When you get a DUI in California, there’s actually two independent proceedings that are going to occur. The first one is the DMV taking action against your driver’s license. When you get arrested, the cop takes your license. He gives you a pink document, which essentially is a DMV order of suspension. The important part is you’ve got 10 days to preserve the hearing rights with the DMV. That gives you the opportunity to contest the suspension. That’s essential because the goal is to win that DMV hearing so that you don’t have any license suspensions. With regard to the court part of it, the courts trying to punish you for allegedly breaking the law. The first hearing is going to be the arraignment. That’s where the court advises you what you’re charged with and takes your plea. If you plead guilty, you’re convicted right then and there and your sentence. The problem with that is you haven’t examined any of the evidence at all, so it’s not a very smart thing to do because the bottom line is we’re looking for an out and it may turn out that you’re not guilty of a DUI at all. If you’ve been arrested for DUI and you have any questions as to what’s the best way to proceed, give me a call so we can examine your particular situation.
