What happens to my license if I am charged with a DUI?
Before a person even appears in court, it’s important to first understand that once someone is charged with a DUI...
Before a person even appears in court, it’s important to first understand that once
someone is charged with a DUI, the Department of Motor Vehicles opens an
administrative proceeding. This process is separate from the court hearings. The DMV
hearing can lead to a loss of license. However, if you demand a hearing within 7 days,
you will get a temporary license until your DMV hearing. At the DMV hearing, you can
confront the officer against you for why they pulled you over or if they had enough
evidence to ask you to submit to testing. An attorney at these proceedings is invaluable
to protect your license, but to also obtain information that can assist you in the criminal
court.
In court, the nature of your plea greatly impacts your license. A plea to a DUI will
put 12 points on your license and suspend your license. A DWAI (driving while ability
impaired), puts 8 points on your license and does not automatically suspend your
license.
I have helped people protect their license both at the DMV hearing as well as in
court. It is important to have a seasoned lawyer by your side. I’ve helped numerous
clients keep their license and avoid jail so that one mistake does not derail their life
completely.
