LICENSE SUSPENSION HEARINGS AT THE DMV

Protect your driving privileges

If you’ve had your license taken away due to an arrest you or an attorney on your behalf needs to call the DMV within 10 days.

The DMV administrative hearing process is just short of bizarre. Your hearing officer, or judge, is a DMV employee. Administrative regulations control the admissibility of evidence. This means that “technicalities” can help you win a case. I have decades of experience in looking for these technicalities.

Facing a license suspension or DUI charge can be overwhelming. You may be worried about your job, your family, and your future. At times like these, you need a local attorney who understands your situation and will fight for your rights with expertise.

Why choose attorney John W. Thornton?

Decades of local experience: Serving Santa Cruz since 1990, Attorney John W. Thornton has handled thousands of DMV hearings and thousands of DUI cases. 

  • Personalized defense: Every case is unique. We listen to your story and build a strategy tailored to your needs.

  • Proven results: From contesting license suspensions to challenging evidence, we know how to protect your driving privileges. 

  • Clear guidance: We explain your options in plain language and keep you informed at every step.

How we help

DUI license revocation defense: If you’ve been arrested for DUI or a serious traffic offense, we help you request and prepare for your DMV administrative hearing—your best chance to keep your license.

DMV hearings: We represent you, analyze evidence, call witnesses, and challenge improper police procedures.

License reinstatement: We guide you through the steps to reinstate your license, including DUI school enrollment, SR-22 insurance, and ignition interlock device requirements.

Don’t wait—your future is important

Contact me now for a free, confidential consultation. Call 831‑426‑5800, or if you’d prefer email, I often respond on weekends and evenings.

  • Requesting a DMV hearing puts the timing of your suspension in your hands and gives you a chance to review evidence before any decision is made. If you don’t request a hearing within 10 days, your license will be automatically suspended—even without a hearing.

  • You have the right to review and challenge evidence, call and cross-examine witnesses, and testify on your own behalf. Preparation is key to presenting a strong case.

  • You may need to enroll in DUI school, submit an SR-22 insurance form, pay a reinstatement fee, and install an ignition interlock device. All documents must be submitted correctly to avoid delays.

  • Yes. If police did not follow proper procedures or lacked probable cause, these factors can be part of your defense strategy.

  • If you miss the deadline, your license will be automatically suspended. It’s critical to act quickly and contact an attorney as soon as possible.

DMV license hearing FAQs