Michigan Drivers License Reinstatement

GET HELP WITH YOUR MICHIGAN DRIVERS LICENSE REINSTATEMENT CASE

I have been a southeast Michigan attorney for 20 years. My background includes trials and hearings. As a Michigan lawyer, I know that DUI drivers license restoration in Michigan calls for diligent representation at reasonable fees. Call me for a free phone consultation to discuss your Michigan drivers license restoration case.

Already have a hearing date? No problem. Call me ASAP so that I can get your case ready. If more time is needed to prepare your case, I can often postpone the hearing.

Implied consent hearing? Call me ASAP at 248-374-0722– you must request your hearing within 14 days!

HOW I CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE CASE

As a southeast Michigan attorney for 20 years,  I will bring my background, experience and determination to argue your Michigan drivers license case. Ultimately, a hearing officer or judge will decide whether to restore your drivers license. I often get the question, “How can you help?” You will find below an outline of some steps that might be taken to maximize your case for DUI drivers license restoration in Michigan. Your DUI drivers license restoration in Michigan case may require a different approach than what is set out below as an example:

• Evidence: Gather and submit key evidence for your hearing such as: substance abuse evaluations, substance abuse treatment records, AA sign-in sheets and letters of sobriety.
• Strategy: Determine the best course of action for your DUI drivers license restoration case. Two critical decisions are: 1) what evidence to submit and 2) which witnesses to call at your hearing.
• Prepare all paperwork and filings: Prepare all required paperwork for your Michigan restoration of drivers license case.
• Prepare you to testify: Review your anticipated testimony so that you can put your best foot forward.
• Hearing: At the hearing to restore your Michigan drivers license, I will:
  • Ask you questions to establish your case
  • Question witnesses to elicit favorable testimony
  • Submit key evidence to the hearing officer
  • Argue on your behalf for restoration of your Michigan drivers license.

- Back to Top -

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT MICHIGAN RESTORATION OF DRIVERS LICENSES

RESTRICTIONS, SUSPENSIONS AND REVOCATIONS

A restricted drivers license means limited driving privileges such as driving to and from work. A suspension is a temporary loss of a drivers license for a defined period of time (you can appeal a suspended driver license). Revocation is a permanent loss of driving privileges (drivers may request a hearing after the revocation period ends).

The Secretary of State can restrict, suspend or revoke drivers licenses for a variety of reasons. Two very common causes are:

A. Multiple alcohol/illegal drug and driving offenses (also known as Habitual Offender)

B. Refusal to take a chemical test after an arrest for OWI / DUI / Drunk Driving (also known as Implied Consent)

Other common reasons for drivers license restrictions, suspensions and revocations are:

1. Too many points

2. Probationary driver violations

3. Restricted license violations

4. Mental/physical disability

5. Out-of-state convictions

6. Driving with a suspended/revoked license

7. Too many auto accidents

- Back to Top -

THE PATH FORWARD – APPEAL AND HEARING

Drivers whose licenses have been restricted, suspended or revoked are entitled to an administrative hearing. This gives you the opportunity to regain your driving privileges. Strict time limits apply for requesting a hearing for drivers license restoration in Michigan.

OPPORTUNITY – THE HEARING

An administrative hearing is similar to a trial. Evidence is introduced and witnesses may testify. The hearing officer may deny your request, grant a restricted drivers license or grant a full license. You may appeal the decision to the Circuit Court.

DUI DRIVERS LICENSE RESTORATION IN MICHIGAN – HABITUAL OFFENDER

If you have lost your Michigan drivers license because of too many OWI/DUI convictions, your case is classified as “habitual offender.” To restore your Michigan drivers license after OWI/ DUI convictions, you must show that your alcohol/substance abuse problem, if any, is under control and will remain so. You must also prove 6 to 12 months of sobriety. You must prove this by clear and convincing evidence. A variety of evidence can be used in a hearing. For example, in a recent case I used the following evidence to argue for DUI drivers license restoration in Michigan: testimony from neighbors as to sobriety, Alcohol Anonymous sign-in sheets documenting consistent attendance, a positive letter from an AA sponsor, a favorable substance abuse evaluation report, employment records and alcohol rehabilitation discharge statements establishing treatment.

HARDSHIP APPEAL - APPEAL SUSPENDED DRIVER LICENSE IN MICHIGAN

Hardship appeals allow you to argue on a fairness basis. These appeals are available for those with restrictions or suspensions. Most revocations are not appealable on hardship grounds. However, revocations from arrests before October 1, 1999 are appealable on hardship grounds. For those who cannot drive to work, appealing a suspended driver license in Michigan provides potential relief. For example, if you have a suspended driver license, this allows you to request a restricted license so that you can drive to and from work.

If your driver license is suspended for one of the following reasons, then you may have a basis for an appeal of your suspended driver license in Michigan to the Circuit Court:

1. Implied Consent Violation for refusing to take a Chemical Test

2. Too many points

3. Too many accidents

4. Restricted license violations

5. Mental/physical disability

6. Driving with a suspended or revoked license

7. Probationary driver violations

Strict time limits apply for filing your appeal of a suspended driver license in Michigan. The judge will ultimately decide whether to grant your request.

IMPLIED CONSENT – APPEAL SUSPENDED DRIVER LICENSE IN MICHIGAN

You must request a hearing within 14 days of your arrest. Failure to do so will result in a one-year suspension for a first refusal or a two-year suspension for a second refusal. Six points will be added to your record. Issues in the hearing are: Were there reasonable grounds for the arrest? Was the defendant placed under arrest for the appropriate crime? Was the refusal to take the test reasonable? And finally, was the defendant advised of the chemical test rights?

If you have a suspended driver license for refusing one chemical test, you may appeal the suspension and seek a restricted license so that you may, for example, drive to and from work.

- Back to Top -

LOCATIONS

I handle driver’s license reinstatement cases in the following counties: Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe and Washtenaw.