How Driver’s License Restoration Works in Michigan After Multiple DUIs

When a Michigan driver accumulates multiple DUI convictions, the state may revoke their driver’s license entirely. This is very different from a suspension. Once revoked, driving privileges do not automatically return—you must go through the process of driver’s license restoration in Michigan to legally drive again.

License revocations commonly occur when a driver receives:

• Two DUI convictions within seven years, or
• Three DUI convictions within ten years

Drivers in this situation must petition the Michigan Secretary of State’s Administrative Hearings Section (AHS) to restore their license. The process is detailed and requires substantial documentation proving that the applicant has addressed any alcohol-related issues.

Applicants must demonstrate that:

1. Their substance abuse problem is under control
2. It is likely to remain under control
3. They are committed to long-term sobriety

The process typically includes submitting a Substance Use Evaluation, gathering letters of support, and attending a license restoration hearing. Even after approval, many drivers initially receive a restricted license with an ignition interlock device before eventually regaining full driving privileges.

Read more on our website!

Because the burden of proof is high, preparation is critical. Attorney Dan Geherin works with clients throughout the driver’s license restoration process in Michigan, helping them assemble documentation and present a strong case.

If you’re ready to pursue driver’s license restoration, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you understand the requirements and move closer to getting back on the road. Contact us today!

Pulled over for DUI of Marijuana? GLG Can Help You!

An individual may be prosecuted for an OWI due to marijuana use. Michigan Law treats marijuana as an intoxicating substance and forbids a person from operating a vehicle if his or her ability to do so is impaired. Officers have to prove that the THC was present in the suspect’s system and affected their ability to operate a vehicle in a normal manner. 

Officers will pull someone over for signs of impairment, like speeding or swerving. When observing the driver, an officer will look for disorientation, smell of marijuana, blood shot eyes, and so on. Officers will ask questions like what substance was used, as well as how/when it was consumed. Field sobriety tests will be utilized, including but not limited to the walk and turn, one leg stand, or a preliminary breath test to rule out alcohol. 

Learn more about marijuana and the law here.

If you’re looking for a specialized criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor to handle your DUI/OWI case in Washtenaw County, please consider calling the Ann-Arbor based practice of GLGMichigan.  (734) 263-2780

We Can Answer Questions About the Effect of Driving High on DUI Cases

The State of Michigan legalized marijuana use for adults over the age of 21 in 2018. Since then, several states such as Illinois and Minnesota have followed suit. Despite wider use of marijuana, Michigan Law doesn’t permit driving under the influence of marijuana. 

As a specialized DUI attorney in Washtenaw County, we have been asked questions about the effect of driving high on DUI cases, such as:

·      What penalties could I face for driving under the influence of marijuana?

·      What tests can an officer perform on a driver suspected of driving high?

·      Which attorney should I call if I’m arrested for OWI/Marijuana?

Learn more about marijuana and the law here.

At the Geherin Law Group, to us, it’s Personal.  Personal attention, personal results, personal justice.  For every client facing a OWI charge in and around Ann Arbor, please consider giving us a call for a free consultation.  We can discuss our track record of criminal defense success in Washtenaw County, and put together a plan of attack to help you.  Please call (734) 263-2780 24/7, or fill out our contact form. 

What Constitutes a “Habitual Offender”?

If a driver has any of the following combination of drunk or drugged driving convictions, Michigan law indicates that he or she is a
“Habitual Offender”:  two or more convictions within 7 years; or three or more convictions within 10 years. The Michigan Secretary of State is required to revoke the driver license of a Habitual Offender and deny his or her application for another license.

After the minimum period of revocation/denial, a Habitual Offender may be eligible for a driver’s license appeal hearing. If a restricted license is ordered, the hearing officer must require that the Habitual Offender install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device [BAIID] on any vehicle he or she owns or intends to operate.

Learn about Ignition Interlock violations here.

 

If you’ve received notice of an Ignition Interlock Violation, and need assistance, please call us.  We’re well-versed in the mechanics/administration of BAIID devices, and have successfully defended hundreds of BAIID violations.  Contact Geherin Law Group, PLLC. today 24/7.

What are BAIID Violations?

Violations of the BAIID program for habitual offenders are divided into "minor" and "major" categories.

Minor Violations:

You have 2 months after the BAIID is installed to become familiar with the device, and to learn that certain substances, such as mouth wash, may cause the device to record a test failure. After the first 2 months, it is a minor violation if the BAIID records 3 start-up test failures within a monitoring period. A start-up test failure means the BAIID has prevented the vehicle from starting. A monitoring period is the full length of time the BAIID is required to be properly installed.

If the driver fails to report the BAIID installer for service within 7 days after his or her scheduled monitoring date, it is a minor violation.

Major Violations:

• Rolling retest violations:
• Failing to take the rolling retest when prompted by the BAIID; or
• The random retest detects a BAC of .025 or higher, and there is no subsequent sample with a BAC of less than .025 within 5 minutes.
• An arrest or conviction for drunk and/or drugged driving.
• Tampering with the BAIID.
• Circumventing the BAIID.
• Three minor violations within a monitoring period.
• Removing the BAIID without having another device installed within 7 days, unless the Secretary of State has authorized the removal.
• Operating a vehicle without a properly installed BAIID.

Learn more about Ignition Interlock violations here.

If you’ve received notice of an Ignition Interlock Violation, and need assistance, please call us.  We’re well-versed in the mechanics/administration of BAIID devices, and have successfully defended hundreds of BAIID violations.  Contact Geherin Law Group, PLLC. today 24/7.

Leaving The Scene Of An Accident In Michigan

In Michigan, Leaving the Scene of an Accident statutes punish people who are involved in an accident who don’t stop and provide the required information to the other driver or most proximate police department.  Even the term “accident” can be vague, leaving a driver uncertain about what his or her obligations are following a minor incident. “Knowledge” of the accident is another grey area, especially if the driver doesn’t realize the extent of the accident.  Drivers are often unaware of their reporting requirements (after all, when was the last time you heard a public information message telling these people what do in the event of a minor accident, similar to seatbelt use ‘click it or ticket’ or texting/driving ‘it can wait, as it’s against law’)  What information is required to report, other than a name and insurance information? This ambiguity can lead to a separate charge, called “Fail to Report an Accident,” which is still a misdemeanor. 

Learn more about what happens if you leave the scene of an accident in Michigan here.

Contact an attorney today for driver’s license reinstatement  in Michigan today!

We’re available 24/7, and dedicated to our clients. We’ll fight zealously to protect and restore your reputation and driver’s license. For more information, schedule an appointment, or call us 24/7 at (734) 263-2780. 

The Best DUI Attorney in Ann Arbor Will Fight for Your Rights

Daniel T. Geherin, a former prosecutor and board-certified criminal trial attorney, is the owner and founder of the Geherin Law Group, PLLC, an Ann Arbor based law firm which exclusively represents individuals in criminal justice matters.  His firm handles hundreds of DUI/OWI cases in and around Ann Arbor every year, and has a long and extensive track record of success. Dan is also the author of The Michigan Drunk Driving and Driver’s License Restoration Handbook and is a recognized Michigan driver’s license specialist.  

In August 2022, Geherin Law Group was ranked a Tier 1 firm for DUI/DWI defense in Ann Arbor by U.S. News - Best Lawyers^® "Best Law Firms".  For more than 40 years, Best Lawyers has been regarded—by both the profession and the public—as the most credible measure of legal integrity and distinction in the United States. Being recognized by Best Lawyers symbolizes excellence.  Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a rigorous peer-review survey comprising more than 12.2 million confidential evaluations by top attorneys. Their founding principle remains unchanged since 1981 and forms the basis of our transparent methodology: the best lawyers know who the best lawyers are. As always, no fee or payment to participate is allowed.

Learn more about how to find the best DUI attorney in Ann Arbor here.

We’re available 24/7, and dedicated to our clients. Our DUI attorney in Ann Arbor will fight zealously to protect and restore your reputation and driver’s license. For more information, schedule an appointment, or call us 24/7 at (734) 263-2780. 

How to Find the “Best” DUI Attorney in Ann Arbor

Now more than ever, educated consumers do their internet homework to find the best of everything:  the best restaurants, best hotels, and best salons.  But when someone is arrested for a DUI in Ann Arbor, how do they find the “best” attorney to protect their freedom, their reputation, and their license? Traditionally, people were referred to attorneys by their friends and family or by a trusted professional.  Today, clients use the same internet research skills to find the best DUI Attorney to fit their needs.  Clients might search Google, Avvo, Justia and SuperLawyers, read reviews on social media, and ask their friends and family.  

Daniel T. Geherin, a former prosecutor and board-certified criminal trial attorney, is the owner and founder of the Geherin Law Group, PLLC, an Ann Arbor based law firm which exclusively represents individuals in criminal justice matters.  His firm handles hundreds of DUI/OWI cases in and around Ann Arbor every year, and has a long and extensive track record of success. Dan is also the author of The Michigan Drunk Driving and Driver’s License Restoration Handbook and is a recognized Michigan driver’s license specialist.  

Learn more about how to find the best DUI attorney in Ann Arbor here.

We’re available 24/7, and dedicated to our clients. Our DUI attorney in Ann Arbor will fight zealously to protect and restore your reputation and driver’s license. For more information, schedule an appointment, or call us 24/7 at (734) 263-2780.