Administrative
Hearing Information - Revocation / Cancellation
The purpose of a hearing is to contest the
department's revocation or cancellation of your driving privilege. Some
of the main reasons (issues) for contesting a revocation or cancellation
are listed below. You may present other issues in your hearing. However,
the hearing officer cannot overturn the department's revocation or cancellation
because you need your license to drive to work, school, or need it for
any other purpose.
CHEMICAL TEST RESULTS OR REFUSAL
TO SUBMIT TO BREATH OR BLOOD TESTING (DRIVING OR OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE)
1a. Whether the law enforcement officer
had probable cause to believe that you were driving or operating a
motor vehicle while under the influence; or
1b. Whether the law enforcement officer
had probable cause to believe that you were involved in a collision
that resulted in a fatality or serious physical injury to another person;
and
2a. You refused to submit to a chemical
test as required by law; or
2b. Your chemical test produced a
result of .08 or more or disclosed the presence of inhalants or controlled
substances; or
2c. You were operating a commercial
motor vehicle and the chemical test produced a result of .04 or more
or disclosed the presence of inhalants or controlled substances.
UNDER 21 VIOLATION ( UNDERAGE DRIVING
AFTER DRINKING)
1. Whether you were at least 14 years
of age and not yet 21 years of age; and
2a. You operated a vehicle after consuming
alcohol; or
2b. You refused to submit to breath
testing as required by law.
CANCELLATION
1. Whether the Department of Administration
has a valid basis for canceling your privilege to drive.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A HEARING?
A hearing officer will explain the hearing process, review the information
in the state file, and ask if you have any questions. A hearing officer
will then swear in any witness(es) and take testimony. This is your
opportunity to present your side of the story. A hearing officer
may ask questions. After reviewing all the evidence, the hearing
officer will close the hearing. The hearing officer will make a decision
after the hearing and documentation will be mailed to you and, if applicable,
your attorney. The hearing officer will apply a preponderance of
evidence standard. If the hearing officer decides in your favor,
the revocation or cancellation will not take effect. If the hearing
officer decides against you, the revocation or cancellation will go into
effect for the minimum period of time based on your driving record.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN THE HEARING
IS SCHEDULED?
You will receive a notice of the hearing that lists the date and time of the
hearing. On the reverse side of the hearing notice is a "notice of policy". This
policy provides you with information concerning evidence, subpoenas, records,
and continuances. Please read this form. For some hearings, the
bottom of your hearing notice contains a "temporary license". That temporary
license portion can be torn off and carried as your temporary driver's license. If "no
temporary license" is issued to you, you cannot drive. If you have questions
about your temporary license, you should contact Anchorage Driver Licensing.
WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT A
HEARING?
If you ask for a hearing and later decide you don't want it, you can withdraw
your request. If you decide to withdraw your request, please notify Anchorage
Driver Licensing, in writing, as soon as possible. Once your written
request to cancel the hearing is received, your temporary license is canceled
and the revocation or cancellation of your license begins. If you are
convicted in court prior to the hearing date, the court must revoke your privilege
to drive. You must also surrender the temporary license to the judge. If
following a conviction, you no longer want to contest the department's revocation,
you should notify Anchorage Driver Licensing, in writing, or your intention
to withdraw your hearing request.
WHAT IF I DON'T SHOW UP FOR MY HEARING?
If you request a hearing and fail to respond or attend the hearing, your right
to a hearing is waived and the revocation or cancellation will go into
effect.
DO I NEED A LAWYER?
You have the right to have a lawyer, or any person of your choice, help you
with the hearing. Not all cases require legal assistance. If
your case is complicated you may need a lawyer. If you are going
to hire a lawyer, don't wait until the hearing is scheduled. Hire
a lawyer right away. Your lawyer will need time to prepare your case. If
you hire a lawyer, let the hearing office know immediately so that a notice
of the hearing can be sent to your lawyer.
WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE HEARING
DECISION?
You can appeal the decision to the Superior Court.
TIPS THAT MAY HELP YOU IN THE HEARING:
- Be prepared.
- Write down the points you want to cover
in your testimony.
- Gather your written evidence together
and mail copies to the hearing office to arrive at least 10 days
before the hearing.
- Talk to your witness(es) as soon as possible.
- During the hearing, don't try to testify
until it is your turn.
- Don't interrupt those who are testifying.
- When you testify, tell the truth.
- Don't guess if you are not sure.
- Try not to repeat yourself.
- Make sure the evidence you present concerns
the issues.
- Don't argue or get angry during the hearing;
you will do a much better job of presenting your case if you stay
calm.
- Participate in the hearing.
- Exercise your rights. It is your
chance to tell your side of the story.
LIMITED LICENSE FOR WORK PURPOSES
What if all I really want is a "limited
license" for work purposes? If you are not contesting the revocation,
there is no need to request a hearing.
For further information, please contact
Anchorage Driver Licensing at 269-3770 or DOA.DMV.ADL@Alaska.gov.
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