Listing of Abbreviations On Driving Records

Michigan Drivers License Restoration Attorney

If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, you will want the best lawyer you can get to help you with license restoration. There is no room for errors when something so important is at stake.

The Driving Record Abbreviations You Should Know

Many clients who hire LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. to handle driver’s license restoration appeals before the DAAD (this means when they are requesting restoration of driving privileges revoked due to habitual DUI, OWI, DWI, or other drunk driving convictions) frequently ask me about the abbreviations on their driving records. If you call our Michigan driver’s license restoration attorneys for a free consultation, we will take the time to talk with you, answer all your questions, and address your concerns.

Here is a list as provided by the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) that may be helpful to you:

Why are license restoration appeals challenging in Michigan?

Driver’s license restoration appeals can be challenging to win in Michigan for several reasons:

• Strict Requirements: Michigan has stringent criteria for restoring driving privileges. Applicants must demonstrate that they have met all legal requirements and conditions. This often includes proof of sobriety, compliance with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID), or completion of rehabilitation programs.

• Burden of Proof: In these cases, the burden of proof lies on the applicant. They must convincingly show that they have addressed the issues that led to the suspension or revocation of their license, such as substance abuse. This requires substantial evidence and often testimony about lifestyle changes and sobriety. Working with a qualified Michigan driver’s license restoration attorney is always best to ensure you can meet the strict and onerous burden of proof.

• Demonstrating Sobriety: For cases related to DUI/DWI, the applicant must prove continuous sobriety for a specified period, which can be challenging. They often need to provide evidence such as sobriety test results, attendance at support groups, or character references.

• Detailed Documentation: The process requires detailed and precise documentation. Any missing, contradictory, incredible, or inaccurate information can lead to the denial of the appeal.

• Legal Complexity: The legal process for restoring a driver’s license can be complex and daunting. Navigating the administrative law system, understanding the specific laws and regulations, and preparing an effective appeal require expertise that most individuals do not possess.

• High Standards for Reinstatement: The Michigan Department of State sets high standards for reinstatement. The hearing officer attempts to ensure that only those who have genuinely reformed and pose no risk to public safety can regain their driving privileges.

• Limited Opportunities for Appeal: If an appeal is denied, there are limited opportunities to reapply or further appeal the decision, making each attempt critical.

For these reasons, many individuals seeking to restore their driver’s license in Michigan often seek the assistance of an experienced Michigan driver’s license restoration attorney. These professionals can help navigate the complexities of the law, prepare a strong case, and increase the chances of a successful appeal.

The Appeal Process

In Michigan, the process for appealing a driver’s license revocation, particularly for alcohol-related revocations, involves several specific steps. Here’s a general outline of the process:

• Determine Eligibility: First, your driver’s license restoration attorney must verify your eligibility to file an appeal. This depends on the specifics of your case, including the number of prior offenses and the time that has passed since the revocation.

• Obtain a Substance Abuse Evaluation: You’ll need a current substance abuse evaluation from a licensed professional. This evaluation is a comprehensive report that includes your substance abuse history, treatment history, results of drug and alcohol tests, and the evaluator’s opinion about your risk of repeating past behavior. Not all evaluations are the same or are sufficient to win a license restoration appeal! At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we know what it takes to win and work with our clients to obtain sufficient evaluations to meet the necessary burden of proof.

• Gather Evidence of Sobriety: Collect evidence, such as letters of community support, that proves your sobriety and your commitment to not drinking and driving again. This can include testimonials from people who know you, records of attendance at support groups like AA, and any other relevant documents. An experienced lawyer will review all supporting evidence to ensure it is credible, consistent, persuasive, and admissible. Any evidence not meeting this criteria will either be excluded or used as support for denying the appeal.

• Complete a Hearing Request Form: Fill out the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD) hearing request form. Do not fill out the form on your own! Even the slightest error, typo, or mistake can sabotage your appeal for restoration of your driving privileges. Let your lawyer help or proofread the form before it is filed.

• Submit the Required Documents: Along with the hearing request, submit your substance abuse evaluation, evidence of sobriety, and any other required documents. Ensure everything is accurate, supportive, consistent, compelling, and complete to avoid delays and adverse rulings.

• Prepare for the Hearing: It’s crucial to prepare for the hearing since this is your opportunity to make your case to the hearing officer. Many choose to work with a Michigan driver’s license restoration attorney specializing in these cases to prepare for the hearing.

• Attend the Hearing: You’ll need to present your case to the DAAD hearing officer. This typically includes testifying about your sobriety, presenting your evidence, and possibly having witnesses speak on your behalf.

• Wait for the Decision: You will receive a written decision by mail after the hearing. This can take several weeks. The decision will grant, deny, or table your request for license reinstatement.

• Follow-up Actions: If your appeal is granted, you may need to take additional steps, like installing an ignition interlock device or obtaining a restricted license. If denied, you can either appeal the decision to a circuit court or reapply after a certain period, usually at least one year.

It’s important to note that this process can be pretty complex and detail-oriented. Missing information, inadequate evidence of sobriety, or errors in the paperwork can result in the denial of the appeal. Therefore, hiring an attorney who specializes in this area increases your chance of success.

Driver’s License Appeal and Restoration Attorneys in Michigan

If your driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or restricted, you should contact an attorney to see if options may be available to restore a driver’s license. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is one of the top law firms in Michigan handling and winning driver’s license restoration cases. Our Michigan driver’s license restoration attorneys take pride in our record of success. We always go the extra mile to help our clients regain their driving privileges whenever and wherever possible. We are the “go-to” Michigan criminal defense attorneys when you need help. Call us for a free consultation and confidential case evaluation.

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.

We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!

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