Getting arrested for a DUI is usually one of the last things on anyone’s bucket list. The amount of time, money and inconvenience you will face following a DUI arrest is enough to give anyone a headache. Many people know that after your arrested for a DUI, you will go to jail and go to court, but there is a lot more to it than that. Below we will share 5 things about a California DUI arrest that are not common knowledge. If you are not familiar with what happens after you are arrested for a DUI, please take the time and read the following article.

1. Your license will be confiscated upon arrest

After you are arrested for a DUI, the arresting police officer will confiscate your driver’s license. Though you can retrieve your driver’s license if proven that you are innocent in the DMV hearing,  the arresting officer will hold the license until the process for the criminal proceedings have finished. If you lose your DMV hearing, your license will be suspended for a year. Following that year, your license will be given back if you pay the $125 fee to get it reinstated.

2. You will obtain solicitations from lawyers because your DUI is public knowledge

Since the court system can sometimes prove to be a legal circus, lawyers will surely bombard the mailing address that you gave to them with all the needed information regarding their services. Since your name is on the database for DUI offenders now, lawyers in your area will try to capitalize on your circumstances. Sifting through qualified attorneys, it’s smart to choose one with experience and a specialty in DUI law. 

3. You (or your lawyer) will have to participate in two different legal proceedings

The moment you are arrested for a DUI in California, you will have to battle two different courts: an administrative hearing and a criminal hearing. The administrative hearing, or DMV hearing,  that involves your driver’s license whereas the criminal hearing determines whether or not you will have to serve time in jail. You would improve your chances of reducing or dismissing your case greatly if you hired an attorney to represent you at both of these legal proceedings. A qualified and experienced DUI lawyer like Max Gorby could take care of these legal proceedings for you, and in some cases, you wouldn’t have to even show up. 

4. If you are convicted, DUI schooling is required.

There are “DUI education programs” in California that exist in order to deter people from drinking and driving again. In other words, these classes are simply  to educate DUI drivers who commit violations. To avoid these classes, it’s wise to contact DUI lawyer to spare you the time, money, and inconvenience of these classes. An experienced attorney can reduce your charges allowing you to avoid any kind of DUI school.

5. There are two types of license suspensions

Hard suspensions and restricted license suspensions are the two types of driver’s license suspensions. If you fail to win your appeal at your DMV hearing, your license will be suspended for a year, but you are eligible for a restricted license following 30 days, but you must also enroll into an alcohol program and provide proof of insurance. This restricted license is limited to driving to work and to your DUI classes, however.

Getting a DUI is never a fun experience. The more you know about the process of the court, the better your chances will be when you fight it. Though you can attempt to tackle the court system by yourself, it’s wise to consult a knowledgeable DUI lawyer to fight along your side.

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