Proof You Need To Support Restoration Of Your Michigan Driver's License

Let's suppose that you have a revoked driver's license because you have a number of drunk driving convictions. You have made the decision to try to reinstate your Michigan driver license. What evidence can be presented at your license reinstatement hearing?

You should realize that your hearing is very similar to a trial. Quite simply, a hearing officer acts as the judge. The hearing officer listens closely to your testimony, reviews your evidence and finally makes the decision as to whether or not you will be given another opportunity to drive.

Your situation may be very different from someone else. The evidence that you submit should be designed to specifically support your case for Michigan driver's license restoration. Now, let’s go over some typical examples of evidence that may be submitted in support of your driver's license reinstatement case.

If you attended an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program and you successfully completed it, you will want to submit this information to the hearing officer. This exhibits that you received professional help and treatment for your alcohol problem. Don't overlook that the most important thing is to persuade the hearing officer that you have your alcohol problem under control and it will stay under control. Treatment records help prove this fact.

If you have attended Alcoholics Anonymous, you will definitely want to present these records. For example, let's assume you attended AA once or twice a week for 1.5 years. You will want to submit all of your AA sign-in logs. These records will be very beneficial in documenting your commitment to staying sober. Most likely, you will have to demonstrate 6-to-12 months of sobriety prior to the hearing.

You will also want to obtain letters from a sample of people such as family, friends, and coworkers (if possible). A letter from an AA sponsor can be very helpful in your hearing. These letters are essential in convincing to the hearing officer that you've changed your ways, are now sober and are unlikely to repeat the act of drinking and driving from now on. If you've made substantial changes to your life after you become sober, the letter writers can also demonstrate this.

Another important piece of evidence is the substance abuse evaluation. You will want to get this from a qualified substance abuse evaluator. This is very important because your evaluator will provide a diagnosis as to your condition. The evaluator will provide his/her opinion as to the probability of you remaining sober for the long haul.

You're entitled to one hearing per year to reinstate your driving privileges. Thus, it is crucial to provide all evidence which supports your case.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain in this blog is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. You should consult legal counsel for individual advice regarding your own situation.

Driver's License Restoration: What You Need to Know Concerning the Hearing

If you have a revoked driver’s license due to multiple DUIs, it is useful to know what to anticipate at your Michigan driver's license restoration hearing. The hearing is similar to a trial. Testimony and evidence is submitted to a hearing officer who will determine whether you can drive again. If you have an attorney, he or she can make opening and closing arguments. This is your lawyer's chance to make a compelling, cogent argument on your behalf. Further, your attorney will ask you questions so that you can testify about why you should be allowed to drive. The hearing officer will also question you. Your lawyer will submit all of the supporting evidence such as your treatment records-Alcoholics Anonymous sign-in sheets, letters of sobriety and your substance abuse evaluation.
Now let’s focus on something critical to your success: Your testimony in front of the hearing officer.
Before the hearing, you’ll want to give a good deal of thought and preparation to your testimony. Your attorney can assist you in this area.
When you testify, this is your opportunity to stand out. Anticipate to testify about your past use of alcohol and drugs. You will also be questioned about any criminal convictions such as DUI’s. You should testify about how long you’ve been sober, alcohol treatment, Alcoholics Anonymous involvement and any life changes that have come with your sobriety.
At the hearing, your lawyer may call witnesses to support your case. As an example, you may want to have someone who knows you tell the hearing officer that you've been sober. You could also call an AA sponsor. An AA sponsor can be very helpful because they can document your sincerity, sobriety and commitment to maintaining your sobriety into the future. Family members can also testify to changes they've observed with you since you’ve been sober. In lieu of presenting testimony, you may submit letters from your witnesses.
It is critical to make the most of your driver's license reinstatement hearing. If you lose, you must wait a year before you can have another hearing. Great preparation and planning before the hearing can lay the groundwork for a successful hearing.


Disclaimer: The information you obtain in this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

Contact attorney Mark Langschied at 248-374-0722