FAQs ABOUT DMV hearings

What is a hearing?

Definition per Barron’s Law Dictionary Second Edition: “A proceeding wherein evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision on the basis of that evidence.  “

Who attends the hearing?

The hearing officer, the licensee (called the “Respondent”) and any witnesses, such as the police officer.

How long is the hearing?

45 minutes or less.

Is there more than one hearing?

If all the issues are not fully addressed in the initial 45 minute hearing, a party to the hearing (the DMV or you), can “move” (request) that the hearing be reconvened on another date and at another time to address any remaining issues.

If I am not ready for the hearing, what do I do?

You must request a continuance of the hearing; the continuance must be filed in a timely manner.

As soon as the issue or issues arise that is/are the basis for the continuance, a letter requesting the continuance must be sent to the DMV.  The letter must address the reason(s) (ie need) for the continuance; the reasons must rise to the level of “good cause”.  Any supporting documents that tend to show that the continuance is needed should be filed with the request.  Example: a person’s family member suddenly dies; the person must fly to a funeral; the DMV hearing is set on the date of the funeral.  The continuance request should outline the reason (relationship to the deceased, date of death) and a copy of the plane ticket should be attached.

What are the days and times of hearings?

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, hearings are set at

8am

9am

10:15am

11:15am

1:15pm

2:15pm or 2:30pm

3:30pm

Wednesdays, hearings are set starting at 9am:

9am

10:15am

11:15am

1:15pm

2:15pm or 2:30pm

3:30pm

DUI lawyer Mark Blair can answer any of your DMV related DUI questions.  Please call Mark at (415) 664-4343 as soon as possible for a free, informative and confidential consultation.  Mark has been successful in helping thousands of persons who have had a DUI arrest.