How the Legal Process Works Once Charged with a DUI
The California DUI legal process is complex. There are two separate legal actions involved with a DUI charge in California. One is the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. The second is any potential criminal charges.
Once you are arrested for driving under the influence in California, a police officer will confiscate your driver’s license and will complete a license suspension or revocation form and forward that to the DMV. The DMV will then conduct a review where it examines the officer’s report, the suspension or revocation order, and test results. The DMV then decides whether to uphold the driver’s license suspension or revocation. You have the right to request a hearing to protest the suspension or revocation within 10 days of receiving the order. At the end of the suspension or revocation period, you can get your license back by paying a fee to the DMV and providing proof of financial responsibility.
The second part of the CA DUI is the criminal case. This is where a court determines if you are guilty of a criminal act – driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The criminal case can be carried out in a mixture of ways, including a guilty plea, a plea bargain, getting the charges dismissed, and proceeding to trial. If you are acquitted in the criminal trial, the license suspension or revocation will be reversed by the DMV.
A California DUI conviction or arrest can be serious. You need a law firm that is experienced at fighting DUI charges and dedicated to its clients. Call the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf today. Our knowledgeable Los Angeles DUI attorneys are waiting to help. For a free consultation, contact us at (310) 277-1707.
