Keys to Restoring Your Michigan Driver's License During Appeal

Are you ready to take back your life by restoring your driver's license? People sometimes forget that driving is a privilege, not a guaranteed right. But the hearing officers employed at the State of Michigan's Driver License Appeal Division understand this all too well and are very careful when deciding whether or not your driving privileges should be restored, especially after a DUI. Legal representation by an experienced and reputable Michigan license reinstatement attorney is invaluable during this complex process.

Under the Michigan state guidelines, you must present "clear and convincing" evidence in your favor. In other words, the burden of proof is on you to convince the hearing officer that he/she should restore your driving privileges.

In the State of Michigan, a license is presumed revoked for life, but you have the right to a hearing each year. In order to have your driving privileges restored, you must first request a hearing with the Secretary of State’s Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD). It is at the hearing that you have the opportunity of restoring your driving privileges.

There are multiple things you must prove to the hearing officer in order to obtain a favorable outcome at a license appeal hearing. However, there are two key things to focus on; one, you have your drinking and/or substance abuse problem under control.  You must also show clear and convincing proof it will remain under the same control. Secondly, you will not drink alcohol and operate a vehicle again.

It is crucial that you be well prepared for your hearing. Ensure the application sent to the appeal board is correct and consistent, before submission. The specifics are important. Your evaluation and reference letters must be convincing. Reference letters must be specific, especially with regards to the date you started abstaining from alcohol. You must provide dated and signed documentation.

It is important to be prepared the 1st time you appeal.   If you are not successful at your hearing, you will have to wait one more year to request another hearing for restoring your driving privileges. Moreover, the reasons for the failed hearing will be considered during your next appeal. An experienced lawyer can raise the odds of winning your appeal the first time by avoiding the common mistakes made by those individuals without the guidance of a knowledgeable Michigan license restoration lawyer.

If you win at your hearing, you will probably be ordered to install an ignition interlock device until you obtain a full license. A restricted license will be granted. The interlock is generally removed after you obtain a full, unrestricted license. You must wait at least one year to request a hearing for a full driver's license.

If you need to restore your Michigan driver’s license but have questions or do not know where to start, contact an attorney who handles license restoration cases.