Forsyth County License Hearing Guide

You Have 15 Days to Request Your ALR Hearing in Forsyth County!

Time is of the essence! If you were arrested for DWI (Driving While Impaired) in Forsyth County, North Carolina, and your driver's license was seized, you have a very limited window to protect your driving privileges. You have only 15 CALENDAR DAYS from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This is not 10 days, as some people mistakenly believe. Missing this crucial 15-day deadline will result in the automatic suspension of your driver's license, with no opportunity to contest it. Don't delay – act now to protect your rights!

How to Request Your ALR Hearing in Forsyth County

To challenge your license suspension, you must formally request an ALR hearing from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). While specific online request URLs are not available, here's how to request your hearing:

By Mail: This is the recommended method to ensure a verifiable record of your request. Send your written request to:

NCDMV Administrative Support Unit 3118 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699

Important Considerations for Your Request:

• Written Request: Your request must be in writing. Clearly state that you are requesting an ALR hearing to contest the suspension of your driver's license.
• Include Information: Include your full name, driver's license number, date of birth, mailing address, and the date of your arrest.
• Certified Mail: Send your request via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. This provides proof that the NCDMV received your request within the 15-day deadline. This is crucial!
• Hearing Fee: A fee must accompany the request. This is typically $450 for restoration hearings, though specific refusal hearing forms (HF-007) may list a $200 fee. Failure to include the fee results in the request being summarily rejected.

Remember, the 15-day deadline is strict. Mailing your request is the most reliable way to ensure it's received on time.

After You Request Your ALR Hearing

Once your request is filed, here's what you can expect:

1. Request Filed: The NCDMV receives your request and acknowledges it.
2. Hearing Scheduled: The NCDMV will schedule your ALR hearing. This typically takes 2-4 weeks. You will receive a notice of the hearing date, time, and location. Hearings in Forsyth County are typically conducted at the NCDMV Driver License Office at 2001 Silas Creek Parkway in Winston-Salem. Be aware that there is an increasing trend toward conducting these hearings remotely or via phone, or centralized in Raleigh, especially for medical reviews. The specific notice sent to the driver will dictate the venue.
3. The Hearing: You will attend the hearing and present your case.
4. Decision: The hearing officer will make a decision regarding your license suspension.

What to Expect at the ALR Hearing in Forsyth County

The ALR hearing is a formal, quasi-judicial proceeding. Here's what you can expect:

• Who's Present: You will be present, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney. A NCDMV hearing officer will preside over the hearing. The arresting officer may also be present to testify.
• What's Discussed: The hearing officer will review the evidence related to your arrest, including the police report, breath test results (if any), and the officer's testimony. The hearing officer will determine whether there was probable cause for your arrest and whether proper procedures were followed.
• Hearing Length: ALR hearings typically last between 30 minutes and an hour.
• Possible Outcomes: The hearing officer can either uphold the suspension of your driver's license or reinstate your driving privileges.

Should You Hire an Attorney for Your ALR Hearing?

Hiring an attorney for your ALR hearing can be a wise decision.

Pros:

• Legal Expertise: An attorney can provide expert legal guidance and represent you effectively at the hearing.
• Evidence Gathering: An attorney can help you gather evidence to support your case, including obtaining police reports and witness statements.
• Negotiation: An attorney can negotiate with the NCDMV on your behalf.

Cons:

• Cost: Hiring an attorney can be expensive.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to hire an attorney is a personal one. If you are unsure whether you need legal representation, it is always best to consult with an experienced DWI attorney in Forsyth County.

If You Lose Your ALR Hearing

If the hearing officer upholds the suspension of your driver's license, the length of the suspension will depend on the circumstances of your case:

• Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test: One-year suspension.
• BAC of 0.08 or Higher: 30-day civil revocation, followed by a potential longer suspension depending on the outcome of the criminal case.

Occupational Limited Driving Privilege (LDP):

Even if your license is suspended, you may be eligible for an Occupational Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). An LDP allows you to drive for essential purposes, such as:

• Driving to and from work
• Driving to and from school
• Driving for medical treatment

To apply for an LDP, you must file a petition with the District Court in Forsyth County. You will need to provide evidence of your need for the LDP, such as a letter from your employer. There is a fee associated with applying for an LDP.

NCDMV Driver License Office Location in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem South (Primary Hub) 2001 Silas Creek Parkway Winston-Salem, NC 27103

Please note that this office is the primary location for ALR hearings in Forsyth County.