DMV Hearing Attorney in Chico and Oroville

After a DUI arrest, you may be dealing with two separate matters at the same time: the criminal court case and a DMV action that can affect your driving privileges.
These are different proceedings, and both can have important consequences.

Maria J. Amaya represents clients in Chico, Oroville, Butte County, and surrounding Northern California communities in DUI-related DMV hearing matters.
If you were recently arrested for DUI, it is important to act quickly to understand your options and protect your license when possible.

Related DUI Services

Learn more about related DUI and criminal defense matters:

DUI Lawyer in Chico


Criminal Defense

What Is a DMV Hearing?

A DMV hearing is an administrative proceeding involving your driver’s license after a DUI arrest.
It is separate from the criminal court case, which means a person may need to respond to both the DMV process and the court process at the same time.

The DMV proceeding focuses on license-related issues, while the court case addresses the criminal charge.
Because the two proceedings are separate, the outcome in one does not necessarily control the outcome in the other.

The 10-Day Deadline After Many DUI Arrests

After many California DUI arrests, there is a short deadline to request a DMV Administrative Per Se hearing.
In many cases, that deadline is 10 days from the date the driver receives notice of the suspension or revocation.

If a hearing is not requested in time, the DMV may move forward with the suspension process without that hearing.
Because deadlines can be short and fact-specific, it is important to seek legal guidance promptly after a DUI arrest.

What Issues May Be Reviewed

The specific issues at a DMV hearing depend on the type of case, but they may include questions about the arrest, the basis for the stop,
the evidence relied on by the DMV, and whether the available records support the administrative action.

Depending on the facts, the hearing may involve review of law enforcement reports, chemical test evidence, and related documents.
In some cases, the reliability of the stop, arrest, or testing process may be important to the defense.

How the DMV Process Differs From Court

The DMV hearing is not the same as the criminal case.
The DMV process concerns your driving privilege, while the criminal case concerns the underlying DUI charge and any criminal penalties.

Because these are separate proceedings, a result in court does not automatically decide the DMV matter, and a DMV result does not automatically end the court case.

Why Early Action Matters

Driver’s license issues can affect work, school, family responsibilities, and medical appointments.
Early review of the case can help you understand deadlines, identify the issues involved, and decide how to respond.

If you are also facing a criminal DUI charge, you can learn more on our
DUI lawyer in Chico page.

Serving Chico, Oroville, and Butte County

Our office represents clients in Chico, Oroville, Paradise, and surrounding Butte County communities in DUI and DMV hearing matters.
If you are concerned about a possible license suspension after a DUI arrest, we can help you understand the process and your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DMV hearing the same as my DUI court case?

No. The DMV hearing is a separate administrative process involving your license, while the criminal case is handled in court.

How long do I have to request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest?

In many California DUI cases, the deadline is 10 days from the notice related to the suspension process.
Because exact timing can matter, it is best to address the issue immediately after arrest.

Can a DUI arrest affect my license before the criminal case is over?

Yes. The DMV process can affect driving privileges separately from the timing of the criminal case.

Should I speak with a lawyer quickly after a DUI arrest?

Prompt legal guidance can help you understand deadlines, the DMV process, and the relationship between the administrative and criminal sides of the case.

Contact a DMV Hearing Attorney Today

If you were arrested for DUI in Chico, Oroville, or Butte County and are concerned about your license,
contact our office as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

Call 530-897-3700 or
contact our office online.