Getting arrested for driving under the influence is a serious matter that can lead to many consequences, and one of the first things that often happens is losing your driver’s license, even before your case goes to court. In many situations, your license is automatically suspended just days after your arrest, and if you’re caught driving during this period, you could face additional charges and even more severe penalties.
Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers helps people charged with DUI protect their driving privileges and build a strong defense to keep their lives on track. A DUI arrest can do more than just suspend your license; it can threaten your ability to work, result in jail time, and bring fines, community service, and long-term consequences that affect your future. Understanding the legal process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with both administrative license suspension and court-ordered penalties at the same time.
Our legal team is here to guide you through every step of the process and fight to reduce or stop the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. You don’t have to deal with this alone. With the right defense, you may be able to keep your license, reduce the penalties, and move forward with your life.
After a DUI arrest, the state may suspend your license right away, even before your court case begins. You may also face a longer driver’s license suspension later if you're found guilty in court.
Once you're arrested, the arresting officer usually takes your license and gives you a temporary driver’s license. This is valid for a short time, usually 30 days. If you refused a breath or blood test, or failed it, your license is suspended automatically. This is known as an administrative license suspension.
A suspended license means your right to drive is paused for a period of time. You may be able to get it back after meeting certain requirements. A revoked driver’s license means your license is canceled. You’ll need to apply for a new one after the revocation ends, which can be harder.
Most people don’t realize how fast a license can be suspended after a DUI. It doesn’t take a conviction to lose your license.
Your license may be suspended if:
These can all trigger an administrative license action, even before your criminal case ends.
Suspension times vary by state and situation. A first offense may bring a 6-month suspension. A second DUI can result in a suspension period of 1 year or longer. A suspension imposed for refusing a blood or breath test may last longer than one for failing the test.
Sometimes, yes. You may be able to apply for a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. This is often called restricted driving privileges, but it’s not automatic. You may need to install an ignition interlock device or meet other rules.
Revocation is more serious than suspension. A driver’s license revoked means you lose it for good, at least for a long time.
Revocation typically occurs in cases involving serious or repeat offenses. If your blood alcohol level was very high or there was an injury, the court may revoke your license. It can also happen after too many DUI convictions or if you were caught driving on a suspended license.
It depends on the charge. First-time revocations may last a year or more. With multiple offenses, you could lose your license for several years. After a conviction, the court decides how long the revocation will last.
To get your license back, you may need to:
This process is challenging and time-consuming. A lawyer can help you show that you’re ready to drive again.
You don’t have to accept a suspended or revoked license. You can challenge the action and ask for a hearing.
After a DUI arrest, you only have a few days to ask for a DMV hearing. If you miss this deadline, your license is suspended automatically. The hearing looks at your blood alcohol concentration, your chemical test, and whether the officer followed the law.
You may win your hearing if:
A skilled attorney can present these arguments and fight to save your license.
A DUI attorney knows how to handle both the DMV and the court. While the DMV tries to suspend your license fast, we fight to stop it. In court, we work to reduce or drop your criminal charge. We may challenge the breath test, dispute faulty blood test results, or question the legality of the stop.
We also assist with applying for a restricted license if necessary. You don’t have to face the system alone. The legal team at Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers is here to protect your driving privileges.
Losing your license isn’t the only penalty. But it can happen even if you don’t get convicted.
The DMV handles the administrative license suspension. It starts right after the arrest. The criminal case happens in court and decides your guilt. These are two separate processes. You can win one and lose the other.
Even if your case gets dismissed, your license may still be suspended if the DMV says your blood alcohol was too high. That’s why it’s important to fight both the DMV and the court case with help from a defense attorney.
1. Can My License Be Suspended Even Before I Go to Court for a DUI?
Yes. In many DUI cases, your license is automatically suspended right after the arrest. This happens even if your court conviction hasn’t happened yet. If you want to keep your ability to drive legally, it’s important to act fast and request a hearing to challenge the suspension.
2. What’s the Difference Between a Court Conviction and an Administrative Suspension?
A court conviction is when a judge finds you guilty of DUI charges, which can lead to more penalties. An automatic suspension happens through the DMV and is separate from the court process. Both can affect your driving privileges and lead to your license being suspended.
3. What if I Need to Drive to Work or Take Care of My Family?
If your license is suspended, you might still qualify for a restricted license. This allows you to legally drive to essential places, such as work, school, or medical appointments. However, you must follow strict rules and apply immediately after the hearing decision.
4. Can Reckless Driving Also Lead to a Suspended License?
Yes. In California, reckless driving is a serious offense involving motor vehicles, and it can result in the suspension of your license. If it's tied to alcohol or drugs, you may also face DUI charges along with other consequences.
5. What Can I Do if the DMV Hearing Didn’t Go In My Favor?
If the hearing decision leads to a suspension, you still have legal options. A lawyer can review your case to see if there are any mistakes. You may be able to appeal the decision or prepare a better defense for your court conviction to protect your right to drive legally.
If you're facing a DUI and worried about losing your license, now is the time to act. Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers understands how stressful it is to deal with a license suspension, court dates, and pressure from the DMV. We help you protect your rights, challenge the charges, and push to keep your driving privileges.
We have helped many drivers reduce their penalties, keep their restricted licenses, and even avoid license suspension. Our team fights hard to protect your freedom to drive and to make sure one mistake doesn’t ruin your life. Whether you refused a breath test, failed a blood test, or have multiple offenses, we are ready to stand by your side.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case and how we can help you move forward.
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