An arrest can leave you with paperwork, unanswered questions, and a lot to take in. Start by getting organized. You do not need to understand every legal term before speaking with a lawyer.
General legal information, not advice for an individual case.
Put your paperwork in one place.
Gather your citation, release documents, any temporary license, and every notice you received. Look for dates, case numbers, and the names of the court and arresting agency. Keep the originals and make readable copies for your attorney.
Write down your questions while they are fresh. If a document is missing or difficult to understand, bring that up during your first call.
Understand that court and DMV are separate.
A DUI arrest can involve both a criminal court case and a DMV administrative proceeding about your driving privilege. The DMV hearing does not determine guilt or innocence in the criminal case.
California DMV says you may request a hearing within 10 days of receiving a suspension or revocation order. Review your notice promptly and discuss the deadline with an attorney. Waiting for your court date may leave a DMV deadline unaddressed. California DMV’s DUI guidance
Explain the practical impact on your life.
Your attorney needs to understand more than the charge. Make a short list of how the case could affect your work, transportation, family responsibilities, and professional licenses. Mention any upcoming travel or other court matters.
Discuss the documents you have and what information may need to be obtained. Your attorney can explain how the particular facts affect the options available to you.
Two matters to discuss
Your license. Your court case.
Ask whether the proposed representation includes both the criminal matter and the DMV hearing, who will handle each, and how the team will keep you informed.
Explore DMV hearing defenseQuestions worth asking at your first consultation
- Which dates or notices need attention first?
- What documents should I send, and what is the secure way to send them?
- Will your team handle both the court case and any DMV matter?
- Who will be my main point of contact?
- What work is included in the fee, and what might cost extra?
- How and when will I receive updates?
Common first questions
Does my court date also cover the DMV hearing?
The criminal court case and the DMV proceeding are separate. Ask your attorney to review each notice and confirm which deadlines apply to you. The California DMV resource linked above explains the distinction.
Do I need all the evidence before calling a lawyer?
You can start with the paperwork you already have and the questions you need answered. During the conversation, ask what additional records may be needed and who will obtain them.
Can this guide tell me what will happen to my case?
No. The facts, evidence, history, and applicable law all matter. An attorney needs to evaluate your individual circumstances before discussing possible outcomes.
Make your first conversation easier.
Use the interactive preparation checklist to organize the documents and questions you want to discuss.
Open your consultation checklistPrepared September 14, 2026. Legal process statements reference California DMV’s official DUI guidance. General information only; confirm the deadlines and requirements for your situation with an attorney.