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Michigan Drivers License Restoration: Should You Hire a Lawyer


Should You Hire A Lawyer For Driver’s Licence Restoration in Michigan

If your driver’s license was revoked in Michigan due to multiple drunk driving convictions, you need an attorney now more than ever.

However, just in case you are thinking about tackling your hearing alone, below are five (5) reasons why you should hire an experienced attorney to reinstate your Michigan driver’s license.

Need driver’s license restoration? Unhappy with your current attorney? Request a free consultation now.

5 Reasons to Hire An Attorney For Drivers Licence Restoration

Man handing his drivers license out of the driver window of his car

1. Driver’s License Restoration in Michigan is Complicated

Hearings with the Michigan Department of State Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight (MI Office of Hearing and Admin) within the Michigan Secretary of State are governed by complex administrative rules and procedures.

One misstep, such as going to your hearing and without knowing the applicable standard of proof, could result in the continued loss of your driving privileges for one (1) additional year. 

We know you don’t have the time to lose, as restoring your driver’s license is vital for your career, family and overall livelihood.

2. One Mistake Will Ruin Your Chance of Restoring Your Driver’s License

Before requesting a hearing, you’ll need to file a petition, along with numerous documents, such as character reference letters from those who can attest that you’re sober from drugs and alcohol. One misstep in the filing process, or with any of the necessary documents, will result in an automatic denial without a hearing.

If you’re denied, you must wait one (1) full year before requesting a hearing again to restore your driver license. Our team assists with the preparation for all of your paperwork (such as the substance abuse evaluation and securing your letter writers) to make sure you get it right the first time.

Need driver’s license restoration? Unhappy with your current attorney? Request a free consultation now.

3. Not Having a Driver’s License Restoration Attorney Costs You More

Attempting to handle your hearing without a driver’s license restoration attorney will result in a denial. The hearing officers know the applicable rules and laws inside and out. Therefore, they’ll use your lack of representation and knowledge against you. The expense and hassle of having to wait yet another year before reapplying is just not worth it. Our experienced driver’s license restoration lawyers handle hundreds of license restoration hearings with a 98% success rate.

4. A Lawyer Will Present Your Best Case

It’s extremely important to prepare for your hearing. The hearing officers will record all of your statements at the hearing. If your request is denied and you reapply at a later date, they will use all of your statements from the previous hearing against you.

An experienced and proven driver’s license restoration lawyer knows what questions to anticipate, and will ensure that you’re more than prepared for your hearing. They’ll present your strongest case to win, and will guarantee your results.*

5. Free Consultation, $500 Value

Rather than avoiding getting your license back, we’ll pull your driving record and give you a free consultation with one of our attorneys for free. This is a $500 value, as we really do want to help you. The sooner we discuss your situation, the sooner we can get you back on the road.

After this first consultation, we’ll prepare you so that you’re more than ready to get back behind the wheel.

Should You Handle Driver’s License Restoration on Your Own?

We often receive calls from people who thought they could do it on their own, only to be sorely disappointed. Even if you have been sober and haven’t been arrested in many years it will take more than that to get a license back.

Woman sitting in her car feeling upset

What You Will Need to Provide To Restored Your Drivers License in Michigan

Burden of Proof

Driver license appeals are legal proceedings. The Administrative Rules and Rules of Evidence apply at these hearings. You’re expected and required to know the rules. Unlike a criminal proceeding, where an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, in a driver’s license hearing you have the burden of proof.

You have to prove that:

Minimum Requirement

At a minimum, you’ll have to provide an accurate and comprehensive Substance Use Evaluation, a drug test with at least 10-panels and two integrity variables, and three to six-community letters that include specific and accurate information about you and the writer. One imperfection or discrepancy can cost you your license.

I can’t even tell you the number of times we’ve received a call from someone who lost, not because they’re still drinking, but because there was an error or omission in the paperwork.

Testifying On Your Own

You’ll also have to testify on your own behalf subject to the interrogation of the Hearing Officer. Have you ever been so nervous that you were not able to say what you mean to say or have you ever volunteered information that was later used against you? We’ve seen countless cases that were lost simply because the petitioner was naïve about this part of the process.

What You Have to Lose

If you lose, you’ll have to wait a year before you can try it again. Do you have a year to waste? What’s worse is that you may screw your case up so bad that it’s now impossible to win next time.

If you have a revoked license for multiple drunk driving offenses, contact us for the best chance to get it back. Our legal team highly is experienced in conducting the driver’s license restoration process with a 98% success rate. Interested in getting your driver’s license restored? Unhappy with your current attorney? Request a free consultation now.

Navigating Driver’s License Restoration in Michigan

Getting your license back after a DUI conviction is a complex process.

It requires extreme attention to details in both Michigan laws and administrative rules, resources, and time.

However, hiring an experienced driver’s license reinstatement lawyer is a vital step in restoring your driver’s license in Michigan.

*The guarantee does not include license violation hearings. While we’re skilled at violation hearings as well, violations happen and sometimes given the circumstances, we can’t win every one. We can’t guarantee a situation when a client relapses or doesn’t follow our advice. Circuit court license appeals aren’t included in this guarantee.

Barton Morris
Barton Morris has been providing high-quality legal representation in the area of state and federal criminal defense for more than 20 years.
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Sarah Tarockoff
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