Because California has such strict DUI laws, one of the consequences of being convicted of a California DUI is the potential of losing your drivers license. For many, this means an inability to get to work, run errands or properly care for our home and family.  While public transportation may be an alternative, it will not work for everyone.

DUI convictions almost always will result in loss of driving privileges for a period of time ranging from about thirty days up to years.  Most of this depends on the charges that are brought against you.  If you continue to drive after a DUI license suspension, you will be subject to prosecution under the laws governing driving with a suspended license which carry significant penalties including mandatory jail time.  You should never drive with a suspended drivers license – not only is it illegal but it may be impossible to defend if you do.

Just because you have been arrested for DUI does not mean that you will lose your right to drive.  It is never automatic and should be fought to the fullest extent of the law.  This loss of driving privileges may be successfully disputed. 

Many believe that if they are subject to revocation of driving rights that there is nothing that can be done. This is simply a falsehood. Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer can increase your chances of retaining your right to drive. 

Court-Triggered License Suspensions

If you are convicted for a first offense of DUI the court will automatically suspend your drivers license for six months. This is mandated by Vehicle Code 13352(a)(1).  A conviction requires the court to notify the DMV and they then impose the suspension. 

There is also what is known as an “Administrative” suspension that is part of Vehicle Code 13353.2 which is done through the DMV regardless of court proceedings.  It's important that you understand your rights to a DMV hearing regardless of the suspension and that you have the right to be represented by a qualified Riverside DUI attorney in this hearing. 

A person arrested for DUI with a BAC of .08 or higher also faces an administrative drivers license suspension. See Vehicle Code 13353.2. This proceeding is through the DMV and is independent of the DUI court proceedings. We know it's confusing. But suffice it to say that California gets two bites at the apple-that apple being your privilege to drive.. If you win your hearing, no administrative license suspension is imposed. If you lose your hearing, the DMV suspends your license for four months. See Vehicle Code 13353.3.

The laws and regulations that apply to DUI offense and loss of driving privileges are very confusing and you need to fully understand all of your rights.  At Rizio and Nelson, we are committed to helping you successfully win Riverside DUI license suspensions.  While we cannot guarantee that we can help you maintain your driving rights, we can combine our years of experience, our dedication and our knowledge of California DUI laws to help ensure that you have the best possible chance of succeeding in fighting the loss of your right to drive.  Contact Rizio & Nelson today for a successful DUI License suspension defense.