How Long Will You Lose Your Driver's License if You're Arrested for a DUI? The two biggest concerns that people typically have with a DUI are, one, they don't want to have a criminal record and go to jail — those go hand-in-hand — and then the second one relates to their driver's license. Obviously, in Los Angeles, most people need their car.  They've got to drive, and having a DUI and potentially losing your driver's license is a horrible feeling.  You lose control when that happens to you.

One of the most important roles I play is to protect your driver's license. If a suspension is unavoidable, my goal is to minimize the duration as much as possible. Having a professional on your side can provide a sense of reassurance and relief during this challenging time.

Six-Month Suspension for First-Time DUI

On a first-time DUI, you're usually going to lose your driver's license or have your driver's license impacted for approximately six months.  However, the good news on that is most of the six-month time frame you're able to drive.

The first thirty days after a DUI arrest are crucial. During this period, you are strictly prohibited from driving. Any violation could lead to a new criminal case and a potential probation violation. It's a time when you need to be extra cautious and avoid any driving-related incidents in Los Angeles.

After the initial 30 days, you are eligible for a restricted license, which is valid for five months. This period, though limited, can bring a sense of hope, control, and optimism back into your life.

You'd have to install an ignition interlock device on your car that you would have to blow into to make sure that you don't have any alcohol in your system. Obviously, you couldn't operate any vehicle with alcohol in your system.

Driving on a Restricted Basis

For those five months, you're able to drive on a limited basis to and from work during the course and scope of your career, to and from any schooling that you might have, and obviously, there are other exceptions that you would have to arrange with the DMV which they would have to approve.

The good thing about those five months is that as long as you can justify going to one of the places that you're allowed to go, you're allowed to drive, and you wouldn't have any issues.

If the police pulled you over, you'd simply pull out your restricted license and show them and then tell them where you were going and be able to justify that you're within that restricted license.

After the five months is up, you can get your license back; you just have to jump through a few hoops to get it back.

Driver's License Suspension with Prior DUI Conviction

Things start to get complicated as far as losing your license when you have a prior DUI or more than one DUI in your past, and you pick up a new DUI within ten years of that time frame.

Now you're looking at a big problem because you're going to lose your license for a year with probably an actual suspension for approximately four to six months, and then you'd be able to get it back on a limited basis.

You'd have to work out that with your attorney and the DMV. But if you've had second and third offenses, you're looking at getting your license suspended or revoked for some time.

DUI Refusal in California

Also, if you're a refusal related to a DUI, you lose your license for a year with no restricted license.  So, this is probably the worst thing to do, and it's a bummer because I've heard people when they come into my office, so I thought I shouldn't cooperate.

I was told that I shouldn't cooperate, that  I shouldn't give my breath, or that  I shouldn't give my blood. Then, those people end up losing their driver's license for an entire year, and the DMV is very vicious about this and will not give the license back, no matter what the person tries to do.

You can apply for a hardship license, but getting one related to a DUI refusal in Los Angeles County is near impossible—extremely difficult.

DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles

So, if you or one of your loved ones has been arrested for a DUI and you're concerned about your driver's license, your concern is with good reason. What I have you do is come in, and we sit down. I've been doing this for 26 years.

I've handled thousands of DMV hearings over the years, so  I have a lot of experience. I know when a case can be won, and  I know that you probably don't have a perfect chance of winning.

But I know what to do when your driver's license is in jeopardy due to a DUI in Los Angeles. I know what moves to make to win and beat the DMV and when it's time to do damage control.

Remember, having the right legal representation can make a significant difference in your case. At Hedding Law Firm, we are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of DUI charges and ensuring you receive the least restrictive punishment for your driver's license. We understand the impact of losing your license and are here to support you. Contact our office for a free case evaluation at (213) 542-0963.