Can You Afford to Lose Your California Driver's License?
If you or someone you love has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there is grave risk the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend or revoke a driver's license.
These suspensions do not wait for trial and can happen as soon as 30 days after a driving under the influence (DUI) arrest. Yet, without drivers' licenses, many people in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding area find it almost impossible to acquire and maintain work.
I am attorney Edward J. Blum. My law firm, The Law Office of Edward J. Blum in Los Angeles, has more than 14 years experience defending the driving rights of people who are accused of drunk or drugged driving. For a free consultation, contact us today at 213-599-7005.
Why You Need a Los Angeles DUI DMV Hearing Defense Lawyer
The DMV doesn't play around when it comes to playing with your livelihood. Consider the following:
No breaks for first-offenders
For a DUI first offense, the DMV will suspend a driver's license for a minimum four months. If it is a second or third offense, they will suspend it for two years or three years, respectively.
Suspensions longer for test refusals
If you refused to take a Breathalyzer or other blood-alcohol content test at the time of your arrest, the penalties are even greater.
- A first offense can result in a one-year suspension and no chance of receiving a restricted license.
- A second conviction following a test refusal automatically results in a two-year suspension.
- A third refusal/conviction translates into a three-year suspension.
Out-of-staters are subject to California law
If you live in a neighboring state outside California but were arrested for DUI here, the same penalties are likely to apply.
Benefits of Your Glendale Suspended License Lawyer
But why do you have only 10 days to act? And how can your license be suspended or revoked prior to your trial? Welcome to California law.
In a process related to, but separate from, the California DUI court process, the DMV can suspend the license of a motorist accused of drunk or drugged driving — whether or not that motorist was actually intoxicated or will be convicted later.
For an accused motorist to preserve driving privileges, he or she must request a hearing before the DMV within 10 days of arrest. At the hearing, the motorist must convince a DMV hearing officer that he or she should be allowed to continue driving.
Public defenders are not allowed to attend these hearings. Personal attorneys hired by the accused are allowed to attend. The issues at the DMV are highly technical and motorists who defend themselves seldom succeed.
If you think hiring a lawyer is too expensive, consider the cost of losing your ability to drive.
The California DMV Doesn't Wait — Neither Should You
The DMV does not wait to see if drivers are innocent of DUI before stripping them of driving privileges. They are unlikely to make an exception for you. Don't wait until your license is suspended to consult with an attorney.
Given the complexities of the DUI DMV process, I recommended highly that you hire an attorney to represent you at this hearing if you wish to keep your license.
Hire competent, effective attorney Edward J. Blum to preserve your rights. Call 213-599-7005 today or contact me by e-mail here.
