As far as how to tell if your license is suspended in California, contact the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In some cases, a police officer may tell you about a suspension at the time of an arrest. Or a judge may notify you that you are dealing with a suspension at the time of your sentencing.
You can have your license suspended in California if you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). If you are arrested for driving while intoxicated, get help from a Los Angeles DUI lawyer. Together, you and your attorney can take steps to avoid having your driving privileges revoked for an extended period of time.
How Can I Find Out if There Is an Administrative Suspension?
The DMV can automatically suspend your driver privileges following an arrest for driving under the influence. This administrative suspension process starts as soon as the police arrest you. If you work with a lawyer, they can explain why the California DMV automatically gives administrative suspensions after a DUI arrest.
Typically, the DMV takes this step because California considers driving under the influence dangerous. The police will usually take away your license on the spot. It’s a routine part of “booking” someone at the station.
If the police take your license, they should provide you with two documents. The police will give you a pink sheet of paper that serves as a temporary license for 30 days. Also, you will get a written notice that you have only 10 days to request a hearing with the DMV, or else the DMV will suspend your license.
How Do You Know if Your License Was Suspended as Part of Your DUI Sentence in California?
Judges often order a license suspension as a penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol. The judge will inform you of your suspension at your sentencing, and the court will ask you to sign paperwork regarding your sentence that includes information about your license status. Along with this, a DUI conviction can result in:
- Jail time
- Fines
- Orders to attend DUI school
- Orders to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle
A Los Angeles DUI attorney can provide details about how a 1st time driver’s license suspension works. They can explain the penalties you could face based on your driving under the influence offense. Your lawyer will search for ways to show you were operating a vehicle in alignment with legal requirements to help get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
Why Will California Officials Suspend Your License?
California officials have the right to suspend your right to operate a motor vehicle for many reasons. Alternatively, you can prepare a legal defense to contest your suspension. Common reasons for a suspension include:
- Driving without insurance (violation of CA VC §16028)
- Committing a traffic violation
- Failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket
- Failing to report an accident
- Too many points on your driving record
- Failure to make child support payments
If you commit any of these violations, a court may allow you to continue driving with restrictions. On the other hand, you could face months in jail or other severe penalties for driving infractions. If you hire a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles, you have legal representation that can dispute a driving under the influence charge before it can lead to a conviction.
How Can You Check Your License if You Aren’t Sure About a Suspension?
Since suspension rules are complex, you have questions about the status of your driving privileges. If you lose your paperwork, you must ask about your status. Here are methods to find out if you have a suspended license through your driver’s record.
Request a Copy of Your Driver’s Record Online
Regardless of the reasons for license suspension, you can create an online DMV account and request information as the agency handles vehicle or driver’s records requests. You’ll have to pay a service fee. Once you do, you can see relevant information through online services.
Order a Copy of Your Driver’s Record Through the Mail
The DMV allows you to print form INF1125, complete it, and mail it in to get a copy of your driving record. It may take a few weeks to receive the information you requested. You’ll need to submit a payment to retrieve this information.
Visit the DMV
You can complete form INF1125 and bring it to your local DMV. The department charges a fee to process the form and provide your records. When you go directly to the department, you can receive the information you want immediately.
When it comes to license record requests, it is beneficial to have a legal representative at your side. A DUI attorney in Los Angeles can help you file a request for information regarding your driver privileges. They can provide details about what it takes to get these privileges back if you lost them due to a driving under the influence conviction.
How Do You Get Your License Reinstated After a DUI?
Driving under the influence is a form of reckless driving, and the penalties you face as a result of it can be severe. You’ll need to take several steps to get your license reinstated after a DUI conviction. Here are the steps to complete as part of the reinstatement process.
Fulfill the Terms of Your Suspension
Finish your mandatory suspension period. This will be at least six months and can be much longer. You will get more information about this period of time for your suspension at the time of your sentencing.
Complete a DUI Program
If you are ordered to complete a driving under the influence program, do so promptly. You’ll need to show proof of enrollment in a DUI treatment program or traffic school. This will require you to secure a certificate of completion, also known as a DL-101, from the program.
Obtain an SR-22 Form
File a Proof of Financial Responsibility form (SR-22), which can give you proof of insurance. DUI convicts have higher insurance minimums. The SR-22 is proof of insurance and shows that you’re paying for more coverage.
Pay a Reinstatement Fee
You will have to pay a reissue fee. For adults, this is $125, and minors suspended for underage drinking under the Zero Tolerance Law have to pay $100. Do not miss covering this fee, as failure to pay it can prevent you from legally driving once again.
As you can see, there are many hoops to jump through in regard to license records and reinstatement. Rather than deal with this process by yourself, have a lawyer assist you every step of the way. They can help you complete the required paperwork, submit it in a timely manner, and boost your chances of getting your license back right away.
Partner with a Driving Under the Influence Lawyer Who Can Help You Deal with the Aftermath of a Suspended License
The suspension period for a license can linger to the point where you cannot drive a car to get to work, go to school, or perform other daily activities. Meanwhile, the laws around license suspension can be tough to understand. Thankfully, a driver’s license lawyer can provide you with information about these laws and how to restore your driver privileges.
Work with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer who has decades of legal experience. Your attorney can guide you through the legal process as you try to get your license back following a driving under the influence conviction. Request a case consultation with a DUI lawyer.
