Why O'Flaherty and Associates
O'Flaherty and Associates is unique because we are exclusively involved in representing individuals at Department of Motor Vehicle administrative hearings. Because of our background with the Department we have real advantages at these hearings. We are not Attorneys but are specialists in Administrative Law and particularly as it relates to DMV hearings. Our cost is usually much lower than that charged by Attorneys.The principle of our organization, Joseph O'Flaherty, has just retired from the Department of Motor Vehicles (Driver Safety Branch) and needless to say has an inside track on understanding the issues and what is needed to succeed at a DMV hearing. He has spent the last seven years as the DMV Advocate for Northern California Special Certificates. During this period he has represented the Department at all hearings in Northern California (as well as some Southern California) regarding certificate issues. He has also trained Hearing Officers regarding certificate issues and also provided instruction to CHP School Pupil Safety Officers. Mr. O'Flaherty has worked on legislative issues relating to DMV and has interfaced and provided direction to both (Ambulance and School Bus) certificate boards. Prior to his involvement with certificates he has been a Hearing Officer and conducted hearings on issues relating to all Driver Safety actions as well as registration and IRP issues.
Driver Hearings
If DMV has notified you of a pending action against your driving privilege or has notified you of a need to appear at a reexamination interview contact O'Flaherty and Associates. Remember that even if you decide to represent yourself, it is important that a request for hearing be made within the stipulated time frame. In many instances a stay can be imposed -- meaning that action may be postponed until the hearing issue is decided. In Special Certificate issues the actions taken by the advocate post hearing can have a profound effect on the final decision.
Professional Consultation
O'Flaherty and Associates also provides consultation services to Transportation companies, Labor Unions, School Districts and Attorneys.
Expert Witness
Mr. O'Flaherty has appeared as an expert witness in court cases with issues relating to DMV driver safety issues. If you are interested in using the services of Mr O'Flaherty in this capacity it is important that contact be made as early as possible in the proceedings to confirm availablity on the required court dates.
Disclaimer: The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice. We are not attorneys and we encourage you to seek legal advice regarding your individual legal issues.
The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) found in California Government Code Sections 11400 through 11528, and CVC Sections 14100 through 14112 govern Driver Safety hearings conducted by DMV.