What to Expect at a Driver Safety Administrative Hearing
The North Carolina DMV can suspend or revoke your license for common offenses such as speeding, reckless driving, DWI, or accumulating driver’s points. When a license is suspended, the DMV sends a notice in writing, which includes a specific period of suspension based on the reason for the suspension.
If you receive a notification and do not want to be without a driver’s license for the selected suspension time frame, you have the option to request an administrative hearing with the DMV. A Driver Safety Administrative Hearing is a trial that allows you to present an argument for why your license suspension should be modified or withdrawn based on supporting evidence. You must appeal for a hearing within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice, which will allow you to retain your license and driving privileges until the results of the trial. You can request a hearing by calling or mailing a letter to the Driver License Hearings office in Raleigh. If you or a witness needs a sign or language interpreter, one will be provided for the hearing. In the event you cannot attend the hearing you requested, the trial will move forward with the case against you.
During the hearing, you’ll be informed of the legal grounds of action with the opportunity to review and challenge the evidence. You’ll also be allowed to present any witnesses, testimonies, and other examples of evidence to persuade the DMV to change the suspension decision. After the trial, the Driver Safety Hearing Officer will make a decision to uphold the original suspension or rescind. The final verdict will be presented to you in writing. If the decision is not in your favor, you have the option to request the DMV to conduct an administrative review of the decision, as well as the right to appeal the decision to superior court.
You have the right to be represented by an attorney during a Driver Safety Administrative Hearing. Although not required, we encourage you to have an experienced, local traffic attorney by your side during this time. Working with an attorney ensures you understand the trial process and are confident about the evidence you’re presenting to appeal your license suspension.
If you’re ready to request an administrative hearing in North Carolina for a license suspension notice from New Hanover or Pender County, contact Brett Wentz at Wentz Law Firm today. Brett is committed to delivering the best possible defense for your case and will fight for the resolution you seek for your Driver Safety Administrative Hearing.