License Suspension
How long will my license be suspended for DUI in California?
The length of your license suspension for DUI depends on the severity of your offense and any previous offenses on your record. If you are successful in your DMV hearing or your DUI charges are dropped though, your driver's license will not be suspended at all. Suspension lengths are detailed in the California Vehicle Code and are as follows.
First Offense DUI
If this is your first drunk driving arrest, or your previous DUI conviction happened more than ten years ago, your driver's license will be suspended for:
- 4 months (if you took the chemical test)
- 1 year
If you are arrested for driving under the influence while under the age of 21, you could face the similar suspension periods. The only difference is that administrative per se (APS) suspension can occur if any measurable alcohol content is found in your system (rather than the .08% threshold).
Second and Subsequent DUIs
If this is your second, third, or fourth DUI within the past ten years, you could face driver's license suspension for:
- 1-2 years for a second offense
- 1-3 years for a third offense
- Possible permanent revocation for a fourth offense
Felony DUI Suspension
Felony DUIs are those drunk driving offenses that cause injury or death. Felony DUI can also be charged for a person's fourth DUI within 10 years. Felony drunk driving offenses can warrant the following suspension periods:
- 4 years of license suspension
- Permanent revocation
Restricted Driving Privileges
If your license is suspended for DUI in Long Beach, you could petition to the DMV to get a restricted driver's license. This petition happens separate from the DMV hearing. If granted, you will be allowed to drive to and from work only.
Contact a DUI Attorney in Long Beach
You may not have to face driver's license suspension! Talk to a Long Beach DUI lawyer at our firm to learn more about defense strategies that could protect your right to drive. Gold & Witham has more than 40 years of experience and the proven defense methods you need to fight your charges. Call us today to discuss DUI criminal representation and/or DMV hearing defense.
