Can the DMV or the court really take my license?
If this is your first DUI in Court and DMV (at least in the last 10 years), then regardless of what happens in court, the DMV will usually attempt to suspend your license for 4 months as soon as your pink 30-day temporary license expires. We can convert most of this suspension into a restricted non-commercial license so you can drive to, from, and during your employment. The suspension increases to one year if you refused to take a blood or breath test—or if you were under 21 years old at the time of the arrest. If you were a commercial license holder, then you will lose your commercial privileges for one year.
In addition, a criminal court conviction will result in a separate suspension for six months. This separate suspension increases to ten months if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was at or above 0.20% or you refused to take a blood or breath test. The court suspension increases to one year if there were injuries. While the DMV and court suspensions run together, both may be avoidable if you retain the services of a trusted Northern California criminal defense attorney.
If you have one or more prior suspensions for a DUI or alcohol-related 'Wet' reckless driving in the last 10 years, then the DMV will attempt to suspend your license for one year with no possibility of a hardship exception. That suspension increases to two years if you have one prior and refused to take a blood or breath test during this latest arrest, or three years if you have two priors and refused the tests. In addition, a court conviction results in a two-year suspension if you have one prior, a three-year revocation if you have two priors, and a four-year revocation if you have three priors. The period of revocation is even greater if there were injuries caused by the DUI driving. If you have a commercial license then your commercial privileges would be revoked for life after your second DUI.
These suspensions can be vigorously analyzed and litigated at a DMV hearing, if you act quickly. Your DUI defense attorney can show you how to cut most court suspensions in half or obtain a work license to maintain employment.
Remember, Ronald Dinan and Associates, is a firm of experienced and aggressive DUI lawyers, who can help in achieving the best outcome in your case. Many times DUI case dispositions will include reduction or outright dismissal of the number and/or severity of criminal charges, diversion programs, probation, reduced fines with installment payments, alternatives to jail, etc.
To get immediate help with your DUI matter, we invite you to call us to discuss your case. We answer all telephone calls in a polite, professional and helpful manner.
| County: | Cities: | Local Phone number: |
| Sonoma County | Santa Rosa | 707-571-5550 |
| Napa County | Napa | 707-252-0102 |
| Marin County | San Rafael | 415-491-0223 |
| Lake County | Lakeport | 707-262-0503 |
| Mendocino County | UKiah | 707-462-5950 |
| Humbolt County | Eureka | 707-445-1348 |