California DUI License Suspension

If you are convicted of DUI, part of your punishment may include license suspension. For most people, the loss of driving privileges is a huge inconvenience and can even lead to job loss and financial difficulties.

If you are ever pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence, the officer is supposed to allow you to select between a breath or blood test. However, because of implied consent laws, if you refuse to take either test, the police officer will take your license away and give you an official suspension notice right then and there. Once you receive this notice, you have ten days to contest your suspension. In order to do this, you will need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to request a hearing.



On the other hand, if you fail a blood or breath test and it is your first offense, you will only lose your license for four months. This sentence may be reduced if you agree to participate in an alcohol education program and only use your vehicle for work purposes. If you refused testing, however, you will be required to serve your entire sentence.

For second-time offenders, you may lose your license for a year. You’ll face a two year suspension on your third offense. And, if you are pulled over twice within ten years and refuse to take an alcohol test on both occasions, you may also lose your license for two years.

If your driver’s license has been suspended due to your failure or refusal to take an alcohol test, you will most likely want to request a DMV hearing. With an experienced DUI attorney on your side, your case could even be dropped, which means you will get your driving privileges back. However, if a hearing is not requested within 10 days, your license will automatically be suspended.

The outcome of your DMV hearing will be determined by a DMV employee who acts as both judge and prosecutor. During the course of the hearing, all evidence will be brought against you including witness testimonial and alcohol test results.

Due to the time and experience required to properly defend your case, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney who is experienced in California DUI law. The right lawyer can question evidence and provide the aggressive representation you need. If you’re facing a DMV hearing, make sure you have someone there who knows the ins and outs of DUI law.