What Happens to Your CDL After a DUI in Michigan?

For Michigan commercial drivers, a DUI can mean more than just legal trouble—it can mean losing your livelihood.

Michigan holds CDL holders to a higher legal standard, and even a first-time DUI offense can result in a one-year disqualification of your commercial driver’s license. If you were transporting hazardous materials at the time, the disqualification could extend to three years.

 

But that’s not all. Many employers have zero-tolerance policies for DUI offenses. Even a pending charge could result in job loss, and with your CDL disqualified, finding another driving job can be incredibly difficult.

 

In addition to the commercial penalties, your personal driver’s license may also be suspended or revoked, complicating everyday life. Learn more about restoring your driving privileges after a DUI here.

 

If you’re a CDL holder facing DUI charges, don’t wait. Learn more about your options for driver’s license restoration in Michigan and protect your future behind the wheel.

Can a Probation Violation Derail Your Driver’s License Restoration in Michigan?

If you're currently working toward driver’s license restoration in Michigan, a probation violation can put your progress in jeopardy. Many people don’t realize how closely probation compliance ties into other legal matters—especially those involving DUI or substance-related offenses.

Here’s how a probation violation can hurt your license case:

• Failing a drug or alcohol test may suggest ongoing substance use.
• Missed treatment sessions or unpaid fines can reflect poor compliance.
• New criminal charges can delay or disqualify your restoration efforts.

 

To stay on track, it’s crucial to respond to probation allegations promptly:

• Hire a qualified attorney to represent you.
• Fix any compliance issues—such as completing missed classes or making overdue payments.
• Present evidence of rehabilitation, such as clean drug screens or proof of employment.

Learn more about navigating probation violations on our website!

 

Your future mobility and independence may depend on how you handle this. Don’t let a setback become a roadblock.

 

✅ Schedule your free initial consultation today by calling (734) 263-2780 .

Understanding Probation Violations in Michigan—And What to Do Next

Probation can be a second chance—but it comes with strict rules. If you’ve been placed on probation in Michigan, it’s essential to understand exactly what’s expected of you. Even small slip-ups—missing an appointment or failing to submit documentation—can be interpreted as violations with serious consequences. 

Common probation violations include:

• Missed court dates or probation meetings
• Failed drug or alcohol tests
• New criminal charges
• Incomplete programs or unpaid fees

 

The penalties for a violation vary but can include extended probation, jail time, or even the loss of eligibility for driver’s license restoration in Michigan.

Learn more about navigating probation violations here.

 

If you’ve been accused of violating probation, act quickly. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney, gather supporting documentation, and prepare for your hearing. You still have rights, but you need the right advocate to defend them.

 

📞 Call (734) 263-2780 or schedule a consultation online today.

How to Restore Your Michigan Driver’s License After a DUI

Losing your license after a DUI is stressful—but it’s not the end of the road.

In Michigan, a second OWI conviction within seven years leads to automatic license revocation. To get your driving privileges back, you’ll need to go through the driver’s license reinstatement process—a detailed, time-sensitive, and often confusing legal journey.

 

Attorney Dan Geherin, founder of Geherin Law Group in Ann Arbor, has helped hundreds of drivers successfully reinstate their licenses after DUI-related revocations. His experience as a former prosecutor and license appeals attorney gives clients a powerful advantage.

 

Here’s how the reinstatement process works:

• Eligibility Review – Know when you can apply (after a mandatory revocation period).
• DAAD Hearing Preparation – You’ll need documentation showing at least 12 months of sobriety, community support, and a commitment to remaining alcohol-free.
• Substance Use Evaluation – A certified counselor must complete and submit a professional evaluation.
• Letters of Support – At least 3–6 support letters from friends, family, or coworkers are required.
• Hearing Representation – At the hearing, Geherin presents evidence and testimony to demonstrate readiness for reinstatement.

 

Read more on our website!

 

Whether you're applying for a restricted license with an interlock device or full reinstatement, Geherin Law Group, PLLC. provides step-by-step guidance to maximize your chances of success.

 

🚗 Ready to get back on the road? Contact us today and ask about Michigan license reinstatement services.

5 Proven DUI Defense Strategies Every Michigan Driver Should Know

Facing a DUI charge in Michigan? You still have options. A DUI (or OWI) arrest doesn’t have to derail your future. Attorney Dan Geherin—an experienced criminal defense lawyer and former prosecutor—has spent over 25 years helping Michigan drivers fight OWI charges and protect their rights seeking driver's license reinstatement in Michigan. 

Here are five of the most effective DUI defense strategies his team uses to help clients avoid the worst-case scenario:

1. Was the Stop Legal?

Police need reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the initial stop wasn’t lawful, the entire case might be compromised. This is one of the first things Geherin Law Group investigates.

2. Field Sobriety Tests: Are They Reliable?

Fatigue, anxiety, or even uneven pavement can affect performance on field sobriety tests. We challenge both the validity of the tests and how they were administered.

3. Breath and Blood Test Accuracy

Testing devices must be calibrated and procedures must be followed precisely. If not, the BAC results could be thrown out.

4. Reviewing the Officer’s Conduct

Police reports don’t always tell the full story. Inconsistencies between bodycam footage and written reports can be powerful evidence in your favor.

5. Exploring Alternatives to Conviction

For first-time offenders, options like Sobriety Court or deferred sentencing may be available—and Attorney Dan Geherin works hard to secure these outcomes for his clients.

 

Read more on our website!

 

Don't navigate this alone. If you've been charged with OWI in Michigan, reach out to a team that knows how to fight for you—and win.

 

📞 Contact Geherin Law Group today for a free DUI defense consultation.

4 Ways a Lawyer Can Help with License Reinstatement in Michigan

If your driver’s license was revoked in Michigan, you know the reinstatement process isn’t easy. Let’s explore how a lawyer—particularly one with experience in license reinstatement in Michigan—can improve your chances of success. 

1. Preparing a Solid Case

Attorneys like Dan Geherin of Geherin Law Group, PLLC understand what hearing officers want to see. From gathering letters of support to ensuring your substance abuse evaluation meets state standards, they help you build a strong, compliant application.

 

2. Avoiding Mistakes That Lead to Denial

One missed form, an unclear letter, or a late submission can derail your reinstatement case. A lawyer reviews everything for accuracy and completeness—catching issues before they become roadblocks.

 

3. Helping You Prepare for the Hearing

The license reinstatement hearing is formal, recorded, and often stressful. You’ll have to speak about your sobriety, behavior change, and commitment to responsible driving. Your attorney can coach you beforehand so you’re confident and prepared.

 

4. Increasing Approval Odds

Experienced attorneys tailor your presentation to the expectations of specific hearing officers. This local knowledge—especially in Washtenaw County and surrounding areas—can be the edge you need.

 

Read more on our website!

 

Don't Wait – Contact Geherin Law Group Today

 

Not every case requires a lawyer. But if your license was revoked—especially after DUI convictions—don’t go it alone. Contact Dan Geherin at Geherin Law Group today for a consultation and see why he’s Ann Arbor’s top choice for license appeals. They’re dedicated to helping you get back on the road safely. We’re available 24/7! (734) 263-2780

Is It Time to Get Your License Back? Here’s What to Know About License Reinstatement in Michigan

Losing your driver’s license in Michigan can feel like losing your independence. Whether it was suspended for unpaid tickets or
revoked due to a DUI, the consequences often ripple into your job, family, and daily life. 

If you're asking, "Do I need a lawyer for license reinstatement in Michigan?"—you're not alone. While you technically can go through the process yourself, the road to reinstatement isn't always simple.

 

Understanding the Basics

 

In Michigan, license reinstatement depends on whether your license was suspended or revoked:

• Suspended license: Often resolved by waiting out the suspension and paying a reinstatement fee.
• Revoked license: Typically requires a formal hearing with the Secretary of State's Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight (OHAO). This is common after multiple DUI convictions.

 

You may need to:

• Submit a hearing request
• Undergo a substance abuse evaluation
• Provide support letters
• Prove ongoing sobriety
• Appear and testify at a hearing

 

What Can Go Wrong?

Even minor paperwork errors or weak documentation can result in denial—delaying your driving privileges even longer.

 

If your license was revoked for DUI or substance-related offenses, the reinstatement process is especially strict. In these situations, working with a license reinstatement lawyer can give you a significant advantage.

 

Read more on our website!

 

Don't Wait – Contact Geherin Law Group Today

 

You can try to handle it alone—but when your freedom is on the line, professional guidance can make all the difference. Contact Dan Geherin at Geherin Law Group today for a consultation and see why he’s Ann Arbor’s top choice for license appeals. They’re dedicated to helping you get back on the road safely. We’re available 24/7! (734) 263-2780