DUI10Days.com

Arrested for DUI in San Bernardino County? You May Have Only 10 Days to Request Your DMV Hearing.

A California DUI arrest can trigger two separate proceedings — a criminal court case and a DMV driver's license action. The DMV deadline to request a hearing runs from receipt of the Order of Suspension or Revocation. Do not wait.

Kirk M. Tarman · State Bar No. 203966 · 25+ Years Criminal Defense

Why the First 10 Days Matter After a California DUI Arrest

After a California DUI arrest, the DMV may issue an Order of Suspension or Revocation affecting your driving privilege. California law generally provides 10 days from receipt of that order to request an administrative hearing. Missing this deadline can result in the automatic suspension of your driver's license without a hearing. The DMV proceeding is entirely separate from the criminal court case — both require attention.

Were You Recently Arrested for DUI?

The DMV process can begin before your first criminal court date. Speak with our DUI defense team about the notice you received and what steps may need to be taken.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in California

DUI Arrest

Law enforcement makes a DUI arrest. The officer may issue a temporary license document and an Order of Suspension or Revocation on behalf of the DMV.

Review the DMV Notice

The Order of Suspension or Revocation sets out the DMV deadline. Review the notice carefully — the deadline to request a hearing runs from receipt of that order.

Request a DMV Hearing

A timely hearing request can stay the suspension while the DMV proceeding is pending. Missing the deadline can result in automatic suspension.

Criminal Court Proceedings

The criminal DUI case proceeds separately through the court system. Arraignment, pretrial proceedings, and potential trial or resolution all occur on the criminal track.

DMV Administrative Hearing

The DMV hearing addresses the driver's license action. The outcome of the DMV hearing does not automatically determine the criminal case, and vice versa.

What Type of DUI Are You Facing?

California DUI cases can involve different charges, prior-history issues, injury allegations, chemical-test issues, and DMV consequences. The specific allegations can affect both the criminal case and the separate DMV proceeding.

DUI Defense in San Bernardino County

A DUI arrest can create two separate proceedings: a criminal case in court and an administrative driver-license matter with the California DMV. DUI allegations may involve alcohol, drugs, prescription medication, or a combination of substances.

Learn about DUI defense →

Felony DUI

A DUI may be prosecuted as a felony in qualifying repeat-offense cases, after certain prior felony DUI convictions, or when DUI causing injury is charged under applicable law. Fatal DUI incidents may also result in separate serious felony allegations.

Learn about Felony DUI defense →

DMV DUI Administrative Hearing

After a DUI arrest, a separate DMV proceeding may affect your driving privilege. The DMV hearing is independent of the criminal court case and has its own deadline, generally tied to receipt of the applicable suspension or revocation order.

Learn about DMV hearings →

First DUI in San Bernardino County

A first DUI arrest can involve both criminal charges and a separate DMV license action. Learn about common charges, license consequences, court procedures, evidence, and defense issues.

First DUI Defense →

Additional DUI case types:

Second / Multiple DUIDUI Causing InjuryDrug DUIChemical Test RefusalDUI AccidentUnderage DUI

Explore additional DUI defense topics and related DMV issues on our DUI Defense page.

Kirk M. Tarman, Founding Attorney — Law Offices of Kirk M. Tarman & Associates

Kirk M. Tarman — San Bernardino County DUI Defense

Kirk M. Tarman has defended DUI and criminal cases in San Bernardino County and throughout Southern California for over 25 years. He is familiar with local courthouse procedures, filing practices, court calendars, and the DMV administrative hearing process. State Bar No. 203966.

Kirk M. Tarman, Esq. · State Bar No. 203966

Areas of Practice

  • DUI Defense
  • Felony DUI Defense
  • DMV Administrative Hearings
  • DUI-Related Criminal Charges
Call 909-466-9800

What a DUI Defense Attorney Can Review

A DUI arrest does not automatically establish that the prosecution can prove every element of the case. A defense attorney can evaluate how the stop, investigation, arrest, and chemical testing were conducted.

Reason for the traffic stop
Driving observations and body-camera footage
Field sobriety test administration
Breath testing procedures and calibration records
Blood testing and chain of custody
Chemical-test timing and procedures
Search-and-seizure issues
Police reports and witness statements

The availability and strength of any defense depend on the facts, evidence, and circumstances of the individual case.

Serving San Bernardino County — Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Upland, Chino, Victorville

Recently Arrested for DUI? Tell Us How to Reach You.

Our office can review the basic information about your arrest and help you understand the next steps involving your DMV and criminal case.

You may upload your DUI citation, DMV suspension notice, court paperwork, or related documents to help our office review the basic details of your case.

Please upload only documents related to your citation, DMV notice, or court paperwork. Do not send highly sensitive financial information, Social Security numbers, or unrelated confidential records through this form.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Service Area

Serving San Bernardino County

The Law Offices of Kirk M. Tarman & Associates represents clients facing DUI charges throughout San Bernardino County — including Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Ontario, Fontana, Upland, Chino, Victorville, and surrounding communities. Our Rancho Cucamonga office is familiar with the local courts and DMV processes that apply to your situation.

Rancho CucamongaSan BernardinoOntarioFontanaUplandChinoVictorvilleRedlandsColtonRialto

Common Questions After a DUI Arrest

What Clients Say

"Kirk Tarman and his team are the best — I would pick them 1,000 times over. They handled my case professionally and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Do yourself a favor and hire Kirk."

— Brett

"Hired these lawyers to fight a DUI case. They represented me for almost three years. My case was dismissed. I am forever grateful of this law firm. Highly recommend."

— Timothy

"Tarman Law helped me so much during my DUI proceedings. They're as professional as it can get! I highly recommend their services. Thank you for everything."

— Gurt

Client reviews reflect individual experiences. Results vary. No attorney can guarantee a specific outcome.

Don't Wait to Get Answers

If you were recently arrested for DUI in San Bernardino County, speaking with an experienced defense attorney promptly can help you understand your options.