There are a number of things to take into consideration if you are arrested for driving under the influence in Moreno Valley. First, as a defense attorney can tell you, you must remember that you have only ten calendar days from the date of arrest to contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles to place a stay on the automatic suspension of your license. Failure to contact the DMV within ten calendar days will result in the automatic suspension of your license 30 days after the date of arrest (upon the expiration of your pink temporary license). One of our Moreno Valley DUI lawyers could help you through the legal process and work to minimize any potential penalties.
DMV Hearing in a Moreno Valley DUI Case
It is important to understand that there are two actions that are initiated after an arrest for a Moreno Valley DUI. The first is a hearing through the California DMV. As stated above you have only ten calendar days from the date of arrest to request a hearing on the suspension of your license. The hearing is conducted by a hearing officer employed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. It generally lasts one hour and only considers a limited number of issues. The DMV can suspend your license for a minimum of four months on a first offense DUI based solely on the arrest. If you hire a Moreno Valley drunk driving lawyer within ten days of your arrest they can contact the DMV, schedule the hearing and conduct it on your behalf.
Criminal Court Case for a DUI
The criminal court case is started with the arraignment date listed at the bottom of the citation issued to you upon release from arrest. This date is mandatory if you have not hired a Moreno Valley DUI attorney to represent you. Failure to appear at this court hearing will result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. In felony DUI cases you must be present at all court dates even if you hire a lawyer to represent you due to the severity of the crime. It is vital that no matter what the circumstances of your DUI case you hire a competent lawyer to represent you. This is your best chance of receiving a successful outcome in your case.