How to Get Your Driver’s License Back After a Revocation

Although most fail to achieve restoration of driving privileges, our attorneys are routinely successful. We can help you understand what needs to be done to win.

Losing Your Driving Privileges Creates a Hardship

Having your driving privileges revoked for drunk driving in Michigan can have a crushing effect on your life. In a state where public transportation cannot meet your needs, you must have a car or rely on someone to drive you. The ability to work, shop, attend school, and participate in every facet of life requires driving. If you have had that privilege taken away, you know how important it is to get back. A top Michigan driver’s license restoration lawyer will constantly achieve restoration of a revoked driver’s license and know how to overcome any challenge.

Revocation of a Michigan Driver’s License

If you sustain two drunk driving convictions within seven years, the Secretary of State will revoke your license for life. You may appeal the decision after one year. If you have three convictions within ten years, the Secretary of State will revoke your license for life. Again, you may appeal after one year. However, you must wait five years if your license was already revoked once during the past seven years.

These are harsh penalties, and the state has decided that, because you continued to drive after running afoul of the law more than once, you should lose the privilege to drive. For this reason, you must demonstrate to the Michigan Secretary of State’s Driver Assessment and Appeals Division (DAAD) that you have genuinely reformed. If you’ve had your license revoked due to drunk driving convictions, the state has determined that you have a problem with alcohol. You are responsible for showing that you have taken all the necessary steps to rectify it.

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The Process of Restoration of a Revoked Michigan Driver’s License

You need to prepare for a hearing seeking restoration of a revoked Michigan driver’s license. The DAAD requires that you provide the following at a minimum:

A substance abuse evaluation and drug test must be completed by a substance abuse professional no more than three months before the state receives it.
Documentation in the form of at least three notarized letters written by people in your family or the community who know you and have had a chance to witness your drug and alcohol use.

One should not assume they will be successful if the bare minimum requirements are completed. Success at the DAAD takes careful planning, compelling evidence, and clear and convincing proof.

“How can I help my lawyer restore my revoked driver’s license?”

If you are seeking to appeal for the restoration of your driver’s license in Michigan following multiple drunk driving convictions, there are several key steps you can take to assist your lawyer in this process:

Maintain Sobriety: Demonstrate a commitment to sobriety. Lengthy periods of abstinence from alcohol and/or drugs are crucial. Keep records or documentation proving your sobriety, such as attendance at support groups or therapy sessions. You should have at least one year of sobriety before appealing for restoration of a revoked driver’s license with the Michigan Department of State.
Gather Documentation: Collect documents showing your commitment to not drinking or using drugs. This might include:
- Records from substance abuse treatment programs.
- Attendance logs from support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Letters from therapists, counselors, or sponsors.
- Any medical or psychological evaluations.
Obtain Letters of Support and Proof of Sobriety: Secure letters from people who can attest to your sobriety and changes in lifestyle. These might include employers, family members, friends, or support group members. The letters should be specific about how long they’ve known you and in what capacity, as well as specific instances demonstrating your commitment to sobriety. Getting letters from a cross-section of the people in your life is best.
Prepare for the Substance Abuse Evaluation: You’ll need to undergo a substance abuse evaluation. Ensure you are honest and forthcoming during this evaluation. Your lawyer can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare. The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. work with several of the most credible substance and alcohol abuse evaluators in Michigan.
Understand the Ignition Interlock Requirement: If applicable, be prepared to discuss your experience with the ignition interlock device. Demonstrate your understanding of how it works and your willingness to comply with this requirement. If you have an interlock device, you must order a copy of the BAIID report before the hearing.
Document Legal Compliance: Show that you have complied with all legal requirements, including serving any required suspension period, paying fines, and completing court-ordered programs or community service. Ensure your lawyer knows of any problems you had abiding by court orders or driving on a revoked or suspended license.
Driver’s License Appeal Hearing Preparation: Work closely with your attorney to prepare for the driver’s license appeal hearing. This includes understanding questions you might be asked and how to communicate your commitment to responsible driving effectively. Many lawyers fail to prepare appropriately for a DAAD hearing. The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. meticulously and extensively prepare, including getting our clients ready to testify, perfecting documentary evidence, and rehearsing their testimony.
Express Remorse and Responsibility: Be prepared to express genuine remorse for past actions and to take responsibility for your behavior. A sincere acknowledgment of the consequences of your actions and a commitment to change can be persuasive. Most hearing officers will deny an appeal for restoration of a revoked driver’s license if the appellant refuses to accept responsibility, denies an alcohol problem, or blames others.
Develop a Plan to Avoid Future OWIs: Articulate a clear, credible plan for avoiding future OWIs. This might include strategies like having a support system, maintaining treatment, engaging in therapy, taking prescribed medications, and abstaining from alcohol altogether.
Stay Informed and Engaged: Stay actively engaged in the process and keep yourself informed about the status of your appeal. Promptly respond to any requests from your lawyer for information or action.

Remember, the process for license restoration is complex and challenging, especially after multiple OWI convictions. A detailed and well-prepared approach, in collaboration with your attorney, will be essential for a successful appeal.

One Appeal for Restoration of a Revoked Driver’s License Per Year

It is vital that you take your appeal seriously because, if denied, you will have to wait an entire year to re-apply. The DAAD allows those seeking reinstatement of revoked licenses to have attorneys present for the hearing. In fact, it is essential that you contact an attorney who has experience with the DAAD before beginning the process. At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we’ve helped many people get their licenses back. We know what steps to take and how best to show the DAAD that you no longer suffer from the problems of your past. We know how to answer the hearing officer’s most critical question: will you drink and drive again? If the answer is anything but a resounding NO, you will lose. Assuming your sobriety is genuine, our successful license restoration attorneys will help you convince the hearing officer that you will never drink alcohol and get behind the wheel of a car again.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.