A DUI arrest can affect more than your criminal case; it can also put your driver’s license at risk. In California, a DUI arrest usually starts two separate cases: your criminal court case and a DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing.
If you don’t act quickly, you could lose your driving privileges before your criminal case is even resolved. You generally have 10 days from the date you are served with the Order of Suspension/Revocation to request a DMV hearing. An experienced Orange County DUI lawyer can help you take the right steps quickly.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer has been helping connect people facing DUI charges with experienced defense lawyers for 19 years. We can connect you with an Orange County DUI DMV hearing lawyer who can explain the DMV process, protect your rights, and fight to keep you on the road.
What is a DMV Hearing After a DUI Arrest?
A DMV hearing is an administrative proceeding that determines whether your driver’s license should be suspended after a DUI arrest. It is completely separate from your criminal DUI case.
The hearing officer reviews the evidence, hears testimony if necessary, and decides whether your driving privileges should be suspended.
Even if the prosecutor later reduces or dismisses your DUI charges, the DMV can still suspend your license unless you successfully challenge the administrative action. Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with an Orange County DUI DMV hearing lawyer who understands how these hearings work and what it takes to prepare a strong defense.
The 10-Day Deadline to Request a DMV Hearing
After a DUI arrest, you have only 10 calendar days from the date you are served with the Order of Suspension/Revocation to request a DMV hearing and protect your driving privileges. If you miss this deadline, your driver’s license may be automatically suspended once your temporary license expires.
Requesting the hearing also allows the attorney handling your case to request a stay of the suspension. A stay usually allows you to continue driving until the DMV hearing has been completed and a decision has been made.
Because this deadline comes quickly, contacting an attorney as soon as possible can help protect your driving privileges. Our team can help you connect with a DUI defense attorney quickly so important deadlines are not missed.
How an Orange County DUI DMV Hearing Lawyer Can Help
A DMV hearing gives you the chance to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license before it takes effect. Having an experienced Orange County DUI DMV hearing attorney handle the hearing can make the process less stressful. A lawyer may be able to:
- Request your DMV hearing through California DMV’s Driver Safety online case management system before the 10-day deadline.
- Request a stay of your license suspension.
- Review the evidence against you.
- Challenge breath or blood test procedures and equipment.
- Coordinate your DMV hearing strategy with your criminal DUI defense.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with an attorney who understands both California DUI law and the DMV Administrative Per Se process. Taking action early gives your attorney more time to prepare your defense and protect your driving privileges.
Possible Outcomes of a DMV Hearing
There are several outcomes that are possible after a DMV hearing. The result may depend on the evidence presented, the circumstances of your arrest, and whether any issues are found with the DMV’s case. Possible outcomes include:
- License suspension set aside: If the hearing officer rules in your favor, your license suspension may be canceled, called a DMV set aside, allowing you to keep your driving privileges.
- Restricted driver’s license: In some cases, you may qualify for a restricted license that allows you to drive to approved locations, such as work, school, or DUI classes.
- License suspension upheld: If the DMV finds that the suspension is justified, your driving privileges may be suspended for the required period.
- Further legal options: Depending on the circumstances, you may have options to challenge the DMV’s decision through an administrative review or court action.
A lawyer can review the details of your case and help you understand which outcomes may be possible.
Why Use Los Angeles DUI Lawyer?
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer is a trusted resource for people facing DUI charges throughout Southern California. The site can connect you with an experienced DUI defense attorney who understands Orange County DMV hearings and can help you build the strongest defense possible. Through our services, you can be connected with an attorney who can:
- Act quickly before the 10-day deadline expires.
- Request your DMV hearing and stay of suspension.
- Review the evidence in your case.
- Challenge problems with chemical testing or police procedures.
- Develop a strategy for both your DMV hearing and criminal DUI case.
- Fight to protect your driving privileges whenever possible.
When you’re facing both a criminal DUI case and a DMV hearing, every day matters. Missing deadlines or making mistakes during the process can affect your ability to keep your driver’s license.
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Driving Privileges
After a DUI arrest, you have only 10 days to request a DMV hearing to protect your driving privileges. Waiting too long could lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension before your criminal case is resolved.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer has helped connect thousands of people facing DUI charges with experienced defense attorneys.
If you need help protecting your driving privileges, we can connect you with a trusted lawyer who can review your case, explain your options, and request your DMV hearing before the deadline. Reach out today to get started with a free consultation.
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