Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious criminal offense that poses serious criminal penalties. If you or someone you love has been arrested for DUI in Rancho Cucamonga or any of the surrounding areas in the Inland Empire, it's important for you to know that your case will involve two separate proceedings:
- Criminal Case – Your case will involve criminal proceedings handled in the criminal justice system. This court case will determine whether or not you are guilty of committing a criminal offense and what penalties you may face, including fines, jail sentences, probation, and other consequences.
- DMV Hearing – In addition to your criminal proceedings, your case may also involve an administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). DMV hearings are separate from criminal cases and determine only what types of license penalties you may experience. For most DUIs, this will be a one-year driver's license suspension but can include longer suspensions or revocations.
One of the most important aspects of any DUI case is the DMV hearing. This hearing will determine whether your driver's license will be suspended. If you've been arrested for DUI, you only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing. If you don't request a hearing within 10 days, your driver's license will be automatically suspended or revoked according to the order.
Because DUI cases involve two separate and important proceedings, it is crucial to your future that you work with attorneys who are capable of effectively handling both matters. At Chung & Ignacio, LLP, our Racho Cucamonga DUI lawyers fight aggressively to protect the rights of clients during both criminal proceedings and DMV hearings. Our goal is to protect clients' driving privileges and shield them from criminal penalties.
For most DUI offenders, losing their driving privileges is one of the most troubling consequences of a DUI conviction. It can create problems commuting to work, transporting children and family members, and getting around for day-to-day necessities. Because of this, you should be focused on retaining immediate legal assistance, requesting a DMV hearing, and fighting to protect your license with the help of experienced attorneys.
To learn more about how our DUI attorneys can help protect your driver's license after a DUI arrest, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
