A DUI arrest results in a number of things that are required to be done with the DMV to keep your license and for the Court to help negotiate a resolution and complete sentencing requirements ordered by the Court. When you are arrested, you are given a Court date for the Criminal DUI VC 23152 charge(s) and a pink DMV Notice of Suspension and Temporary License (separate from the Court proceedings). There is a lot to deal with involving the DMV and the Court. Contacting a DUI defense attorney can help you understand what needs to be done for your case.
The pink sheet Notice of Suspension states your license will be suspended in 30 days unless you contact DMV Driver Safety Office within 10 calendar days of your arrest to set a hearing. Even if you eventually lose your license after a hearing, you will keep your license longer (usually 60-90 days) and can coordinate the DMV suspension with any Court suspension. Additionally, it gives you more time to fulfill the requirements to get a restricted license as soon as the suspension kicks in. Failure to set a hearing by calling within 10 days, you waive the right to a hearing and the suspension will be imposed in 30 days if the reports forwarded to DMV support the action.
In order to get your license back if suspended by the DMV or the Court, if eligible, you will need to be enrolled in a California-approved DUI program (which can take weeks in San Diego), get an SR 22 Insurance form on file with DMV, put an Ignition Interlock on your vehicle, and pay a reissue fee. The criminal case will also require the same DUI program, payment of a fine and possibly some volunteer work or custody depending on the facts of the case. The Courts in San Diego County will also require completion of a Victim Impact Panel (VIP). You should start the DUI program ASAP and do the VIP program online early. Doing these things and possibly some AA meetings before your case is resolved can also help your attorney get a better resolution showing you are taking it seriously. After the case is resolved, you will have to see the Court Clerk to set up your fine payment, DUI program, and VIP as well as complete any other Court ordered requirements.
There are many moving parts in any DUI case that need to be addressed for DMV and the Court. Addressing these items early can also help you get a more favorable resolution and many are required anyway after any resolution or license suspension.
