Practical, clear information on California DUI law for drivers on the Central Coast. New article every week.
October 28, 2026
What to Expect at a California DMV DUI Hearing
After a DUI arrest in California, the DMV starts its own case against your driver’s license. This process is separate from the criminal court case. Requesting a DMV hearing within 10 days is one of the most important early steps you can take.
Why the Hearing Matters
The DMV hearing is your chance to challenge the automatic license suspension. An attorney can question the officer, review the evidence, and argue that the stop, arrest, or chemical test was improper. Winning or limiting the suspension at the DMV can keep you driving while the criminal case moves forward.
What Usually Happens
Most hearings are held by phone. The hearing officer reviews the police report, any breath or blood test records, and testimony. You (or your attorney) can present evidence and cross-examine the officer. The DMV must prove the stop and arrest were lawful and that you were driving with a prohibited alcohol level or refused a test.
Timing
You generally have only 10 days from the arrest date to request the hearing. After that, the suspension usually takes effect. Once requested, the hearing is often scheduled several weeks later, giving time to prepare.
If you were arrested for DUI in San Luis Obispo County or on the Central Coast, the Law Office of Steven L. Crawford can request the DMV hearing and represent you. Call (805) 489-2335 for a free consultation.
October 26, 2026
What Happens If You Refuse a Chemical Test After a DUI Arrest in California?
Getting pulled over on Highway 101 near Grover Beach or on a San Luis Obispo County road can feel overwhelming. Officers may ask you to take a breath or blood test after an arrest. Many drivers wonder whether they can simply say no. In California, refusing the official chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest carries serious, separate consequences under the state’s implied consent law—even if you are never convicted of DUI.
Implied Consent and the Official Chemical Test
California’s implied consent law means that by driving on public roads, you have already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath or blood) if you are lawfully arrested for DUI. This is different from the preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) breath test that officers sometimes offer at the roadside before an arrest. The PAS test is generally optional for most adult drivers. The official chemical test after arrest is not.
What Happens If You Refuse
If you refuse the official chemical test after a lawful arrest, the DMV can suspend your driver’s license for one year (or longer if you have prior DUI-related suspensions). This suspension is administrative and happens even if the criminal case is later dismissed or you are found not guilty. The refusal can also be used as evidence against you in the criminal case.
The 10-Day Deadline Still Applies
You normally have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing. Missing that deadline usually means the suspension takes effect automatically.
If you refused a chemical test after a DUI stop on the Central Coast, call the Law Office of Steven L. Crawford at (805) 489-2335 for a free consultation.
October 23, 2026
5 Things You Should Do When Pulled Over for a Suspected DUI in California
Being pulled over on suspicion of DUI is stressful. What you do in the first few minutes can affect both the criminal case and the separate DMV action against your license. Here are five practical steps.
1. Pull Over Safely and Stay in the Car
Signal, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and keep your hands visible. Do not get out unless asked.
2. Provide License, Registration, and Insurance
Show the required documents. You do not have to answer questions about drinking.
3. Be Polite, but Do Not Admit to Drinking
Stay calm. Avoid statements like “I only had a couple.”
4. Know Your Rights on Tests
Field sobriety tests are voluntary. The official chemical test after arrest is required under implied consent.
5. Contact a Lawyer and Request the DMV Hearing
Call an attorney promptly and request the DMV hearing within 10 days.
If you were stopped for a suspected DUI on the Central Coast, the Law Office of Steven L. Crawford offers free consultations. Call (805) 489-2335.
Getting pulled over on Highway 101 near Grover Beach or on a San Luis Obispo County road can feel overwhelming. Officers may ask you to take a breath or blood test after an arrest. Many drivers wonder whether they can simply say no. In California, refusing the official chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest carries serious, separate consequences under the state’s implied consent law—even if you are never convicted of DUI.
Implied Consent and the Official Chemical Test
California’s implied consent law means that by driving on public roads, you have already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath or blood) if you are lawfully arrested for DUI. This is different from the preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) breath test that officers sometimes offer at the roadside before an arrest. The PAS test is generally optional for most adult drivers. The official chemical test after arrest is not.
What Happens If You Refuse
If you refuse the official chemical test after a lawful arrest, the DMV can suspend your driver’s license for one year (or longer if you have prior DUI-related suspensions). This suspension is administrative and happens even if the criminal case is later dismissed or you are found not guilty. The refusal can also be used as evidence against you in the criminal case. Officers will typically read you a statement explaining these consequences before recording a refusal.
The 10-Day Deadline Still Applies
A refusal does not eliminate the need to act quickly on the DMV side. You normally have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge the license suspension. Missing that deadline usually means the suspension takes effect automatically. An attorney can request the hearing for you and help preserve your driving privileges while the case proceeds.
Practical Next Steps
If you refused a chemical test after a DUI stop in San Luis Obispo County or elsewhere on the Central Coast, contact a DUI defense attorney promptly. Early review of the police report, any video, and the exact circumstances of the refusal can identify defenses on both the criminal and DMV sides. The Law Office of Steven L. Crawford offers free consultations. Call (805) 489-2335 to discuss what happened and the steps available to protect your license and record.
