Department Of Motor Vehicles (Dmv) Hearings In Colorado
DMV Hearings To Protect Your Colorado Driver’s License
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearings in Colorado are an important step to guard your driving privilege if DMV decides that your license should be suspended or revoked. When a driver acquires points, or a type of offense like DUI, DWAI or excess blood alcohol content, which might permit the suspension or revocation (revoke) of a Colorado Driver’s License, the Department of Revenue – Division of Motor Vehicles will send a letter stating that the driver is entitled to a hearing. There is a standard deadline to request a hearing, regardless of whether your suspension is based out of Denver, Jefferson, Arapahoe, Adams or Douglas County.
DMV hearings are informal and do not always require the presence of the police officer. In many cases, it is sufficient for the hearing officer (who is an employee of the DMV and the Department of Revenue) to review police reports. The driver has the opportunity to present evidence and call witnesses at the hearing. The hearing officer will then apply the law to the facts as determined at the hearing and make a ruling. It is important to understand that hearing officers are paid by the government and they prefer not to upset established law. Some hearing officers work regularly with traffic police officers in Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada and Castle Rock, and have become friendly with them. It is essential that you have a lawyer presenting your side of the case in a professional manner. In many cases, we can save your driving privilege.
Any ruling from DMV is susceptible to appeal. An appeal enables the driver to challenge the procedure used by the hearing officer and the application of law to the facts in Weld County, Larimer County and other counties. Appeals are handled in courts and are complicated procedurally. It is essential that a driver facing the loss of his or her license employs an experienced DMV suspension/revocation lawyer. Your job may be dependent on driving and a job loss can cause serious problems.
If your driver’s license is in jeopardy, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and call our DMV attorneys at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.