Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers Blog
License suspension can be common when it comes to some criminal offenses. License suspension is not ordered by the criminal court system, it is ordered by the DMV. When license suspension may be a part of the consequences, a separate case is started with the DMV. This case is different from that of the criminal justice system. Each case does not influence the other, nor does the outcome of one hinge on the outcome of the other. This is why it is crucial that you have a Los Angeles Criminal Defense attorney to represent you on both cases, to ensure that you get the best possible outcome on both cases. Lets walk through two of the most common criminal charges that lead to license suspension.
The first is a Los Angeles DUI. If you have been arrested for a Los Angeles DUI, you have ten days to schedule a Los Angeles DMV hearing. The DMV hearing determines how long your license will be suspended and if it will be suspended. Even if your Los Angeles DUI lawyer is able to artfully reduce your DUI charges, or get them dismissed, the DMV will still move forward with the hearing. The arguments presented to the DMV are independent from those presented in criminal court, and the consequence is as well. So even if your DUI charges are dismissed with the criminal courts, your license could still be suspended. This is why it is important to retain counsel to argue both of your cases, to not only ensure the criminal charges get dropped, but to ensure you keep your license.
The second common criminal offense that can often entail license suspension, is a Los Angeles Hit and Run. IF you are involved in an accident that has caused significant damage to property, or injury to person, the DMV may want to suspend your license as a part of the consequences.