Driving under the influence charges, whether they involve intoxication by alcohol or drugs, pose significant criminal penalties to those who are convicted. These include fines and fees, probation, court-ordered education courses, community service, and possible terms of imprisonment, depending on the circumstances. In addition to criminal penalties, however, convicted individuals also face considerable consequences when it comes to their driver’s license.
Under California law, drivers convicted of DUI can face a suspension or revocation of their license. By working with proven defense lawyers who have experience fighting both criminal allegations and suspension / revocation administrative hearings with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you can gain the support and representation you need to protect your driving privileges.
As a law firm with extensive experience representing DUI suspects in a range of cases across Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and Southern California, our DUI attorneys at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP know how to effective fight for our clients’ licenses. Here are a few ways we look to help and protect their ability to drive:
- Taking immediate action – When clients come to us as soon as they can after a DUI arrest, we set to work immediately on taking the steps that can help them protect their license. This includes ensuring they appropriately begin the process of requesting a DMV hearing within the strict 10 day timeline following their arrest. This is a critical part of protecting their license, and something that can only be done when defendants take immediate action to call us.
- Temporary / hardship licenses – We know that many people still need to drive in order to work and handle the daily demands of life. While their cases and hearings are still pending, we assist clients in understanding whether they will be able to operate a vehicle in the interim, such as with a temporary license, whether they may be able to obtain a hardship license or use a Ignition Interlock Device (IID) that allows them to drive for limited purposes, or whether they must avoid driving and find alternatives in order not to risk further complications or additional charges in their case. This counsel is invaluable to those who need to drive and want to stay out of trouble.
- Hearing representation – DMV hearings, unlike criminal proceedings, do not deal with determining whether you are guilty of a crime. They only concern where you were impaired behind the wheel and violated California’s vehicle code. Skilled in these administrative hearings, our attorneys can provide the defense, evidence, and counsel clients need as DMV representatives review their arrest and officers’ testimony, and work to make a decision regarding the suspension of their licenses. Without representation at these hearings, drivers are often at a loss for how the process works and what they need to present and focus on in order to protect their driving privileges.
Working with an experienced DUI lawyer from Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP after an arrest can help not only in your criminal case, but also any administrative DMV hearing you choose to pursue. To speak personally with a member of our team about how we can help you, call (800) 295-1054 for a FREE consultation.
