Attending an MVA hearing can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when your ability to drive is at risk. The rules and procedures involved are confusing, and it can be difficult to understand how to present your side of the story.
Losing your license can impact your job, family, and daily life, making the hearing feel even more intimidating. You don’t have to deal with it alone. Our Ocean City MVA hearing lawyers can explain your options, protect your rights, and represent you at the hearing.
Our team at The Bishop Law Group has over 25 years of combined experience representing people in Maryland. Call today for an assessment of your needs and find out how our Ocean City criminal defense lawyers can help with your MVA hearing.
What Is an MVA Hearing in Ocean City, Maryland?
An MVA hearing is an administrative process that focuses on your ability to keep or modify your driver’s license. It usually comes up after an incident like a DUI arrest, a referral to the Medical Advisory Board of the MVA, a failed or refused breath test, or accumulating too many points on your license.
This hearing isn’t part of any criminal or traffic case. The Office of Administrative Hearings handles it separately from the courts, and only deals with your driving privileges. Understanding how this process works can help you take action before your license is suspended or restricted.
For a free legal consultation with a criminal defense lawyer serving Ocean City, call (410) 390-3101
Should You Get a Lawyer for an MVA Hearing?
Hiring a lawyer for a Motor Vehicle Administration hearing is a smart decision, especially if your license is at risk due to a DUI, test refusal, suspected medical issues, or serious traffic violation. Some of the things our Ocean City MVA hearing attorneys can do to help with your case include:
- Explain the hearing process and what to expect.
- Review the evidence and paperwork from the MVA
- Identify legal issues or errors in procedure
- Prepare and present your case to the Administrative Law Judge
- Handle communications with the MVA on your behalf
- Advise you on whether to appeal if you lose the hearing.
We can also help you pursue a restricted license if you’re eligible. You’re not required to have legal representation, but showing up unprepared can mean a greater chance of losing your license.
Ocean City Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (410) 390-3101
What Triggers an MVA Hearing?
You might be required to attend a Motor Vehicle Administration hearing if you’re facing a possible license suspension or revocation. This often happens when you get a DUI in Maryland or if you refuse a breath test.
Other situations, like certain medical conditions or too many points on your record, can also lead to a hearing. If you’ve been handed paperwork or told your license is at risk, it’s important to consult with an attorney to better understand your situation.
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Can You Request a Motor Vehicle Administration Hearing?
You can request an MVA hearing yourself. For an alcohol-related suspension, such as a DUI arrest, you must request a hearing within 30 days of receiving your DUI/DWI, although it’s much better to request it within 10 days to avoid any possible license suspensions down the road. However, the specific timeframe varies based on the type of offense.
It’s important to act within this time limit; missing the deadline can lead to automatic license suspension without a chance to challenge it. In most cases, a skilled lawyer can improve your chances of a better outcome.
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What Happens at an MVA Hearing?
Most MVA hearings are now virtual. A few years ago, they used to take place at one of the hearing locations designated by the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings. A judge, called an Administrative Law Judge, runs the hearing and rules on the case.
Our MVA hearing lawyers in Ocean City can present documents, question evidence, and explain your side. Often, the officer who arrested you won’t be there, especially if the hearing only involves paperwork issues.
The judge looks at whether the officer advised you of your rights, whether you refused a test, or if your BAC was above the limit. If you win, you keep your license or get limited driving privileges. If not, you may face a license suspension or other disciplinary action.
Can I Appeal a Decision Made at the Hearing?
After the hearing, the judge sends a decision to the MVA, and your license status is updated based on that outcome. If your license is suspended, you’ll be told when and how to turn it in. If you lose the hearing and believe the decision was unfair, you can file an appeal in Circuit Court.
There’s a strict deadline to do that, so you’ll need to act quickly. Appeals are based on whether the law was applied correctly, not on new evidence. We can review the judge’s ruling and help you decide whether an appeal is worth pursuing.
Get Help from an Ocean City MVA Hearing Attorney
The MVA hearing process can be more complex than it first appears. You’re not just explaining your side; you’re responding to specific issues, like whether proper procedures were followed during your arrest or if your rights were violated.
When one mistake can lead to losing your license, it’s important to get legal help. Our Ocean City MVA hearing attorneys understand how the system works, what evidence matters, and how to make a strong case to protect your driving privileges.
At The Bishop Law Group, we’ve served thousands of clients in Maryland and assisted them with their legal challenges. Call today to set up your assessment of your needs and tell us about your MVA hearing.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
