Whats the difference between the District Court trial and the MVA hearing?
Almost every DUI case has two separate aspects. First, there are the “criminal” traffic charges. Those are heard only in the District Court. The Judge can find you “Not Guilty”; or if he finds you guilty has several choices on the sentence and can fine you. Second, if you took the breath test and had a reading of .08 or higher, the MVA will suspend your license for a stated period; or you can request a hearing and potentially avoid any suspension, or receive a suspension subject to the right to drive to and from work, school, or for medical purposes. The MVA can also require that you install an ignition interlock device on the car you drive; and in some cases, your license can be revoked. If you are convicted in court, and do not receive Probation Before Judgement (PBJ), the court or the MVA will assess several “points” against your license, which can result in a suspension or revocation. The District Court does not assess points–but it can send you to jail or suspend the sentence. Th
