Marietta DUI Driver’s License Suspension Hearings Lawyer

A DUI arrest in Georgia can have many serious consequences, and one of the most immediate concerns is the potential suspension of your driver’s license. At Arca Law, our criminal defense legal team understands how critical it is to maintain your driving privileges so you can get to work and live your life. As a key part of our role as DUI defense lawyers, we are dedicated to representing clients in DUI driver’s license suspension hearings, ensuring they have the legal support needed to fight for their right to drive. You must act quickly after an arrest to keep your license, so contact Arca Law right away for immediate assistance from a skilled and experienced Marietta DUI driver’s license suspension hearing lawyer.

What Is a DUI Driver’s License Suspension Hearing?

After a DUI arrest in Georgia, you risk losing your driver’s license through an administrative suspension, separate from any criminal proceedings. If the arresting officer believes you were operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher or under impairment, or if you refused a breath or blood test under Georgia’s “implied consent” law, your license may be suspended by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). However, you have the right to challenge this suspension by requesting an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing.

Time is Critical to Request an ALS Hearing

You must act quickly to avoid automatic suspension of your driver’s license. You only have 30 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an ALS hearing from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). If you miss this deadline, your license could be automatically suspended for up to one year. This is where an experienced DUI defense attorney can make all the difference. At Arca Law, we guide our clients through the hearing request process to ensure that they have a fair chance to contest the suspension and protect their driving privileges.

What Happens at the Hearing?

The ALS hearing is a separate legal proceeding from your DUI criminal case. It focuses solely on whether the Georgia DDS has grounds to suspend your license. During the hearing, the following key issues will be examined:

1. Probable Cause for the Traffic Stop – Was there a valid reason for the officer to stop your vehicle in the first place? This can include traffic violations or signs of impaired driving.
2. Compliance with Implied Consent Law – Did the officer properly inform you of your rights under Georgia’s implied consent law before conducting chemical testing?
3. Test Refusal or Failure – If you refused a chemical test or failed a breath or blood test, the hearing will assess whether the refusal or failure was handled according to legal standards.

An experienced attorney from Arca Law will represent you at this hearing, challenging any procedural errors or weaknesses in the state’s case. Success at an ALS hearing can prevent or reduce the duration of a suspension, allowing you to continue driving.

Consequences of Driver’s License Suspension in Georgia

The length of your suspension depends on several factors, including whether this is your first DUI offense and whether you refused chemical testing. For a first DUI, the suspension can last up to 12 months. However, you may be eligible for a restricted license or limited permit, allowing you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments during your suspension period. Subsequent offenses lead to longer suspension periods and fewer options for limited driving privileges.

At Arca Law, we understand that losing your license can severely disrupt your life. Our goal is to mitigate these consequences by exploring all available legal strategies to reduce or avoid suspension.

Options if You Lose Your License

Even if your license is suspended after the hearing, all hope is not lost. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be eligible for a limited driving permit. This permit allows for limited driving privileges, including commuting to work, school, or attending medical appointments. Your attorney will help you explore your options and file the necessary applications to regain limited driving privileges as soon as possible.

Why You Need an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney

Although it is less formal than a courtroom trial, an ALS hearing is still a legal proceeding with formal procedures and laws to follow. Don’t expect the judge or officer to assist you in this process; you are expected to know what to do. Having a knowledgeable and experienced DUI defense attorney by your side can improve your chances of keeping your license and avoiding further penalties. At Arca Law, we use our in-depth understanding of Georgia’s DUI laws and ALS procedures to defend our clients aggressively.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI in Marietta or Cobb County, don’t wait to take action. Contact Arca Law today to schedule a consultation and protect your driving privileges. Our experienced DUI defense team is ready to fight for your rights.

Contact Arca Law Today

The DUI driver’s license suspension process moves fast, and failure to act can result in automatic suspension. Call Arca Law at 770-800-8100 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation. Let us help you defend your rights and protect your ability to drive.