Los Angeles DMV Hearing and License Suspension Attorney
Protecting Your Driving Privileges in Los Angeles
Having your driver’s license suspended is not only a major inconvenience, but it can also potentially disrupt your livelihood as we rely on cars for transport to essential destinations. Therefore, it is important to have effective legal counsel at DMV hearings for license suspension.
The Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP legal team has extensive experience advocating for the rights of our clients, and our track record can attest to our success. Head attorney Mark Werksman was selected by Super Lawyers in the field of white-collar criminal defense for over ten years in a row. Partner Alan Jackson has tried more than 85 cases to jury verdict with a career success rate of 96 percent.
If you are facing a license suspension hearing as a penalty for an offense, call us at (213) 688-0460 today for a free initial consultation with a member of our team.
Reasons for License Suspension in California
In California, your license may be suspended as a consequence for certain offenses or conduct, including:
- Accumulation of points: Individuals who commit traffic violations will accumulate “points,” which can ultimately lead to license suspension
- Driving Under the Influence: License suspension is a possible penalty for the crime of driving under the influence (DUI)
- Negligent operator status: A person who commits excessive traffic violations can result in being designated as a “negligent operator,” which may lead to license suspension or probation
- Physical or mental conditions: Any physical or mental condition that impairs an individual’s ability to drive safely can result in licenses suspension upon medical evaluation
License Suspension as a Negligent Operator
California utilizes a points system known as the Negligent Operator Treatment System, where committing traffic violations results in accumulating points on an offender’s record. When a driver accumulates a significant amount of points, they are deemed a negligent operator. The driving records of negligent operators are closely scrutinized. Under this system, an individual receives one point on their record for causing traffic accidents or committing minor traffic violations.
NOTS provides graduating levels of penalties, including:
- Warning letters: A motorist will receive a warning letter if they accumulate 2 points within a 12-month period, 4 points within a 4-month period, or 6 points within a 36-month period.
- Intent to suspend: Motorists will receive an intent to suspend letter if they accumulate 3 points within a 12-month period, 5 points within a 4-month period, or 7 points within a 36-month period.
- Probation or suspension order: A motorist will have their driving privileges suspended, with one-year probation if they accumulate 4 points within a 12-month period, 6 points within a 24-month period, or 8 points within a 36-month period.
Furthermore, motorists will receive a violation of NOTS probation will result in a license suspension for:
- Traffic violations or collisions during a suspension
- One or two point violations or at-fault collisions during probation
- Failure to appear (FTA) for a court traffic violation
- A driver under the age of 18 years violates probation because of a responsible collision, an FTA or Failure to Pay (FTP), or any other reportable violation
Impact of Physical or Mental Conditions on Licensure
If the DMV receives credible information about a physical or mental condition affecting a motorist’s ability to drive safely, they may require the motorist to undergo a medical evaluation. If the results of the evaluation determine the motorist has a condition that impairs their ability to drive safely, their license may be suspended. However, a motorist’s license may be reinstated if a subsequent medical evaluation shows they are clear of impairment.
How a Los Angeles DMV Hearing Lawyer Can Help
Facing a DMV license suspension can be overwhelming. Therefore, seeking professional legal representation in such cases is imperative in avoiding possible penalties. Your criminal defense lawyer can offer important tools to combat license suspension, such as:
- Hearing representation: We can advocate for you at DMV hearings by presenting a strong defense strategy against the potential suspension.
- Point removal: We are familiar with ways to remove points from your record, such as attending Traffic School.
- Medical evaluations: We can guide you through the process of medical evaluation for physical or mental impairments and possible reinstatement.
The proven Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of your case, investigate facts, gather evidence, and build a strong, tailored defense strategy that fits your unique circumstances.
Call us at (213) 688-0460 to schedule a free initial consultation. Let’s see how we can help.
Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP Today
Phone: (213) 688-0460
Fax: (213) 624-1942
Recent Case Results
- Complete Dismissal of Molestation Charges
Attorney Mark Werksman’s 29 year old client was falsely accused of molesting two neighborhood children and was subsequently charged with felony child molestation, with a significant prison sentence hanging over his head should he be convicted. Instead, at the preliminary hearing Werksman was able to convince the court to grant his client a complete dismissal of any charges. - Decision Set Aside
Client, a college student in a faulty Title IX case, was awarded $130,000 in attorney fees. - Probation with No Jail Time for Drug Money Laundering Charge
Wilmington man accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through the sale of laptop computers. Mark was able to get the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles, where he convinced the United States Attorney to reduce the charges. His client was sentenced to probation with no jail time on a misdemeanor conviction.