MenuIf you are attempting to have the Secretary of State restore your driver’s license, you must overcome certain obstacles and hurdles that Michigan has imposed. What led to your license being revoked? More difficulties may arise depending on the crime(s) that you committed or the ticket(s) that you received that led to your license being revoked. There are also issues regarding (i) how long it’s been since the offense occurred, (ii) the severity of the ticket/crime, and (iii) the perceived likelihood of you becoming a repeat offender.
These factors make it more difficult to convince a judge or the Secretary of State to restore your driver’s license in Michigan. Hiring an experienced attorney, like those at George Law, (248) 470-4300, to represent you while trying to get your license restored may help a lot in convincing a judge that you are fit to drive again.
Initial Obstacles to License Restoration for Michigan Drivers
Has the time-period elapsed before you are even eligible to have your driver’s license reinstated? If you’re not sure, call an experienced attorney to find out. The required-waiting period cannot be shortened in Michigan. You can appeal your license being suspended, restricted, or revoked. But such appeals can be expensive and are generally unsuccessful. You must prove that (i) the charge was entered incorrectly, or (ii) you were not the correct person against whom the charges were entered.
If the Secretary of State revoked your license due to open cases or tickets, it will not restore your license until you appear in person to take care of them. And if a new charge is discovered when you do appear, a new period of your license being suspended could begin. Or it may be restricted or revoked. Also, if your license was revoked for a crime arising out of drug use or alcohol, you have to begin the process of proving – clear-and-convincing evidence – that you’ve been sober for at least one year.
Unfortunately, for many cases you must prove much more than a single year of sobriety to be eligible for even a restricted license. You have to prove by the same clear-and-convincing evidence standard that you intend to remain sober for the rest of your life.
These are only a few of the challenges you will face in trying to restore your driver’s license in Michigan. An experienced criminal-defense lawyer can explain to you the procedure and all you’ll have to overcome in more detail.
When Might a License Renewal Be Denied?
If the Michigan Secretary of State revokes your driver’s license, you have lost it until (i) the period of revocation has elapsed, and (ii) you decide to attempt to regain it. When your license being revoked is entered in the State of Michigan records, you are responsible for providing clear-and-convincing evidence that you will not re-offend.
The Rights of a Restored License in Michigan
In the State of Michigan, if your driver’s license is restored, you have the same privileges as if you had never lost your license. Your license is unrestricted. A restricted license, unlike your restored license, limits when and where you may drive. But a fully-restored license is like any other license.
Hire a Lawyer for Help Regaining a Driver’s License in Michigan
Restoring your driver’s license can be difficult. Your odds increase if you have a good attorney, like those at George Law, (248) 470-4300, to counsel you.