Article by Mark Langschied

Have questions related to getting your license restored after a driving under the influence (DUI) or operating while intoxicated (OWI) charge? Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions when it comes to driver’s license reinstatement. Q. I just received my second DUI conviction. What will happen to my driver’s license?A. Two convictions within seven years will result in a one-year revocation of your driving privileges in Michigan.Q. I just received my third DUI conviction. What will happen to my driver’s license?A. Three or more DUI convictions will result in a revocation of your driving privileges for five years.Q. If I’m in sobriety court, can I get a restricted license?A. After January 1, 2011, you may be eligible for restricted license if you are in a sobriety court program and other requirements are met.Q. What is a revocation as opposed to a suspension?A. A suspension of driving privileges is for a defined period of time. For example, a suspension for one year means that you cannot drive for one year, but at the end of one year you can start driving again. However, revocations works differently. A revocation is permanent until you are approved by the Secretary of State to drive. For example, if you have a one year revocation, you would be eligible for a hearing to restore your license after one year. You would have to convince a hearing officer to restore your driving privileges at a hearing.Q. What department of the Secretary of State handles license appeals?A. The Drivers Assessment and Appeal Division handles appeals in Michigan.Q. What is a Drivers Assessment and Appeal Division hearing like?A. It is similar to a trial. You will give testimony to a hearing officer who will decide your case. You will have the opportunity to submit evidence in support of your case and to call witnesses on your behalf.Q. What do I need to prove to reinstate my driver’s license at the hearing?A. You must prove that your alcohol/substance abuse problem is under control and likely to remain that way, that you represent a low or minimal risk of repeating the active drunk driving and that you have the ability and motivation to drive safely within the law. Further, you must prove at least one year of sobriety before the hearing.Q. How convincingly do I have to prove my case?A. You must prove your case by clear and convincing evidence. Stated another way, your case must be a “slam dunk.”Q. What kind of evidence may I submit?A. Alcoholics Anonymous sign-in sheets, treatment records, letters of sobriety, substance abuse evaluation and any other evidence that proves your case.Q. Can I call witnesses on my behalf?A. Yes.Q. Is AA attendance helpful?A. Yes it shows that you are part of a sober support group. However, AA is not always necessary to prevail.Q. After the hearing, how long will it take to find out if I’ve won my case?A. Typically, you will receive the hearing officer’s written opinion in 4 to 8 weeks.Q. If I lose, can I appeal my case?A. Yes