Reader’s Question:

I’m afraid I’ll lose my license after being charged with DUI here in Downey. How can I avoid losing my license and driving privileges after getting a DUI?

Darren

Downey, CA

A DUI charge in Downey, California would have serious consequences and the penalties if convicted often include losing your driver’s license. The state of California would take away your license on the spot after failing the blood alcohol test during a DUI stop or refusing to submit to it. Whatever the situation is in your DUI case, you will need to find good legal representation. A DUI defense lawyer would the law and your rights.

You have to decide what and your DUI lawyer would argue regarding your need to have your license. Depending on the number of prior DUI convictions, a limited or restricted driver’s permit could be issued. This would allow you to drive to and from work, and sometimes to appointments that are absolutely necessary. You would have to confer with your DUI lawyer as to your best approach. You can also ask the lawyer how you could minimize the effect of a DUI conviction so that your future finances and employment will be affected as little as possible. The DUI lawyer can also give you tips on how to deal with your auto insurance after being charged with DUI and especially if you get convicted.

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Reader’s Question:

If my drivers license was suspended for two DUIs in the state of Michigan can I obtain a drivers license in LA California?

Dan

Los Angeles, CA

although the state of Michigan is not a member of the DLC your suspended license will be listed in the National Driver Register (NDR) which Los Angeles California will verify before allowing you to get a license in CA.

The Drivers License Compact (DLC) is a reciprocal agreement that many states within the US are members of and requires the member states to forward the licensing state of a driver when he or she is convicted of a certain traffic violation. The licensing state then can know if the violation is put on the individual’s driving record, if points are applied, etc. The National Drivers Register is used by all US states, so both California and Michigan do have access to it.

When applying for a driver’s license in Los Angeles California the California DMV will verify the NDR. This database will then notify the Department of Motor Vehicle to any action against your driver’s license in other state(s). Once they aware that your drivers license is revoked in MI due to the two DUIs you will be unable to receive a CA driver’s license. To obtain a license in California you will first need to take care of your suspension or revocation in Michigan. If you are able to have your drivers license reinstated in MI then CA should be able to see this on your NDR listing and grant you a drivers license.

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Reader’s Question:

I’m only 14 years old and I really don’t understand the legalities of my brother’s DUI case here in San Diego, California. He told me that he was given a pink paper or something, what is this?

Elbert

San Diego, CA

During your brother’s DUI arrest inĀ  California, the police officer has taken away his California driver’s license and gave him a pink form that is entitled “Suspension Order and Temporary License.” This is a form that would serve as your brother’s temporary license and notice that this temporary license would automatically go into suspension in 30 days unless a hearing on the driver’s license is requested with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Your brother would have 10 calendar days to contact the DMV and request for a hearing. Once the hearing is requested, the driver’s license suspension would automatically be postponed pending the outcome of the DMV hearing. Your brother could be able to choose an in-person DMV hearing or a phone hearing. It would always be better that they request a live hearing. This DMV hearing would be very important on your brother’s DUI case because it would give them a preview of his DUI trial.

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