When a DUI Leads to Driver’s License Suspension

If you are arrested for DUI in California, the state will file a criminal DUI case against you, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin an administrative proceeding against you to suspend your driving privilege. Your driver’s license could be automatically suspended in 30 days unless you or your attorney request an administrative hearing within 10 days of your arrest.

But how do you request a hearing? And what do you look for in the reports? What do you do at the hearing once it’s scheduled? We can help. Over the last 40+ years, Christoph Law Offices, servicing Vista and surrounding areas, has handled more than 5,000 Driving Under the Influence cases, from first offenses to prior DUI offenses (in the past 10 years), felony DUIs with multiple priors, DUI with accident or injury and DUI manslaughter.

Call for a free initial consultation: 760-941-5720.

A Reputation for Excellence as DUI Defense Attorneys

We are a father-son team with Nick joining in 2007. Our attorneys are well known and respected at the Vista Courthouse and in the criminal defense community in San Diego County. Attorney William Christoph is a former USMC captain, Deputy San Diego City Attorney, and one of the longest practicing criminal defense attorneys in San Diego. He has the highest possible peer review rating in both legal ability and legal ethics, the Martindale-Hubbell AV rating.*

Christoph Law Offices has been across from the Vista Courthouse for 40+ years, where they have dealt on a daily basis with local district attorneys, judges, and law enforcement. Over the last 15 years, Nicholas Christoph has also handled many misdemeanor DUIs, DUIs with priors and felony DUI cases. He is a respected DUI defense lawyer, and is well-versed in handling related DMV matters, including driver’s license suspension cases.

We Can Defend You if Your Suspension Is DUI-Related

Driving on a suspended license is a serious misdemeanor and can result in vehicle impoundment, jail, large fines, points on your license and additional suspension. There are ways to get charges dismissed or reduced to lesser offenses or get reduced penalties. Some of them are technical and based on the type and imposition of any suspension; others involve addressing underlying causes of the suspension.

If you were stopped for driving on a suspended license because of a DUI, you face your vehicle being impounded, a minimum of 10 days in jail up to six months, large fines, and an ignition Breathalyzer just to start your car for one to three years, even if there was no alcohol involved in your stop for driving on a DUI suspended license.

Nicholas Christoph and William Christoph have handled hundreds of suspended license cases and can tell you what needs to be done to get the best resolution of your case. They have extensive experience dealing with the DMV and licensing issues, as well as the local courts. They will provide you with an honest and realistic legal analysis of your case and handle all the court appearances for you.

Please our blog post on DUI license suspension law changes that took place in 2019.

What Is The Notice Of Suspension Or “Pink Sheet”?

If you are arrested for a DUI in California, you will receive a pink sheet, which is another term for the Notice of Suspension. This notice is meant to inform you that your license will be suspended 30 days from the date of arrest and you have only 10 days to contact DMV to set a hearing to challenge the suspension. It also serves as a temporary license to drive for 30 days.

Contrary to common belief, this suspension is independent of any criminal proceedings. It is based solely on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or your refusal to take a chemical test. However, under California law, you have a right to challenge the suspension and delay any suspension pending that challenge.

How Much Time Do You Have To Fight A License Suspension?

You have 10 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a hearing with the DMV to contest the license suspension. If you miss this deadline you waive the right to the hearing, the suspension will automatically take effect 30 days from the arrest. Acting quickly is required to try and avoid or at least delay the suspension.

At the hearing, we can challenge the suspension and by setting the hearing delay any suspension so you can fulfill requirements to get reinstated immediately if and when a suspension does occur.

Is It Possible To Obtain A Restricted License After A Suspension?

Yes, you may be able to receive a restricted license after a DUI-related license suspension in California. To qualify, you must serve a 30-day “hard suspension” with no driving privileges.

After this period, you can apply for a restricted license to drive anywhere anytime with proof of DUI Program enrollment, SR 22 Insurance on file, Ignition Interlock device installed and payment of a reissue fee. You can get a limited license for just to and from work without the Interlock after no driving for 30 days, with DUI program proof, SR 22 and a reissue fee. Getting the reinstatement involves visiting a local DMV office, completing the necessary forms and providing all required documentation.

Will Your License Be Reinstated After The Suspension Period Ends?

Your license will likely be reinstated automatically after the suspension period ends, provided you have completed all required steps. This includes paying the license reissue fee, completion of DUI Program, filing your proof of SR 22 insurance.

Notably, if you were driving on a suspended license at the time of your arrest, you could face additional penalties that may need to be addressed before reinstatement.

Discuss Your Case With Us Today

If you have been arrested for a drunk driving offense, contact Christoph Law Offices 24/7 at 760-941-5720 for a free initial consultation. We accept major credit cards and payment plans are available, and are located directly across from the Vista Courthouse and jail.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards.