Administrative License Revocation in Waynesburg

Before the Senate Bill took effect on July 1, 2020, navigating DUI cases was often confusing. Each case required two separate hearings: one for the DUI charge itself and another for the administrative license revocation. Prior to this legislation, cases even necessitated an additional hearing before a judge regarding the administrative license.

However, since the bill’s enactment, the process has been streamlined. Now, DUI cases are handled within a single court setting to determine both conviction and punishment. The Administrative Hearings Office was officially dissolved on July 22, 2021. Until that date, any DUI cases filed before July 21, 2020, will continue to be heard there. If a case remains unresolved, it is scheduled for temporary dismissal.

Understanding the various types of DUI cases and the implications of Senate Bill 130 can still be challenging. This complexity is why you need the guidance of a Waynesburg criminal lawyer to help simplify the legal process. When looking for a trusted legal partner, turn to the Mountaineer Criminal Law Group. Our experienced attorneys will give your case the attention it deserves, working hard to secure a favorable result.

The New Single-Court System

The previous Pennsylvania court system was intricate, requiring twin hearings for penalties involving driver’s licenses. Fortunately, the process is much simpler now with a single hearing. License-related penalties vary depending on the severity of the charges.

Revocation of Administrative License in Regional DMV Hearings

The DMV headquarters in Charleston holds various records related to administrative revocation. However, you might be summoned to a regional office for your hearing. A Waynesburg DUI Attorney from our group can provide strong legal representation to manage your DUI case effectively.

Typically, the hearing will take place at a regional detachment near where the arrest occurred, and our lawyers will travel there to help resolve your case.

Losing Your License Without Conviction

For cases filed before July 1, 2020, you could face administrative license confiscation even if you are not convicted.

An administrative hearing is a legal proceeding linked to consent testing. In these hearings, the government faces a lower burden of proof compared to criminal trials, where a citizen’s rights and freedom are at significant risk. The decision to suspend an administrative license relies on the “preponderance of evidence” standard. In contrast, criminal courts must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Previously, lawyers faced numerous challenges in proving innocence to retrieve a license. Today, however, the situation has shifted significantly with the implementation of Senate Bill 130, which has altered the odds. Now, you attend one court, and license revocation is based directly on the criminal charges.

Our Waynesburg criminal lawyer can assist you in filing an administrative license appeal for cases dating back before July 2020. This allows you to bring your case to the Administrative Hearings groups, where the final order date will be issued. Delays in this process can actually benefit you, potentially allowing you to drive for an additional 8-10 months due to significant case backlogs. However, it is crucial not to miss your hearings, as doing so increases the risk of your license being revoked immediately.

At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, Contact us (304) 381-3656 openly with a Waynesburg DUI attorney who will listen to your story and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.