Administrative Hearing Information

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.

HEARING TYPES

DUI
Refusal
Zero Tolerance(DUI/Refusal - Under 21)
Registration and Title Revocation/Denial
Mandatory Insurance
Financial Resonsibility
Other

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.