DMV Hearings
The Driver Safety Office of the DMV holds hearings on issues of driver safety including Negligent Operator Hearings, Fitness Hearings and DMV Hearings following a DUI arrest.
Moving violations and at fault accidents result in penalty points on a Licensee's driving record. Four or more points in one year, six or more in two years or eight or more in three years can lead to a six months license suspension. DUI convictions result in two penalty points as do reckless driving convictions and driving on a suspended license.
If you receive a notice from the DMV stating that your privilege to drive is to be suspended as a result of too many accumulated points, you are entitled to a Hearing to challenge the suspension. This is called a Negligent Operator Hearing. You are normally given fourteen days from the date of the Notice to request the Hearing. You should contact the Driver Safety Office in your area of residence to schedule the Hearing. In Orange County, the DMV office is in Irvine and can be reached at (949)440 4416.
There are three Offices in Los Angeles County, El Segundo (310)615 3522, Commerce (323)724 4000 and Van Nuys (818)376 4217. The DMV can take into account your need to drive, the mileage you drive and your explanation as to the individual traffic tickets in deciding to allow you to continue to drive, despite the points, on a probationary license. Driving in California is considered a privilege by the DMV, but in reality most people need to drive to earn a living in Southern California. This is very important to you and you should consult with a qualified Los Angeles or Orange County DMV Attorney immediately to maximize your chances of success at the Hearing.
The DMV can also suspend a person's privilege to drive if they receive information that a person is no longer fit to drive. This can result from a medical condition, age, or drug or alcohol addiction. If you receive a Notice from the DMV stating their intent to suspend you, you need to consult with a DMV hearing lawyerto schedule a Fitness Hearing. This is your opportunity to prove to the DMV that you are a fit person to drive and not a danger to the public.
The DMV Driver Safety Office is also the Office to contact if you have been arrested for a DUI. You are given only ten days from the date of your arrest to request this important Hearing. Suspension periods for DUI arrests vary from four months to three years depending on the circumstances. This DMV Hearing is your opportunity to avoid a license suspension.
If you face one of the above three circumstances, time is of the essence in taking the necessary steps to schedule a DMV Hearing. Gold & Witham is a drunk driving defense law firm experienced in DMV Hearings in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Contact them today at (800) 716-6791.