DMV Hearings in Orange County
Administrative Hearings in Southern California
When you drive in California, you consent to take a test of your breath or blood — or under certain circumstances, your urine — if you are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
If you are under 21, you must submit to a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) or one of the other chemical tests if you have been detained and an officer has reason to believe that you were drinking alcohol. If your BAC measures .01% or a higher on the PAS, the officer may take your license; issue a temporary license for 30 day; give you an order of suspension for one year; and then determine whether to release you, turn you over to juvenile authorities, or contact your parents. You may request a DMV administrative hearing within 10 days.
If your PAS showed a BAC of .05%, the officer may require you to submit to either a breath or blood test. Some PAS devices provide a record, which may be submitted in court as evidence. Other PAS devices do not provide a record, so the officer may ask for a breath or blood test after the PAS. You do not have a right to consult with a lawyer before selecting or completing a test.
If a subsequent test reveals a BAC of .05% or higher, the officer will arrest you for DUI and detain you until you can be turned over to your parents or juvenile authorities.
If the officer reasonably believes you are under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs and you have already submitted to a PAS and/or a breath test, you may still be required to submit to a blood or urine test, because the breath test does not detect the presence of drugs.
If you refuse to submit to any of the tests, your driving privilege may be suspended. Even if you change your mind later and agree to a test, your driving privilege may be suspended for both reasons, although both actions will run concurrently. A DUI refusal can have severe consequences both in court and the DMV.
What Is an Administrative Hearing?
In most circumstances where the DMV orders a discretionary action against a person’s driving privilege, that person has the right to a hearing before the department to contest the action and review the evidence supporting it. (A discretionary action is one where the law permits, but does not require, the DMV to order an action.) A person must request a hearing within 10 days of receiving notice of the action against the driving privilege. The hearing proceedings are recorded and conducted by telephone or in person. The hearing is held before a Driver Safety Hearing Officer of the department.
The Administrative Hearing Process
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) conducts administrative hearings to determine the outcome of various issues related to driving privileges, particularly following DUI charges. Understanding how the DMV determines the need for an administrative hearing and the procedures involved can help you navigate this complex process.
Initiating the Hearing Process
- Arrest for DUI: When a driver is arrested for DUI, the arresting officer typically issues an Order of Suspension and a temporary license. This order serves as a formal notice that the DMV intends to suspend the driver's license.
- Request for Hearing: To challenge the suspension, the driver (or their attorney) must request a hearing within a specified timeframe, usually within 10 days of receiving the Order of Suspension. Failure to request a hearing within this period typically results in automatic suspension of the license.
Scheduling the Hearing
Once a hearing request is submitted, the DMV schedules an administrative hearing. This hearing is usually conducted by a DMV hearing officer, who acts as both judge and jury in the proceedings. The hearing is typically scheduled within 30 days of the request, but the exact timeline can vary.
Factors Considered During the Hearing
During the administrative hearing, the DMV hearing officer examines several key factors to determine whether the license suspension should be upheld or dismissed. These factors include:
- Lawfulness of the Arrest: The hearing officer evaluates whether the arresting officer had reasonable cause to believe that the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle. This includes reviewing the circumstances that led to the traffic stop and the officer's observations.
- Chemical Test Results: The hearing officer reviews the results of any chemical tests (breath, blood, or urine) conducted to measure the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). For most drivers, a BAC of 0.08% or higher results in a presumption of DUI. For commercial drivers, the threshold is typically 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any measurable amount can be grounds for suspension.
- Compliance with Testing Procedures: The officer examines whether the chemical tests were administered properly and in compliance with established protocols. This includes ensuring that the testing equipment was calibrated correctly and that the driver was observed for a sufficient period before the test.
- Refusal to Submit to Testing: If the driver refused to submit to chemical testing, the hearing officer determines whether the refusal was unequivocal and whether the driver was properly advised of the consequences of refusing the test. Refusing to take a test often results in an automatic license suspension.
Evidence and Testimonies
During the hearing, both the DMV and the driver (or their attorney) can present evidence and call witnesses. Common evidence includes:
- Police Reports: Detailed reports from the arresting officer outlining the events leading up to the arrest.
- Chemical Test Results: Documentation of BAC levels or other drug tests.
- Witness Testimonies: Statements from the arresting officer, experts, or other witnesses relevant to the case.
- Driver’s Testimony: The driver may also testify on their behalf, providing their account of the incident and any mitigating factors.
Decision and Notification
After reviewing all the evidence and testimonies, the DMV hearing officer makes a decision. The officer can either uphold the license suspension, modify the terms, or set aside the suspension altogether. The driver is typically notified of the decision in writing, and the notification includes details on any further actions or penalties.
What Are the Issues and/or Questions in a DMV APS Hearing?
If you took a blood, breath, or (if applicable) urine test:
- Did the peace officer have reasonable cause to believe you were driving a motor vehicle in violation of Vehicle Code Section 23140 , 23152 , or 23153?
- Were you placed under lawful arrest?
- Were you driving a motor vehicle when you had 0.08% or more alcohol in your blood?
If you refused or failed to complete a blood, breath, or (if applicable) urine test:
- Did the peace officer have reasonable cause to believe you were driving a motor vehicle in violation of Vehicle Code Section 23140 23152 , or 23153?
- Were you placed under lawful arrest?
- Were you told that if you refused to submit to or failed to complete a test of your blood, breath, or (when applicable) urine, your driving privilege would be suspended for one year or revoked for two or three years?
- Did you refuse to submit to or fail to complete a blood or breath test, or (if applicable) a urine test after being requested to do so by a peace officer?
Common Mistakes People Make When Facing a DMV Hearing
Facing a DMV hearing can be a daunting experience, and many individuals unknowingly make mistakes that jeopardize their chances of a favorable outcome. Understanding these common errors is crucial to navigating the process successfully.
- Failing to Request a Hearing Promptly: One of the most frequent mistakes is not requesting a hearing within the allotted timeframe. In California, you typically have only 10 days from receiving the Order of Suspension to request a DMV hearing. Missing this deadline usually results in automatic suspension of your driving privileges.
- Lack of Preparation: Approaching a DMV hearing without adequate preparation is another common error. Many individuals underestimate the importance of gathering and reviewing all relevant evidence. This includes police reports, chemical test results, and any other documentation that can support your case.
- Not Understanding the Legal Process: The DMV hearing process is complex and different from a court trial. Many people do not fully understand their rights and the procedures, leading to confusion and mistakes during the hearing.
- Not Challenging Evidence: Failing to challenge the evidence presented by the DMV, such as improperly administered tests or inaccurate BAC readings, can significantly affect the outcome. Individuals often do not know how to effectively dispute such evidence.
- Lack of Legal Representation: Attempting to handle a DMV hearing without professional legal representation can be a critical mistake. An experienced attorney can provide valuable guidance and advocacy, making a significant difference in the hearing's result.
How an Attorney Can Help Avoid These Mistakes
Hiring an attorney experienced in DMV hearings can be instrumental in avoiding common pitfalls and achieving a more favorable outcome. Here's how a skilled lawyer can assist:
- Timely Request for Hearing: An attorney ensures that your request for a hearing is filed within the necessary timeframe, preventing automatic suspension of your license.
- Comprehensive Case Preparation: A lawyer will thoroughly prepare your case by collecting and analyzing all pertinent evidence. They will identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and gather supporting documents to bolster your defense.
- Navigating the Legal Process: Attorneys understand the intricacies of the DMV hearing process and can guide you through it, ensuring you are aware of your rights and the hearing's procedural aspects.
- Challenging Evidence Effectively: An attorney can effectively challenge the evidence presented against you by questioning the accuracy of chemical tests and the lawfulness of the arrest. They know how to scrutinize every detail to highlight inconsistencies or errors in the evidence.
- Providing Representation: Legal representation for DMV hearings is crucial. An attorney will advocate on your behalf, presenting a strong defense and increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome. They possess the skills to negotiate and potentially reduce penalties or overturn license suspensions.
Avoiding DMV hearing mistakes and having competent legal representation can significantly impact the result of your case. By working with an experienced attorney, you can navigate the hearing process with confidence and protect your driving privileges. If you need assistance with a DMV hearing in Orange County, reach out to our legal team to ensure your rights are safeguarded.
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What Are My Legal Rights at a DMV Administrative Hearing?
You have the right to be represented by an attorney or other representative at your own expense, but representation by an attorney is not required.
You have the right to review the evidence and cross examine the testimony of any witnesses for the department and to present evidence and witnesses on your behalf, as well as the right to testify on your own behalf.
Following the hearing, you have the right to be provided a decision in writing. Should the decision resulting from the hearing be against you, you have the right to request the department to conduct an administrative review of the decision, as well as the right to appeal the decision to superior court.
Legislation authorizes the DMV to collect a $120 fee for a Departmental Review following an Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing, pursuant to Vehicle Code 13353 and 13353.2. Questions regarding this fee should be directed to the Driver Safety Office where your hearing was conducted.
Requests for the administrative review or to appeal the decision in court must be made within a certain time period, dependent on the type of hearing and as described in the Vehicle Code. These time periods and other specific information concerning your rights will be stated on the notice containing the hearing decision.
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