Setting Up a DMV Hearing

Consult with a Bakersfield DUI Lawyer – Call (661) 771-3077

The first step in the process of defending a driving under the influence (DUI) charge is to set up a hearing with the DMV to appeal the suspension of your license. When a person is arrested for DUI, the arresting officer will confiscate their license and send it to the California DMV in exchange for a 30-day temporary license.

When this time period expires, a person’s license will be automatically suspended unless a DMV hearing is requested within 10 days of their arrest. If you have been arrested for DUI, our Bakersfield DUI attorneys can help you schedule a hearing and advocate for a reinstatement of your license.

What Happens at a DMV License Suspension Hearing?

If you request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest, your license suspension will be delayed until a decision is reached at your hearing. Your license will not be suspended if you prevail at your hearing. It is important to remember, however, that a separate license suspension can still occur if you are later convicted of DUI in court.

While this hearing is separate from your court case, you may still be represented by an attorney. DMV hearings can be either in-person or over the phone. Public defenders will not represent you during this hearing, though a private attorney can appear on your behalf. Our lawyers can greatly improve your chances of winning your hearing, saving your driving privileges in the process.

This DMV hearing can also be an invaluable opportunity to begin preparing your defense in court. Our attorneys can subpoena and cross-examine your arresting officer and search for potential flaws in the prosecution’s claims. A record of the officer’s testimony can be important later on when advocating for a reduction or dismissal of your charges.

How Do I Set Up a Hearing?

To schedule a hearing, you or your attorney may do so by calling the Bakersfield Driver Safety Office by phone at (661) 771-3077. A representative will request your full name, driver’s license number, date of birth, and correct mailing address. If you fail to attend your scheduled date, the DMV will proceed with its case against you and will suspend your license.

What Happens if I Lose My DMV Hearing?

If you lose your DMV hearing, your license will be suspended for anywhere between four months to three years’ time. The length of your suspension will be influenced by several factors, including your history of DUI offenses and whether or not you refused a chemical test at the time of your arrest.

Hard-Hitting DUI Defense in Bakersfield, CA

If you have been arrested for DUI, it is vital that you contact a criminal defense lawyer from Campbell Whitten as soon as possible to schedule your DMV hearing and maximize your chances of preserving your right to drive. Our firm has handled thousands of DUI cases and can provide the knowledgeable advocacy you need to help you get through this difficult time.

Unlike other firms who hand their clients’ cases off to a single attorney or paralegal, our entire team of skilled legal professionals has a hand in representing each individual case, giving our clients the resources they need to greatly improve their chances of securing desirable outcome for their situation.