Restoring a revoked driver license for multiple drunk driving arrests requires proof that the substance abuse problem that caused the arrests is under control. A very important piece of evidence proving that someone’s drinking or drug problem will no longer keep the petitioner from being a safe driver is the Substance Abuse Evaluation (SAE). It must be completed by a qualified substance abuse counselor. Only they would know best.
Just like the testimonial letters, the substance abuse evaluation (SAE) must be completely accurate. Attention to detail is critical and an experienced attorney will know exactly what to look for when reviewing it. If a defective SAE gets submitted it could ruin the possibility of success before you even show up for the hearing.
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The SAE is a form that is completed by a licensed counselor or substance abuse therapist. The SAE form is standard in Michigan and the therapist or doctor will go over the following topics with the Petitioner:
- Lifetime Conviction History – The doctor will rely on the information you give them. Having your attorney go over your driving record with you will ensure that your information is accurate.
- Testing Instruments – The doctor will give you a written test. The test is given so that the doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis. Knowing what sort of things are on the test and how to prepare for the test is something your attorney will go over with you thoroughly.
- Lifetime Treatment History for Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse – Again, this is something the doctor will rely on you to give them. The doctor will want to know what sort of drinking and drug treatment programs you have completed.
- Lifetime Support Group History – Under this section, you’ll list any support groups that you have attended in the past or are currently attending know. Support groups include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), church groups and other counseling groups that help you cope with your drinking problem.
- Diagnostic Impression – After the doctor scores your written test and reviews your drug test they will make a diagnosis of your substance abuse problem.
- Continuum of Care – If the doctor believes you need to continue substance abuse counseling it’ll be noted under this section.
- Lifetime Relapse History – The doctor will rely on your honesty for this section. They will ask you if you’ve ever relapsed and the reasons why.
- Analysis and Other Observations/Factors – Under this section the doctor will put any additional factors that they believe are important for you and the hearing officer to understand about your sobriety.
After you’ve completed this evaluation, the doctor or therapist should mail it to your attorney. he attorney will meet with you and go over the form in detail to make sure that it’s an accurate description of you and your history. The testimonial letters go hand-in-hand with the SAE. At the hearing, the hearing officer will review all of the documents that have been submitted and will ask you many questions to make sure your verbal answers are the same as all of the responses in the SAE and letters. It’s absolutely essential that the letters corroborate what is in the SAE.
Trying to get your driver’s license back? Facing a DUI? Request us now for a free consultation.
Attorney Morris is trial lawyer who has been providing high-quality legal representation in the areas of state and federal criminal defense for more than 20 years. He’s known for his trial preparation by fellow attorneys, judges and clients alike. As a trial attorney, he’s dedicated to attaining justice in every case, and is always prepared to successfully take on complex legal issues. Barton and his law firm pride themselves on obtaining results for their clients that other attorneys cannot.
Not only does Barton Morris have extensive experience, he also engages in continuing legal education to provide the highest quality legal services. Barton has received specialized scientific training through the American Chemical Society, and is the only forensic lawyer-scientist in Michigan. He attended the prestigious Trial Lawyers College and serves on its Alumni Association Board of Directors. Barton Morris is also a board member of several distinguished legal associations including the Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys, and the DUI Defense Lawyer’s Association Justice Foundation. He’s also an active member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and has graduated from their National Criminal Defense Trial College in Macon, Georgia.
Barton Morris is consistently chosen as a Top Lawyer of Metro Detroit and for DUI/OWI and criminal defense by DBusiness Magazine and Hour Magazine. He has also been chosen as a Super Lawyer in Criminal Defense.