Have you been arrested on suspicion of DUI? Is your license subject to suspension for failure to appear in court on a traffic matter or failure to pay a traffic fine? Are you subject to a license suspension due to numerous speeding tickets or other traffic violations? If your license is subject to suspension for these or other matters and you need an attorney to represent you at an administrative Department of Licensing (DOL) hearing, we can help. It is important to contact us as soon as possible after you get any letter from the DOL.
At Heritage Law Office, our traffic defense lawyer represents clients throughout Eastern, Central and Western Washington. We concentrate in traffic defense to provide clients with the knowledgeable and highly qualified representation they require. In addition to defending clients against traffic tickets and traffic crimes, we represent clients at administrative driver's license suspension hearings (DOL hearings).
What You Should Know
If you retain us, we will request a hearing on your behalf. You have limited time to request one, so it is critical that you contact our office immediately to protect your rights.
Administrative DOL hearings are different from criminal trial and contested traffic hearings. We typically handle these hearings by phone and our clients are typically not present for the hearing.
The defenses that may be raised at a DOL hearing are more limited than at a criminal trial or contested traffic ticket hearing. However, there are defenses that may be used to challenge your license suspension. Given the technical nature of these hearings, it is a decided advantage to have an experienced traffic defense attorney who understands the law, the hearing process and the defenses that may be raised on your behalf.
What You Should Know?
- You have limited time to request one, so it is critical that you contact our office immediately to protect your rights.
- Administrative DOL hearings are different from criminal trial and contested traffic hearings. We typically handle these hearings by phone and our clients are typically not present for the hearing.
- The defenses that may be raised at a DOL hearing are more limited than at a criminal trial or contested traffic ticket hearing. However, there are defenses that may be used to challenge your license suspension.
- Given the technical nature of these hearings, it is a decided advantage to have an experienced traffic defense attorney who understands the law, the hearing process and the defenses that may be raised on your behalf.
FOR DUI CHARGES: The DOL hearing has nothing to do with your criminal case. If you were charged with a DUI, the arresting officer would have given you a Department of Licensing form to request a DOL hearing. You must make the request within 7 days of the date of your arrest. The fee is $375, which must accompany the application, however, you may qualify to waive the fee depending on your financial situation. If you fail to make a timely request, you will have a minimum 90-day suspension, longer depending on the facts in your case. If you have a CDL, it is crucial that you request a hearing to try to avoid a suspension.
A court appointed attorney will not represent you at the DOL hearing. Private counsel may assist you, but some charge additional retainers for this service, so be sure to inquire.
Contact Heritage Law Office Today
We serve clients in Kittitas County and throughout Eastern and Central Washington (Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Spokane and Walla Walla). For a free consultation, call 509-899-5375 or by email.