Savannah Administrative License Hearing Lawyer

What to Expect at the Administrative Hearing

When you are facing DUI charges in Savannah, understanding what happens at the administrative license hearing is essential to protecting your privilege to drive. After being arrested for DUI, you have just 30 days to request a hearing to appeal the automatic license suspension issued by the Department of Driver Services. Missing this critical deadline can result in an immediate suspension of your driving privileges, making it vital to act fast and seek experienced legal representation.

At the administrative hearing, the focus is on whether the arresting officer had probable cause to stop you and whether you refused to take a breath or blood test. The hearing officer will review all evidence, including your BAC results, field sobriety test performance, and any other relevant details from your case. This process is separate from your criminal DUI case, but the outcome can have a significant impact on your ability to legally drive.

Having a knowledgeable Savannah DUI defense attorney by your side during this hearing can make all the difference. Our law firm’s legal team has decades of experience handling administrative license suspension cases in Chatham County and throughout Georgia. We understand how to build a strong defense, challenge the evidence presented, and negotiate with the Department of Driver Services to minimize the length of your suspension. In many cases, we can help you obtain a limited driving permit, so you can continue to work and manage essential responsibilities while your case moves forward.

Defending Your License and Your Future at the Hearing

Every case is unique, and the administrative hearing process can vary depending on the circumstances. Our Savannah DUI attorneys take a personalized approach, carefully reviewing the details of your case and developing a strategy to defend your rights. We will represent you at the hearing, challenge any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and work to minimize the penalties you face—including prison time, fines, and a suspended license.

If you have refused a test or if your BAC was over the legal limit, the stakes are even higher. That’s why it’s crucial to request a hearing as soon as possible and discuss your legal options with a skilled attorney. Our law firm offers a free consultation to help you understand your rights and the best steps to take from the very beginning.

Don’t let an automatic license suspension disrupt your life. Contact our Savannah DUI attorneys today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward defending your privilege to drive. We are committed to providing the representation you need to minimize the impact of a DUI charge and protect your future.

Administrative License Hearing FAQs – Savannah, GA

How long do I have to request an administrative license hearing in Georgia?

You have only 10 business days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an administrative license hearing. This deadline is strict, and missing it means your license will be automatically suspended. Many people don’t realize how quickly this deadline comes up. A Savannah administrative license hearing lawyer can file the request for you immediately and make sure all paperwork is submitted correctly. Acting fast is one of the most important steps you can take after a DUI arrest to protect your driving privileges.

What happens if I don’t request an administrative license hearing after a DUI arrest?

If you don’t request a hearing within the 10-day window, your license will be suspended automatically. For a first offense, you’re looking at a 12-month suspension. For repeat offenses, the suspension period is even longer. Without a hearing, you lose the chance to challenge the suspension before it takes effect. A Savannah DUI lawyer can explain your options even if you’ve already missed the deadline. In some cases, there may still be ways to get limited driving privileges through work permits or ignition interlock devices.

Can a lawyer help me win my administrative license hearing?

Yes, a lawyer can significantly improve your chances at an administrative license hearing. These hearings follow different rules than criminal court, and knowing what evidence to present matters. A Savannah administrative license hearing lawyer knows how to challenge the arresting officer’s testimony, question whether proper procedures were followed, and present medical or technical evidence that supports your case. While there are no guarantees, having legal representation means you’re putting up the strongest possible fight to keep your license. Many people who go to these hearings alone don’t know what questions to ask or what arguments work best.

Is the administrative license hearing the same as my DUI court case?

No, the administrative license hearing is completely separate from your criminal DUI case. The hearing happens through the Department of Driver Services and focuses only on whether you should keep your driving privileges. Your criminal case happens in court and deals with the DUI charges themselves. You can win your administrative hearing but still face criminal charges, or lose your hearing but beat the criminal case. A Savannah DUI lawyer can handle both proceedings for you. Having the same attorney for both gives you the advantage of a coordinated defense strategy that looks at the big picture of your situation.