Yes, and the window is short: 7 days. Where that clock starts depends on how you were tested. If you took a breath test that came back over .08, or you refused testing, the 7 days runs from the date of arrest. If you took a blood test instead, the 7 days runs from when you receive the results, since those take longer to come back. Miss that window and the administrative license revocation typically becomes automatic, regardless of how your criminal case eventually turns out. The hearing is a separate process from your criminal DUI case, handled by the Department of Revenue rather than the criminal courts.
Why this deadline gets missed
People understandably focus on the criminal charge first and don’t realize the DMV clock is running on its own, much shorter timeline. Requesting the hearing promptly preserves your ability to challenge the license action even while the criminal case is still pending.
What to do next
If you’re facing this in Colorado, call Mile High Legal at (720) 853-5779 for a free consultation. The earlier a defense attorney gets involved, the more options are usually still on the table.
