Why a Criminal Conviction Doesn’t Automatically Decide Your Michigan License Restoration Case

Losing your driver’s license after a criminal conviction can feel final — but in Michigan, it rarely is. One of the most misunderstood aspects of driver’s license restoration in Michigan is the difference between a criminal court case and the administrative process handled by the Secretary of State (SOS).

A criminal court may impose penalties such as jail time, probation, or fines. However, it’s the Michigan Secretary of State that controls whether your license is suspended, revoked, or denied — and those administrative actions must be resolved separately before you can legally drive again. Even after a criminal case ends, your driving privileges may remain revoked until you successfully navigate the SOS process.

 

This distinction is especially important for individuals with DUI or OWI convictions. Multiple alcohol-related offenses often trigger mandatory revocation periods and require a formal license restoration hearing. At that hearing, the burden is on the driver to prove sobriety, rehabilitation, and a low risk of reoffending through clear and convincing evidence.

 

Understanding how criminal convictions intersect with Michigan’s administrative rules is often the first step toward regaining driving privileges — and avoiding costly mistakes that can delay restoration even further.

 

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What This Means for Your License

If your criminal record is affecting your ability to drive, experienced guidance can make all the difference. Learn how professional help can improve your chances of restoring your Michigan driver’s license. If you’re ready to get back on the road legally, talk to Dan Geherin about driver’s license restoration in Michigan today.

How Everyday Mistakes Behind the Wheel Have Become Criminal Matters

In Michigan and across the country, behaviors once treated as simple traffic violations are now being prosecuted as criminal offenses. Distracted driving, failure to stop after a crash, and accidents involving suspended drivers all place motorists at significant legal risk—even when they didn’t intend to cause harm.

This shift is driven by tougher legislation targeting distraction and impairment, a rise in digital evidence, and prosecutors applying statutes more aggressively. As a result, if you’re involved in accident you may face jail time, probation, restitution, increased insurance rates, and the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.

 

The loss of driving privileges is especially devastating. Many drivers are surprised to learn that even a minor crash can result in months or years without a license, pushing more people to pursue driver’s license restoration in Michigan. The process can be complex—requiring documentation, support letters, evaluations, and a formal hearing—making legal guidance essential.

 

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To protect yourself, avoid distractions, never drive on a suspended license, and always stay at the scene of an accident. If you’re charged with a traffic-related crime, consulting an attorney early can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.

 

If your license has been suspended or revoked, Geherin Law Group, PLLC can help you start the restoration process today.

Why Ordinary Traffic Accidents Are Now Leading to Criminal Charges

Traffic accidents were once viewed as civil matters—handled through insurance companies, citations, and repairs. But in recent years, drivers in Michigan have seen a major shift: more and more accidents are resulting in criminal charges, even when the driver didn’t intend to cause harm.

Stricter distracted driving laws, increased public pressure, and the use of digital evidence—such as phone records and vehicle data—have all contributed to this trend. Today, even a simple mistake behind the wheel can trigger charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

 

Common scenarios now leading to criminal charges include distracted driving crashes, hit-and-run incidents, accidents involving serious injury or death, and crashes caused by drivers with suspended or revoked licenses. These situations often result in jail time, heavy fines, probation, and long-term consequences like a criminal record and the loss of driving privileges.

 

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For many, this new reality means navigating the complex process of driver’s license restoration in Michigan. Losing your license impacts every part of life—work, family, and independence. If you’re facing challenges after a traffic-related conviction, a knowledgeable attorney can guide you toward restoring your good standing behind the wheel.

 

Need help getting back on the road? Contact Geherin Law Group, PLLC today for a free consultation.

How to Restore Your Driving Privileges After Suspension or Revocation

If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, you’re not alone—but getting it back requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The process of driver’s license restoration in Michigan can be complex, especially if your revocation was related to alcohol- or drug-related offenses.

 

The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) requires several key steps before restoring driving privileges, including:

1. Requesting a hearing through the Driver Appeal Integrated System (DAIS).
2. Submitting documentation, such as your driving record, substance abuse evaluation, and letters of support.
3. Proving by clear and convincing evidence that you are fit to drive again.
4. Paying reinstatement fees and clearing any outstanding fines or judgments.

 

In many cases, the process involves demonstrating rehabilitation and compliance with previous court orders. If your appeal is successful, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (BAIID) or meet other conditions before full privileges are restored.

 

Because the burden of proof is high, many drivers seek professional help to navigate these hearings effectively. A skilled attorney can ensure your documentation meets SOS standards and that your case is presented as strongly as possible.

 

If you’re ready to get back on the road legally, talk to Dan Geherin about driver’s license restoration in Michigan today.

 

The Serious Consequences of Driving Without a Valid License in Michigan

Driving without a valid license in Michigan is far more serious than many drivers realize. Whether your license was suspended, revoked, or never issued, the penalties can include steep fines, jail time, and long-term consequences that follow you for years.

A first offense for driving while license suspended or revoked (DWLS/DWLR) is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and $500 in fines. Repeat offenses can result in up to one year in jail, $1,000 in fines, and even vehicle impoundment. Because these are criminal offenses—not civil infractions—they remain on your record and cannot be expunged under Michigan law.

 

Even drivers who have never been issued a license can face up to 90 days in jail and additional fines. Beyond the courtroom, a conviction can impact employment opportunities, insurance costs, and your ability to legally operate a vehicle in the future.

 

If your license has been suspended or revoked, your best option is to begin the process of driver’s license restoration in Michigan as soon as possible. Acting early can help you avoid further penalties and put you back on the path toward lawful driving.

 

Need help restoring your driving privileges? Contact Dan Geherin, a Michigan attorney experienced in driver’s license restoration to discuss your options and get started today.

Avoid These Common Mistakes in Your Substance Abuse Evaluation

When it comes to driver’s license restoration in Michigan, many applicants make the same mistakes during their substance abuse evaluation—mistakes that can cost them another year without driving privileges. 

Some of the most common pitfalls include:

• Minimizing past alcohol or drug use
• Giving inconsistent information compared to treatment records or support letters
• Failing to show a support system like counseling or recovery groups
• Treating the evaluation as casual instead of a critical part of your appeal

 

These red flags can make hearing officers doubt your credibility or commitment to sobriety. The good news? With the right preparation, you can avoid these mistakes and present yourself in the strongest possible light. Learn more about the role of substance abuse evaluations in license appeals here.

 

We help clients prepare for every aspect of the license appeal process, including substance abuse evaluations. Contact us today to get started on your path back to the road!

Why Substance Abuse Evaluations Are the Key to License Appeals

Losing your driver’s license after an alcohol- or drug-related offense can turn your daily routine upside down. For many people seeking driver’s license restoration in Michigan, one of the most important hurdles to clear is the substance abuse evaluation.

This evaluation isn’t just a formality—it’s crucial for your appeal. The Michigan Secretary of State requires it, and hearing officers depend on the evaluator’s report to determine whether you’ve taken meaningful steps toward recovery. A strong evaluation demonstrates that you’ve addressed your past issues and that you’re committed to driving safely in the future.

 

If you’re preparing for a license appeal, don’t underestimate this step. From documenting your sobriety to ensuring your statements are consistent with your records, preparation is key. Learn more about the role of substance abuse evaluations in license appeals here.

 

Need help getting ready? Contact us today to learn how our team can guide you through the process and help strengthen your case.