DUI suspended license hearing – Recent Legal Changes
Have you been arrested for a DUI or DWI? You probably received a stack of papers from the arresting police officer after you left the station. Pay attention to this paperwork, because one of those papers is a Request for a DOL Hearing. In most situations, the Department of Licensing will suspend your license because of the DUI arrest. This can arise from blowing above a .08 or from refusing the breath test. You have a right to challenge this license suspension and if your vehicle was impounded. It helps to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side.
Washington recently changed the law regarding DOL hearings. The DOL now gives you 7 days from your arrest to request a license suspension hearing. The DOL charges you $375 to request this hearing. It is important to keep this time window in mind, because if you do not request a DOL hearing, then your license suspension takes effect 30 days after the arrest date.
What happens in a DOL licensing hearing? A hearing examiner typically considers whether the officer made a lawful arrest for a DUI and whether his/her decision to arrest was based on legally obtained evidence. Once arrested, the officer must do several things correctly during the breath test process – from advising you of your rights and making sure you understand all your options, to administering a proper breath sample on a working machine. Numerous technicalities go into this process where a good DUI defense attorney can assist.
At Carley Legal Services, we can help. We provide experienced legal counsel for your licensing needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Lost your paperwork? You can request a DUI suspended license hearing here.
Lost your license privileges? If the Department of Licensing has already suspended your license, we can provide you candid and honest advice about how to maintain your ability to drive. In today’s society, the reality is that most of us need to drive to get from A to B. Even with a suspended license, a good attorney will be able to assist you. Call us to see how we can help you.
