If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Lakeland, Florida, you’re facing more than just a criminal case. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) may also take action against your license. Unless you request a DMV hearing within ten days of your arrest, your driving privileges could be automatically suspended.
Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, has 25 years of experience defending clients in Polk County and throughout Florida. A DMV hearing is one of the most important parts of a DUI case, and having a seasoned Lakeland criminal defense attorney guide you through the process can make a significant difference.
Contact us today at (863) 688-4606 to schedule an initial consultation with our trusted Lakeland DMV hearing lawyer.
How Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, Can Help with Your DMV Hearing in Lakeland, Florida
The DMV hearing is your chance to fight back, but it’s not easy to win without legal representation. The DMV operates under strict administrative rules that don’t have much leeway, and the burden is often on the driver to challenge the suspension.
When you hire Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, you get an experienced advocate who understands the DMV system inside and out. Our Lakeland DMV hearing attorney knows the arguments that work, the evidence that carries weight, and the strategies that give you the best shot at success.
Here’s what our Lakeland DUI lawyer can do for you:
- Request your hearing on time so your right to contest the suspension is preserved
- Review the arrest report and all evidence used by the police against you
- Challenge the legality of the stop and arrest, including whether the officer had probable cause
- Question the accuracy of breath or blood test results and the procedures used in collecting them
- Cross-examine the arresting officer to highlight inconsistencies or errors
- Present supporting evidence or witnesses to strengthen your case
Contact our law offices in Lakeland, FL, today to set up a consultation. We’re passionate about fighting for the rights of the accused in our local area.
What Happens at a Florida DMV Hearing?
A DMV hearing is separate from your criminal court proceedings. It is an administrative proceeding where a hearing officer decides whether your license should be suspended. The officer reviews the evidence submitted by law enforcement and gives you a chance to present your side.
Some of the main issues that may be addressed include:
- Whether the officer had probable cause to stop your vehicle
- Whether you were lawfully arrested for DUI
- If you submitted to a breath or blood test, whether the results were over the legal limit
- If you refused testing, whether you were properly advised of the consequences
Although it isn’t a criminal trial, the hearing can still be complex. Police officers may testify, and technical evidence such as breath test results can be introduced. A Lakeland criminal defense lawyer familiar with DMV procedures can challenge this evidence and argue for your license to be reinstated.
What Are the Consequences of Losing My License?
The DMV hearing is a critical stage in the process because the loss of a driver’s license can disrupt almost every part of your life.
The suspension period that may be imposed on you depends on the circumstances of your case. For example, a first offense without bodily injury can lead to a one-year maximum suspension (minimum 180 days), whereas a first offense with bodily injury can lead to a minimum three-year suspension.
Losing your license can make it difficult to do things like keep your job and take care of family obligations. While hardship licenses are sometimes available, they come with restrictions and are not guaranteed. The DMV hearing is your best opportunity to fight for your driving privileges from the start.
What Defenses Can I Raise at a DMV Hearing in Lakeland?
Even though a DUI arrest can feel like the odds are stacked against you, there are often strong defenses available. The DMV must rely on the same police reports, chemical tests, and witness testimony used in the criminal case, and these can be challenged.
Some of the most common defenses include:
- Illegal stop: If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over, the license suspension can be overturned.
- Improper arrest: The state must prove the arrest was lawful and supported by probable cause.
- Testing errors: Breathalyzer and blood test machines must be maintained and operated correctly. Problems with calibration or procedure can undermine the results.
- Paperwork mistakes: Missing or incorrect information in the arrest report can be grounds to contest the suspension.
- Medical or health factors: Certain conditions may affect test results or mimic signs of impairment.
By pointing out weaknesses in the evidence, your Lakeland DUI attorney can show that the state has not met its burden, giving you a chance to keep your license.
Contact Our Lakeland DMV Hearing Lawyer Today To Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Lakeland, don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your driver’s license. You only have ten days to take action. Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, has been defending clients in Polk County for 25 years and understands the DMV hearing process inside and out.
Call today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Lakeland DMV hearing lawyer.