If you just got arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), the clock is ticking … and fast.

Per California law, if you want a hearing at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to protect your license from being automatically suspended, you need to make that request within 10 days. The DMV Driver Safety Office phone number is 559-445-6399.

If you haven't called yet, why don't you call right now?

Obviously, you have a lot on your mind in the wake of your DUI arrest. For instance, you might be fretting about potential jail time (JAIL IS A REAL POSSIBILITY, EVEN FOR MISDEMEANOR, NON-INJURY DUIs) as well fines, loss of professional credentials and insurance hikes and probation. But don't become so paralyzed with anxiety that you don't take the actions that you need to take to protect your rights and get your case in order.

If it's already been several days since your DUI -- and you haven't requested a hearing -- you might not be taking your DUI seriously enough. This is not like a traffic ticket or a parking ticket. It's a serious offense. Jail time IS awful. And imagine what it would be like not to be allowed to drive a car for a full year. How would that inconvenience you? How would that change how you work, how you live, and how you maintain your relationships?

For most Californians – with the exception of those who live and work in a public-transportation-rich city like San Francisco – it would change everything.

Call attorney Martens immediately to get help. Mr. Martens will fight your case aggressively at Visalia Court at 221 South Mooney Boulevard in Visalia, Tulare Superior Court at 221 South Mooney Boulevard, and elsewhere in Fresno County, Kings County, and Tulare County.