Practice Areas · DUI Defense
License Suspension & DMV Hearing
San Diego DUI Defense
License Suspension & DMV Hearing in San Diego
A DUI arrest triggers two separate actions: the criminal case in court, and an administrative action by the DMV against your driving privileges. You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing, and if you miss that deadline your license can be suspended automatically.
The DMV hearing is a separate process with its own rules, and it is an opportunity to challenge the suspension. Crudo Law requests and handles the hearing to protect your ability to drive.
10 days
To request a DMV hearing
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Case consultation
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By the Numbers
License Suspension & DMV Hearing, by the numbers
102,4421
California DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) license actions taken (2021)
Net APS suspension/revocation actions statewide, excluding actions later set aside; a 12.2% increase over 2020. From the 32nd Annual Report of the California DUI-MIS.
8,6131
DUI arrests in San Diego County (2021)
Up 23.9% from 6,954 in 2020 (32nd DUI-MIS Report, Table 1: DUI Arrests by County). Nearly every DUI arrest triggers an APS license suspension.
8.9%1
Share of California APS actions initiated in 2021 that were set aside
APS suspensions withdrawn or overturned, such as after a DMV Administrative Per Se hearing or review; 9,987 of 112,429 actions initiated.
10 days2
Deadline to request a California DMV hearing after a DUI suspension order
The '10-day rule': measured from receipt of the suspension/revocation order. Official DMV language: 'You have the right to request a hearing from the DMV within 10 days of receipt of the suspension or revocation order.' Missing it forfeits hearing rights.
1,3553
Alcohol-impaired driving deaths in California (2023)
Down about 4.5% from 1,419 in 2022. Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) via California OTS.
Frequently asked
Common questions
How long do I have to request a DMV hearing?+
Just 10 days from the date of your arrest. Missing this deadline means an automatic suspension, so it is critical to act quickly.
Is the DMV hearing the same as court?+
No. The DMV hearing is an administrative process about your driving privileges and is separate from your criminal case. We handle both.
Related practice areas
Sources
- California Department of Motor Vehicles, 32nd Annual Report of the California DUI Management Information System (2025). https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/10/32nd-Annual-Report-of-the-California-DUI-Managment-Information-System.pdf
- California Department of Motor Vehicles, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) - DMV Safety Guidelines & Actions (2025). https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/dmv-safety-guidelines-actions/driving-under-the-influence/
- California Office of Traffic Safety, California Traffic Safety Quick Stats (Score Card) (2025). https://www.ots.ca.gov/ots-and-traffic-safety/score-card/
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