What to Expect from a Post-DUI Arrest Driver’s License Hearing

DUI cases in Utah are actually a two-part process that consists of the criminal hearings / trial and the ‘civil’ hearing before the Utah Dept of Public Safety – Driver’s License Division.

The latter occurs because Utah law mandates the automatic suspension of your driver’s license when you are arrested for DUI or refuse to submit to chemical testing under the state Implied Consent statute. In most cases the arresting officer provides you with a citation that serves as a temporary license and lasts for 29 days, but your primary objective should be to fight the suspension by requesting a Driver’s License Review Hearing. The hearing must be requested within 10 days of the arrest: if you miss this window, the suspension will be extremely challenging to fight.

The Driver’s License Review Hearing

These hearings take place at designated Driver’s License Division Offices and are attended by you, your attorney, the Driver’s License Hearing Officer, and the law enforcement officer who arrested you. When the proceedings begin, the latter will testify as to the circumstances of your arrest and how the tests were carried out (provided you did not refuse). You or your attorney will be able to cross-examine the officer and argue for the restoration of your license.

If you lose the hearing (or failed to request one) you automatically lose your license for 120 days as a first offender and two years if it is your second offense. If you refused the chemical test, the suspension will last for 18 months or 36 months for first and second offenses respectively. If you are under 21, the penalty for a first-time offender is a suspension of 120 days or until you turn 21, whichever is longer.

The Benefits of Attorney Representation

Attorney representation at your Driver’s License Review Hearing can greatly improve your chances of getting your license restored. A lawyer with a background in defending DUI charges will challenge the evidence against you in ways that could motivate the hearing officer to decide in your favor.

For example, if your chemical test returned a blood alcohol reading of .08 or higher, your attorney can propose that the test was not carried out properly or was inaccurate. They may also argue that the officer did not have reasonable grounds to arrest you for DUI.

The same attorney can use the information presented at the hearing to formulate your defense for the criminal case, ensuring that you have the best possible chance at getting the charge dismissed.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Utah, call the Law Office of Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins today. We will meet with you at your convenience, go over your case, and put forth a dedicated effort to have your license restored as soon as possible.

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Deven Coggins and his paralegal Holly Ranger have done a great job helping me through my whole custody battle. I am a person that would rather get told the truth than just do whatever and go blindly. Deven, always gave his honest opinion and was not afraid to be straight forward. He had my best interest the whole time and fought very hard for me and always keeping our integrity intact. In that results as we stand I have full custody of my daughter. Highly recommend these two to anyone wanting a no Bs kind of lawyer.
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I’m beyond thankful for the exceptional service I received from Brian Arnold. From day one, he showcased a deep understanding of family law and a clear commitment to my case. What truly stood out, however, was his remarkable ability to negotiate with the opposing counsel and secure an incredibly favorable resolution when it seemed like a tough situation. Throughout the process, Brian was thorough, transparent, and always kept me updated. He balanced assertiveness with empathy, ensuring that my needs were met without unnecessary stress or conflict. Thanks to Brian's negotiation expertise, we were able to avoid a prolonged legal battle and achieved a result that was far beyond what I had hoped for. I’m so relieved and pleased with the outcome. If you need a family law attorney who is not only skilled but also genuinely dedicated to achieving the best possible result for you, I can’t recommend Brian Arnold and his team enough. You’ll be in excellent hands.
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I can’t thank Brian Arnold enough for the support and guidance during my divorce. From the beginning, him and his staff worked tirelessly to find a resolution that was fair and in my best interest, without the need to go to court. Their expertise in negotiation and mediation was evident, and they made what could have been a stressful and contentious process much smoother. If you’re looking for a divorce attorney who can handle things efficiently and effectively without the added stress of courtroom battles, I highly recommend Brian Arnold and the Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins legal team.
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I couldn’t have asked for a better team during a challenging time in my life. Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins and its staff provided expert legal advice and compassionate support throughout the entire process. They were clear, responsive, and always had my best interests at heart. Their professionalism and empathy made a difficult situation much easier to navigate. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for top-notch legal representation.
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I can’t thank Brian Arnold and his team enough for their support during my highly contested divorce. From the very beginning, they were professional, understanding, and extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the case. The process was emotionally draining and complicated, but Brian and the team guided me every step of the way, making sure I understood my options and what to expect. Despite the challenges, they were able to negotiate a favorable settlement that protected my rights and helped me move forward with confidence. I always felt like they had my best interests at heart, and their attention to detail was impressive. If you’re facing a tough divorce, I highly recommend Brian Arnold and the Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins team. They made a difficult time much easier to navigate, and I’m truly grateful for their expertise and support.
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I’m very pleased with the service I received from Brian Arnold in handling my traffic citation. Brian quickly assessed my case, provided clear guidance, and worked efficiently to have the citation reduced, saving me both time and money. Brian and his staff kept me informed throughout the process and handled everything with professionalism. If you’re dealing with a traffic citation and want a hassle-free resolution, I highly recommend Brian Arnold.
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I cannot recommend Arnold Wadsworth & Coggins enough. I was facing a serious and complex legal matter, and the team at Arnold Wadsworth & Coggins provided exceptional support every step of the way. Their expertise, professionalism, and clear communication helped me navigate a difficult situation with confidence. They were responsive, thorough, and truly dedicated to achieving the best outcome. Thanks to their hard work and strategic approach, I was able to reach a resolution that far exceeded my expectations. If you're dealing with a serious legal issue, Arnold Wadsworth & Coggins is the firm you want on your side. They combine expert legal knowledge with compassionate client care, making them stand out in their field.
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Brian Arnold helped me with my criminal case. He got me a plea in abeyance and the charge expunged so it's no longer on my record. Brian is an amazing attorney and I definitely recommend working with him.

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