Driver's License Restoration in Michigan

It is no secret that the Motor City was built around vehicles and driving. For better or worse, the infrastructure in metro-Detroit was never developed to have a robust system of public transportation.

As a result, most people in Michigan are very dependent on their vehicle to get where they need to go. For many people, driving is a necessity for maintaining social connections, earning a living, and ensuring that basic needs are met. Our dependence on vehicles makes it particularly devastating if you lose your driving privileges-due to criminal offenses.

Many people who find themselves in the unfortunate position of having their license revoked make the calculated decision that their need to drive outweighs the risk of getting caught driving on a suspended license. Ultimately, people who make that decision often do end-up getting caught, which can put them on a downward spiral within our criminal justice system. 

The good news is that the state of Michigan does offer an avenue for restoring your driver’s license. If your license was revoked due to an alcohol related offense, you will be eligible for a review date.

You must wait for the review date before you can take any action to restore your license. Once eligible for review, the process for restoration starts by filling out a Request for Hearing and Substance Use Evaluation Form.

A state-approved licensed evaluator does the substance use evaluation. It will cost about $300 to complete the evaluation. To request a hearing, you will also need to complete the following:

• A laboratory report from a 10-panel urinalysis drug screen, which you can get from most local drug screening facilities;

• Evidence that supports your sobriety;

• Three to six support letters from family, friends, coworkers, or others who see you regularly and can talk about your sobriety;

All supporting documents must be signed and dated within 90 days of sending the Request for a Hearing. Once all of the evidence is submitted, you will receive a hearing date.

While you are not required to have an attorney at the hearing, your likelihood of success will be significantly higher with an attorney present. An experienced attorney knows what kinds of questions are asked, and they can guide your testimony. Additionally, and attorney can help alleviate nerves and anxiety by preparing with you prior to the hearing and ensuring that you are fully informed of the process. A good attorney will impress upon the hearing officer that the applicant is steadfast in their rehabilitation, and they are committed to sobriety.

Generally, the hearing officer will not decide your case at the hearing, and will instead issue an order with details of their decision to grant or deny your request.

At Clarkston Legal, we have handled hundreds of license restoration hearings. If you are considering starting the process to reinstate your license and want an experience attorney on your side, contact our office to set up a free consultation.