San Francisco Driver's License Suspension DUI Lawyer

Marin County Attorney Assists Clients with Suspended Driver's Licenses after a DUI

One of the most inconvenient California DUI penalties is the suspension or revocation of your driver's license. Without having driving privileges, it can be difficult to get to and from work or school and to take care of other business. Being pulled over for DUI does not necessarily mean an automatic driver's license suspension. Under the right circumstances and with a seasoned DUI lawyer by your side, you can successfully fight your suspension.

Since 1985, Burglin Law Offices, P.C. has represented clients facing driver's license suspensions and other consequences of a DUI arrest in Marin County and other parts of northern California. Attorney Paul Burglin co-authors California Drunk Driving Law, a two-volume legal guide that is frequently referred to by other DUI defense lawyers throughout the state. Paul is the attorney DMV hearing officers, judges, and prosecutors call on when someone close to them is charged with a DUI because they know that he gets results.

Paul has extensive experience filing writs against the California Department of Motor Vehicles for the improper suspension or revocation of a license, or the unlawful denial of a restricted license (for work or a BAIID). This is a complex area of the law that very few legal professionals get involved in; however, Paul has been able to achieve a substantial amount of driver's license reinstatements for his clients.

Driver's License Suspension After DUI in California

When you are arrested for DUI in California, the officer will confiscate your driver's license and serve you with a DMV "notice of suspension." This notice gives you 30 days of temporary driving privileges to get your affairs in order, and it states that you have 10 calendar days to request an administrative hearing with the DMV to contest the suspension. If no hearing is requested, your license is automatically suspended after 30 days.

In addition to the DMV administrative per se suspension, a DUI arrest triggers a separate criminal proceeding which can result in a driver's license suspension if you plead guilty or are convicted. The length of the suspension for a DUI conviction depends on the specific circumstances of the case. Assuming there are no aggravated circumstances such as an accident resulting in death or serious injury, the general guidelines are as follows:

• First-Time DUI Conviction: Six-Month Suspension
• Second-Time DUI Conviction: Two-Year Suspension
• Third DUI Conviction: Three-Year Revocation
• Fourth DUI Conviction: Four-Year Revocation

It should also be noted that if you refused the mandatory chemical test following your DUI arrest, you are subject to an automatic one-year driver's license suspension.

There are two ways to avoid having your license suspended after a DUI arrest:

• Win your DMV administrative hearing; or
• Avoid a conviction for DUI in court.

A DUI conviction can be avoided by striking a deal with the prosecutor to plead guilty to a lesser charge or by winning in a court trial.

Speak with a San Francisco Driver's License Suspension Lawyer

Being arrested for DUI does not mean you have to lose your driving privileges. You can successfully challenge your driver's license suspension at your DMV administrative hearing, and/or by avoiding a criminal conviction. You may also qualify for a restricted license to drive to and from work or school in some cases. Attorney Paul Burglin thoroughly understands the California DUI process, and he knows the most effective DUI defense strategies to employ to minimize the negative consequences as much as possible.

If you are serious about fighting the DUI charges against you, contact attorney Burglin today at 415-729-7300 for a free, personalized consultation. We serve clients throughout the Bay Area, including Marin County, Tiburon, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Rafael, Novato, San Anselmo and Fairfax. We assist locals and tourists cited in Sonoma and Napa, as well as those cited in San Francisco, Oakland, and Martinez.