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The Piper Law Firm
8350 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite #200
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

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323.556.0766

The State of California considers driving a privilege and not a right. This is true even in sprawling Southern California where it is not uncommon to find people who live in one location and not another.  When the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) threatens to suspend a driver's license, it is a very serious matter.  Therefore, hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference.

There are a number of reasons why and how the DMV can revoke or suspend a driving privilege. These include: too many points on a license (also known as negligent operator); driving under the influence of alcohol and for medical reasons. 

One of the most common reasons for a driving suspension is for Driving Under the Influence.  An arrest or conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can, and often does, result in a suspension of the driving privileges of the offender. The only way to halt the suspension is to fight the DMV in a hearing.  Taking on the DMV requires knowledge and skill.  Therefore it is important to have the right lawyer in your corner. 

When someone is arrested for DUI, the arresting officer takes the person’s driver’s license.  The arrested person is then given a temporary license.  This temporary license is merely a piece of paper and it serves as the person’s driver’s license until they are officially notified by DMV that their driving privilege has been suspended or revoked.

To avoid a suspension, the arrested person must request a hearing within ten days.  If a hearing is not requested within the ten day period DMV will automatically suspend the person’s license for a period of time. Failure to request the hearing will result in an automatic suspension.

Negligent operators, or those with too many points, are notified that the DMV will suspend their license through the mail.  The licensee must request a hearing to protect their license.  Failing to do so within a ten day period forever forecloses the ability to challenge the DMV's actions.

There are a number of ways the DMV learns of medical conditions that require a suspension.  Doctors sometimes report their patients.  Some people self-report to the DMV.  Others are reported by the police after an accident.  No matter how the DMV is notified, once it decides to take action the licensee must request a hearing if they want to continue to drive.

Regardless of the reason for the suspension or revocation, if a hearing is requested within the time frame, it will occur at a DMV hearing office.  The outcome of the hearing will determine the fate of the driver’s privilege. The DMV conducts this action independent of the Court system. Therefore, it is possible for no criminal DUI charges to ever be brought, yet still lose one’s license through the DMV administrative process.

To protect the rights of the licensee, the hearing must conducted correctly and thoroughly.  To be adequately protected, the licensee should hire an attorney who knows the DMV procedures and system.

We at the Piper Law Firm have represented numerous clients in DMV administrative hearings. If you are in danger of losing your license to the DMV, contact us.  You cannot afford to lose your license.  We can help.