\r\n                                <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-thumbs-down\"><\/use>\r\n                            <\/svg><\/span>\r\n                    <\/button>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__ok js-opinion-banner-ok\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--center c-opinion-banner__title\">Winner! Glad you enjoyed it.<\/h2>\r\n            <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__controls\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__control c-opinion-banner__control--ok\">\r\n                    <span class=\"o-icon c-opinion-banner__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                            <title>Yes, this article is helpful<\/title>\r\n                            <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-thumbs-up\"><\/use>\r\n                        <\/svg><\/span>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__no-ok js-opinion-banner-no-ok\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--center c-opinion-banner__title\">Still have questions? Contact us for answers.<\/h2>\r\n            <div class=\"c-button__wrapper\">\r\n                <a class=\"c-button c-button--cyan\" href=\"tel:877-822-2049\">\r\n                    <span class=\"o-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                            <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-phone\"><\/use>\r\n                        <\/svg><\/span>877-822-2049                <\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unless you\u2019re an expert at law, it can be unclear whether you need a lawyer or not in certain situations. One of those situations is when you are forced to file SR-22 insurance with the state.&nbsp; The SR-22 certificate may increase the cost of your insurance and will have numerous other mostly negative effects on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":713,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-710","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sr-22-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/710","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=710"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/710\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":714,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/710\/revisions\/714"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=710"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=710"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=710"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}