Fullerton Suspended License Attorney

Fullerton Suspended License Lawyer

In California, your car is essential to your daily routine. Despite its immense population, the vast geographic size of California has limited the development of public transportation, except in some major urban settings such as San Francisco. This can make a suspended license incredibly difficult to manage in California. If your license has been suspended, don’t hesitate to hire a Fullerton suspended license attorney today.

DUI License Suspension

In California, you only have 10 days after the date of your driving under the influence (DUI) arrest to request a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing and prevent the automatic suspension of your license. This hearing is known as an Administrative Per Se (APS), and is the only way to maintain your license. These procedures are distinct from your criminal trial and are a strictly civil process.

Even if the court’s verdict does not call for a suspended license, your license will still be suspended unless you attend the DMV hearing. In the interim, you will be provided a temporary license. A skilled suspended license attorney is familiar with handling both your DMV and criminal trial simultaneously.

In California, the severity of the DUI has a direct impact on how long your license will be suspended for. When aggravating factors such as high blood alcohol content (BAC), having a minor in the vehicle, and bodily harm are present in a DUI, your license may be suspended for an additional period of time.

The charges and their corresponding suspension periods are:

• First DUI offense. Suspension up to four months (arrested) or six to 10 months (convicted)
• Second DUI offense. Suspension up to two years
• Third DUI offense. Suspension up to three years
• Fourth and subsequent DUI offenses. Suspension up to five years

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Fullerton, CA, you are not alone. The greater Orange County area experienced 119 fatal and severe injury DUI accidents in 2022. If you have been arrested for a DUI or are facing additional DUI-related charges, time is not on your side in California; contact a locally trusted license suspension attorney as soon as possible.

Traffic Violation License Suspension

Though DUIs are the most common cause of license suspension, other offenses can lead to the loss of your license or license suspension. California has implemented a Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) through the DMV. This system investigates negligent drivers by reviewing their driving records.

NOTS warnings are issued based on license points accumulated via traffic violations. One-point offenses include slight issues such as running a red light, improperly turning, and speeding, as well as minor collisions. Two-point violations are more serious, encompassing instances of DUI or hit and run. In 2023, 4,062 speed-related injuries and fatalities took place in Orange County along busy roads like West Orangethorpe Avenue and East Chapman Avenue in Fullerton.

NOTS notifies offenders on a tier-based system:

• Level One. Warning issued. Two points within 12 months, four points within 24 months, and six points within 36 months
• Level Two. Notice of intent to suspend. Three points within 12 months, five points within 24 months, and seven points within 36 months
• Level Three. Probation/suspension issued. Four points within 12 months, six points within 24 months, and eight points within 36 months

Violating NOTS probation periods can also lead to consequences regarding your license. A Fullerton license suspension attorney is well acquainted with the many complexities of the California legislature, providing you peace of mind throughout your case.

The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores

There are many struggles associated with the loss of your license. During this difficult time, place your case in the hands of a locally trusted Fullerton DUI lawyer.

Founding attorney Daniel P. Flores is committed to his client’s success. Flores has represented clients in over 2,000 DUI cases in Los Angeles County, making him well-equipped for any license suspension case. The loss of a license can negatively impact your career and other obligations; don’t hesitate to explore your options.

Is It Necessary to Hire a Suspended License Attorney?

While it is not required to hire a private attorney for a suspended license in California, it can be highly advisable, especially in cases where you believe your rights have been violated. DUI stops are not always made in good faith, meaning they may lack probable cause, or the evidence collected against you may not be admissible in court. An experienced Fullerton criminal defense attorney can be a strong advocate for you, no matter the complexity or severity of your case.

FAQs About Fullerton, CA Suspended License Law

What Is the New Law on Suspended License in California?

The new law on suspended licenses in California, Senate Bill 1055, was enacted at the beginning of last year. SB 1055 provides that parents making below a certain income may not receive license suspension as a penalty, as it prohibits them from maintaining a job and therefore causes missed child support payments.

If your license has been suspended and is impeding your ability to work and pay child support, contact an attorney as soon as possible.

How to Get Around if Your License Is Suspended?

If your license has been suspended, it is unfortunately your responsibility to find transportation wherever you may need to go. Public transportation in Orange County is less robust than in other major metropolitan areas in the country, meaning those with a suspended license may be forced to rely on expensive services such as Uber, Lyft, and taxi cabs.

Can I Drive With a Suspended License in Fullerton?

No, it is illegal to drive with a suspended license anywhere in California. Driving with a suspended license can lead to a misdemeanor charge, which can lead to additional jail time, fines, and further extended license suspension. Even in an emergency, driving on a suspended license is highly punishable, though an attorney may be able to argue it was done out of necessity to mitigate charges.

What Is an SR-22, and Do I Need One?

An SR-22 is an insurance form required in California after offenses such as a DUI or other infractions that impose license suspension as a penalty. This form is essential as it is proof that you have met California’s minimum required auto insurance after a license suspension or revocation. These forms are also required to continue driving with the use of an ignition interlock device (IID).

Contact Our Office Today

Our team is available 24/7 for your criminal defense needs. Contact us for a free consultation today to evaluate your license suspension case and legal possibilities.

Meet Your West Covina DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyer – Daniel P. Flores

Criminal Defense Attorney

With experience in over 2,000 DUI and criminal cases, he has a proven track record of successfully defending clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Daniel is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and is certified to administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests—the same training law enforcement receives. His deep understanding of DUI investigation procedures and extensive trial experience provide his clients with a formidable defense.

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The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores – LA’s Trusted DUI Attorney

A DUI charge is a stressful, humiliating, and costly experience for everyday Californians, and we already know that overly harsh prosecution and punishment don’t actually make California highways safer. That’s why helping DUI defendants deal with the criminal justice system is a cornerstone of our legal practice. We offer real-time legal advice, steadfast support, and fully personalized defense strategies that factor in every unique detail of your case.

If you have been charged with drunk driving or operating under the influence of drugs, in or around Los Angeles, it’s not uncommon to find yourself struggling with the legal process afterwards. Please know that help is available. Contact The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores today, and we can set up a judgment-free, no-strings-attached consultation to learn more about your case and your options.

Fullerton, CA DUI Law Resources:

• What Is the Average DUI Sentence in California?
• How Long After a DUI Can You Get a CDL in California?
• What Is the Most Common Sentence for a DUI in California?
• California DUI Laws and Penalties