How To Save Your Driving Privileges After A DUI Arrest In Marin County

If you are ever arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Marin County or anywhere in the Bay Area, your driving privileges are at risk, and it is important to act fast. The police will almost certainly take your license at the scene or later at the station, giving you instead a (pink) administrative suspension order that lets you drive for only 30 more days before the suspension of your license comes into effect.

The first step to preserve your ability to drive is to request that suspension be lifted by requesting an administrative hearing at the DMV within just 10 days of your arrest. This is also the ideal time to contact your strongest ally in the fort to keep on driving: an experienced DUI lawyer.

How Can An Attorney Handle The Driver’s License DMV Hearing?

Some attorneys are not very familiar with the DMV procedures and might not even provide you with the right information. However, there are only a small handful of experienced DUI lawyers in Marin County who will handle everything about your case, including the DMV procedures, to help you keep driving. Having such an ally at your side can make a substantial difference in both the outcome and for your driving privileges.

On the other hand, if you choose to represent yourself, you will have to handle the DMV hearing on your own. I do not advise this, because most people do not understand the rules and regulations that apply to administrative per se law, or even what is at stake and how to prevent it.

What Are The Advantages Of Working With A Lawyer For The DMV Hearing?

As long as you contact me within 10 days of your DUI arrest, I can:

1. Request the DMV hearing and prepare for it to increase your chances of avoiding the suspension.
2. Save you the time and stress of testifying at or even attending the DMV hearing.
3. Take care of the bureaucratic procedures and ensure that important dates are not missed.
4. Provide clear guidance and careful instructions for you to easily follow throughout.
5. Keep you posted on the process and remain available at any time for email and calls.

If you want to keep driving and protect your right to get behind the wheel legally, a good lawyer is your strongest advantage.

How Can I Save My Driver’s License After Getting Arrested For A DUI In Marin County?

You might feel like your license is lost, but there are ways to save your driver’s license or, at least, your driving privileges after getting arrested for a DUI in Marin County.

1. The Ideal Outcome
   The first and most effective method is to win both your DMV hearing and your court case. If we can pull that off for you, as we have for many clients, there will be no consequences at all on your driver’s license or freedom to drive. This is the optimal outcome, and a chance for it is one of the main reasons why smart drivers in Marin County call our firm after an arrest. However, it is far from easy or straightforward, and in many cases, the DA will have too much evidence, or the DMV will be too strict. But that does not mean you won’t be able to drive.
   
2. Fighting The DMV Suspension
   The DMV is not very lenient about suspensions, and even a first-offense DUI drug case, like a marijuana case, can end up with a four-month suspension. As the case gets more complicated or serious, that number can quickly rise, especially with prior convictions or greater evidence against you. For example, if you were well over the legal limit of 0.08, then it may be more difficult to defend the case. That is not a reason to give up, however; even if the DMV does end up suspending your license after the hearing, we can help you get behind the wheel again almost immediately. This is done by requesting a restricted license and by fulfilling certain requirements, such as having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Depending on the alcohol level involved, you may need to have the ignition interlock device for four months or considerably longer. This is not automatic, however, depending on the circumstances, where you live, and your needs, you may instead be prohibited from driving at all for anywhere from one month to four months, followed, only afterwards, by five months of restricted driving. Securing a better situation for your driving ability and freedom is one of the many reasons you need a skilled DUI lawyer.
3. A Courtroom Win
   If you decide to contest the DUI case despite a DMV suspension, you may be able to get the suspension lifted if you win your DUI case. If your lawyer is able to get the claim dropped or dismissed in court, that may be enough to get the suspension reversed.As long as the court’s reasons, or the evidence presented, are sufficient to meet the DMV’s standard, your lawyer can see that it also ends the suspension.

Why Is It So Important To Keep Driving (And Get A Lawyer To Help)?

The ability to drive is critical for most of us here in Marin County, especially those who need to get to work, run errands, or take their kids to school; obtaining a restricted license allows for this.

To obtain a restricted license, whether it’s work-restricted or interlock-restricted, you will have to enroll in DUI school and have SR-22 insurance. The ignition interlock device would need to be installed in your vehicle, and you need to show proof of installation of the IID to DMV. There is also a reissue fee to get any restricted license.

It’s very important to hire an experienced DUI lawyer to help with all of these steps. Doing so without the help of a lawyer will definitely result in longer delays and suspension periods. It’s wise to hire someone who deals with these cases on a daily basis.

For more information on driving despite a DUI arrest in Marin County, a free initial consultation is the right place to get started. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling San Rafael, CA (415) 520-7182 | San Francisco, CA (415) 520-6815 today.