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California DUI attorney: free case review

Arrested for DUI in California? Tell us what happened and where, and a local DUI defense attorney will contact you. First, check your license deadline below.

  • 10 days to request a license hearing
  • First offense, repeat, refusal, under 21 and CDL
  • Free and confidential

Your California license hearing deadline

You can request a DMV hearing within 10 days of receiving the suspension or revocation order (California DMV: Driving under the influence).

California administrative license suspensions

SituationSuspensionSource
Test at 0.08% or more, age 21+, first offense4-month suspensionCalifornia DMV: Driving under the influence
Refused the chemical test, first offense1-year suspensionCalifornia DMV: Driving under the influence
Under 21 with a BAC of 0.01% or more1-year suspensionCalifornia DMV: Driving under the influence

California's DMV says a restricted license can't be considered at the DMV hearing itself, but you may apply for an ignition interlock device (IID) or a restricted license to drive to and from work (California DMV: Driving under the influence).

Charged with a DUI?Deadlines start at arrest. Get a free case review from a local DUI attorney.

The criminal case

Separately from the license case, the DUI charge goes through court. Penalties depend on your record, your test result, whether there was a crash and other facts. A local DUI attorney can tell you what's realistic in your court and whether options like a reduced charge or a diversion program are available.

California cities

Free tool

License suspension & deadline checker

Pick the state where you were arrested to see how long you have to ask for a license hearing and how long suspensions run.

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Common questions

How long do I have to request a license hearing after a DUI in California?

You can request a DMV hearing within 10 days of receiving the suspension or revocation order (California DMV: Driving under the influence).

Do I need a DUI lawyer in California?

You're not required to hire one, but a DUI lawyer can request the license hearing before the deadline, review the stop and testing, and explain realistic outcomes in your court. Many offer a free consultation.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in California?

Fees depend on the court, your record and whether the case goes to trial. Nationally, a Nolo reader survey found an average of $1,900 in attorney fees and expenses for a first-offense DUI (Nolo / DrivingLaws.org reader survey). Ask for a written quote.

Guides

DUI attorney costFree DUI attorneyLicense hearing deadlinesRefused a breath testUnder-21 DUICDL holder DUIFelony & aggravated DUIFirst DUI offenseSecond DUI offenseDUI vs DWIAfter a DUI arrestDo I need a lawyer?
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