The short answer to this question is probably not. Because you're not an attorney. Your license is at stake, and if you live in Los Angeles, you need your driver's license.
Given the intricate and challenging nature of DMV processes, it's advisable to let an attorney handle them. This is especially true if you're already considering legal representation for your criminal court case. By entrusting both matters to your attorney, you can be confident that your license and criminal record are in the best possible hands.
The first phone call is made to give you an idea of how the DMV works. In my experience, many people answer the phones there, and they don't care about you or try to help you.
People often claimed they had called the DMV, but then the DMV claimed they had never received a call. If you don't contact me within ten days, you automatically lose your driver's license.
So, then you put yourself in the position of having to convince the DMV that you did call them, when they're looking at their computer system and claiming that you didn't call them. I see that happen all the time with people, so that's your first hurdle — even communicating and dealing with a massive bureaucracy like the Department of Motor Vehicles in Los Angeles. Your attorney can call in there. They have an attorney line.
When your attorney contacts the DMV, their established relationship and past dealings with the department are beneficial; they send a letter, obtain a date-stamped fax confirming representation, and request a stay on any suspension and a DMV hearing. This proactive approach ensures that your rights are protected.
Therefore, having a DUI attorney from the outset is crucial. After that, they're going to set a hearing, and they're going to send you all the paperwork. Now, you have to try to defend yourself in the hearing. That will be awkward because the DMV hearing officer is entitled to ask you questions.
They're going to ask you questions like, ' Did you have any drinks that night? ' Any alcohol? How much did you have? They're going to be asking you a bunch of questions that will cause you to incriminate yourself. Technically, the court could use those answers against you to help prove the criminal case.
Navigating a DMV hearing without an attorney can be challenging. Your attorney can handle the hearing without your testimony if that's in your best interest. Avoiding self-incrimination in such a situation is complex, and professional guidance is crucial. The risk of self-representation is high, and the consequences can be severe.
Importance of Having a DUI Lawyer
Then you've the fact that the DMV is a kangaroo court, where the DMV hearing officer wears the hats of both the prosecutor and the judge, making rulings on all objections and ultimately deciding whether there is enough evidence to support the case. So, even an attorney has the deck stacked against them in a DMV case. You've got an actual tough row to hoe as your attorney.
In my opinion, you should have your attorney handle your DMV hearing, and it's also advisable to have an attorney represent you in court. Therefore, you should consider hiring an attorney. Please provide them with all the facts and details, and direct and guide them moving forward with the DMV.
By not hiring an attorney for your DMV hearing, you risk not only a less favorable outcome but also potential future legal issues. With the right legal representation, you can navigate the process correctly, achieve the best result, and avoid the risk of driving on a suspended license or facing additional criminal charges.
So, make the call. Hire an attorney to handle your DMV matter and do it once, do it right, and never have to do it again. Our law firm has a long track record of success. Contact us to review the details of your case and legal options. Remember, having an attorney by your side can make all the difference in your DMV case.