DMV Hearing Lawyer in California
Being arrested for DUI in California doesn’t just mean facing criminal charges—it also puts your driver’s license at risk.
The DMV can suspend your license even before your court case begins. To protect your right to continue driving, you need to request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest. Having an experienced California DMV hearing lawyer by your side can make all the difference in your DUI case.
Why You Need a DMV Hearing Lawyer After a DUI Arrest?
Most drivers don’t realize that a DUI arrest triggers two separate cases: one in criminal court, and another with the DMV. The DMV case determines whether you keep or lose your license. Without a skilled attorney, you may face an automatic suspension.
A lawyer can:
- File the hearing request on time
- Maximize the length of your temporary license
- Challenge the DMV’s evidence
- Cross-examine witnesses
- Fight for your driving privileges
DMV vs. Criminal Court – What’s the Difference?
The DMV hearing is not about guilt or innocence—it’s an administrative process that only determines fate of your driving privileges. The court case is a criminal proceeding that may have various criminal consequences, including the possibility of jail time.
Timeline and Deadlines You Must Know
You have only 10 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a DMV hearing. If you miss this window, your license will be automatically suspended for at least 4 months starting 30 days after your DUI arrest.
Possible Outcomes of the DMV Hearing
- License reinstated (case dismissed, also referred to as a ‘set aside’)
- License suspension upheld (typically a minimum of 4 months to a maximum of 1 year)
How Our California DMV Hearing Lawyer Can Help?
1-Challenging License Suspension
We carefully review the police report, breath test or blood test results, and any errors in the arrest process to challenge your suspension.
2-Building a Strong Defense
From questioning the validity of chemical tests to highlighting officer mistakes, we build a defense tailored to your case. There are many procedural requirements that police officers must adhere to during a DUI investigation.
Many police officers make mistakes in this process, and those mistakes could result in your DMV case being thrown out.
3-Representing You at the Hearing
We attend the hearing on your behalf, so you don’t have to face the DMV alone. In many instances, our clients do not even participate in the DMV hearing.
Common Reasons Licenses Get Suspended in California:
- DUI court convictions
- Loss of DMV hearing
- Underage DUI
- Refusal to Take a Breathalyzer or Blood Test
- Prior DUI Convictions
- Repeat offenders face harsher DMV penalties, including extended suspensions and mandatory ignition interlock devices.
Benefits of Hiring our Experienced DMV Hearing Attorney:
When your driver’s license is on the line, having an experienced DUI attorney by your side can be the difference between losing your license for many months and keeping your life on track. Here’s how a skilled DMV hearing lawyer can help:
1. In-Depth Knowledge of DMV Rules & Procedures
The DMV hearing process is very different from a criminal trial. There are strict deadlines, unique procedures, and technical rules that most drivers don’t know. In fact, most attorneys don’t know them either. An experienced attorney understands these processes inside and out and ensures nothing is overlooked that could cost you your license. This process requires a strong working knowledge of the following:
- California case law regarding DUIs
- The relevant provisions of the California Vehicle Code
- The provisions of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations
- The guidelines of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- The functionality of the chemical-test instrumentation used in your case
- California evidentiary principles
2. Protecting Your Driving Privileges & Daily Life
Losing your license doesn’t just mean you can’t drive—it can affect your job, education, family responsibilities, and independence. A lawyer fights to keep you driving, whether through a full dismissal, a restricted license, or reduced penalties, so your life isn’t put on hold.
3. Challenging the DMV’s Evidence
From breathalyzer accuracy issues to police officer errors, many DMV cases have weaknesses that only an experienced DUI attorney will spot. Your lawyer can challenge test results, cross-examine witnesses, and expose mistakes that could lead to saving your license.
4. Negotiating for the Best Possible Outcome
Even if a suspension seems unavoidable, a lawyer can often negotiate for a shorter suspension in court, a restricted license, or ignition interlock device—giving you the ability to keep driving and working to satisfy your personal obligations.
5. Reducing Stress & Handling Everything for You
The DMV process is stressful, confusing and intimidating. With an attorney, you won’t have to navigate it alone. Your lawyer will handle the paperwork, deadlines, preparation and hearing representation, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your life.
6. Higher Chance of Success
Statistics show that people who handled their DMV hearings without legal repersetnation are far more likely to lose their license. With a lawyer’s knowledge and experience, your chances of keeping your license and avoiding harsh penalties increase dramatically.
Why Choose California Criminal Defense Center for DMV Hearings in California?
- A high volume of DUI case experience since 2001
- Proven Track Record in DUI & DMV Defense
- Personalized Legal Strategy
- Client Testimonials & Success Stories
- Assignment of a DUI lawyer who personally works closely with you
Work with expert lawyers
Unlike many law offices that assign client cases to young associates, attorney Ardalon Fakhimi will personally handle all significant aspects of your case from start to finish, including all settlement discussions, negotiations, and the trial. He will personally answer all of your questions and navigate you through every stage of your case. We never use inexperienced associates who are just learning the practice of DUI law and criminal law. Similarly, we are NOT a high volume law office. Rather, we emphasize a very personalized attorney-client relationship where our clients are in continuous contact with their DUI and criminal lawyer; not their lawyer’s assistant. Finally, we are a detail-oriented law office that meticulously strategizes every case. That means no stone remains unturned during the course of our representation and through the final disposition of your case.
We serve clients from Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Torrance, for Domestic Violence, Petty Thefts, DUI Under-21 Cases.
FAQs About California DMV Hearings
How long do I have to request a hearing?
You have 10 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing.
Can I keep driving until my hearing?
Yes. If you request the hearing in time, your license remains valid until the DMV renders a decision following the DMV hearing.
Do I need a lawyer, or can I represent myself?
While you can represent yourself, the DMV process is complex. Having a knowledgeable lawyer greatly increases your chances of success.
Don’t risk losing your license. You only have 10 days to act after a DUI arrest. Call California Criminal Defense Center today for a free consultation and let us fight for your right to drive.