DUI is a serious charge, and a DUI conviction has real-life consequences. If convicted, you’ll face significant fines and fees, suspension or revocation of your license and a criminal record. Depending on the severity of your infraction and whether you have prior convictions, you could also be looking at jail time or probation.
These are the reasons you’re hiring a DUI defense lawyer with a proven record of success. You’ve decided you’re ready to fight to protect your rights and put this mistake behind you.
What Can You Do After A DUI Arrest To Protect Or Regain Your Driving Privileges?
A California DUI charge results in two actions a civil action (a Department of Motor Vehicles hearing) and a criminal action in court. A suspended or revoked license is a potential penalty in either action.
A license suspension is temporary and ends when specific conditions are met, whereas a license revocation terminates your driving privileges and invalidates your license. A revoked license is more difficult to reinstate.
When you’re arrested, law enforcement will confiscate your license and provide you with a one-month temporary license with no restrictions. This will enable you to drive while you await the outcome of your DMV hearing. However, you must request a hearing with the DMV within 10 days of your arrest. This request will ensure you can continue to drive while your case is pending, even after 30 days.
If you don’t prevail at the DMV hearing or are convicted of DUI in court, your license will be suspended or, possibly, revoked. The length of your suspension or revocation depends on several factors, including:
- Whether your DUI is a first-time or repeated offense
- Refusal to submit to chemical testing on arrest
- Your blood alcohol concentration, as recorded during your arrest
- Whether you injured or killed someone while DUI
- And more . . .
After serving your period of suspension, you have two options: you can request either a work-restricted license or an ignition interlock device (IID) license from the DMV.
The work-restricted license will permit you to drive to and from work and to and from your DUI program only. The IID license allows you to drive anywhere at any time, provided you first pass a breathalyzer that controls your vehicle's ignition. As of 2019, both restricted licenses require the installation of an IID at your own expense and the payment of fees to the DMV.
Both restricted licenses will also require you to file a Form SR-22 (Certificate of Financial Responsibility) that verifies you’re carrying California’s minimum required auto insurance coverage. You’ll also be required to attend a state-licensed DUI program or “DUI school.”
You’re ready to confront your DUI charges head-on. Choose a proven champion to defend you.
Are you committed to doing everything you can to defend against your DUI charge? Aaron Bortel can help. His years of focused experience defending DUI clients throughout the Bay Area can help ensure the best possible outcome. Starting with a thorough evaluation of your case, he can identify inconsistencies in evidence and procedural missteps that will be key to your defense.
You are aware of the significant consequences at stake and the importance of acting promptly on a DUI charge to avoid more severe penalties. Protect your future by contacting the Law Firm of Aaron Bortel today at (415) 223-7290 or visiting our contact page to schedule a free case evaluation.
