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.

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

"How do I get my license back after it was revoked?"

Getting your driver's license revoked can be a major inconvenience and a source of stress. Have you been feeling overwhelmed
by the process of getting your license back?

Are you unsure about the specific steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges?

Are you worried about how a revoked license is affecting your ability to get to work, school, or take care of your family?

Steps to Take to Get Your License Back After it was Revoked

1. Address the Underlying Issue: If your license was revoked due to a DUI, you'll need to complete an alcohol or drug treatment program and obtain a restricted license. For other offenses, you may need to pay fines, complete community service, or attend a driving safety course.
2. Wait Out the Suspension Period: In some cases, you'll simply need to wait out the suspension period. 
3. Request a Hearing: If you believe your license was revoked unfairly, you can request a hearing with the Secretary of State's Office. This is a formal process where you can present evidence and argue your case.
4. Complete Required Forms and Pay Fees: Once you've addressed the underlying issue and any additional requirements, you'll need to complete the necessary forms and pay any applicable fees.   
5. Obtain a New License: After completing all the steps, you can obtain a new driver's license from your local Secretary of State office.

Learn more about how to get your license back after it was revoked here. 

Don't let a revoked license hold you back! If you're struggling to navigate the license restoration process, it's advisable to seek legal assistance from an attorney specializing in driver's license reinstatement in Michigan. Contact Geherin Law Group, PLLC today for a free consultation. They are dedicated to helping you get back on the road safely. We’re available 24/7! (734) 263-2780

 

Overcoming Common Challenges in Your Michigan Driver's License Appeal

Regaining your driver's license after a revocation in Michigan requires preparation and a clear understanding of the potential

challenges. Building on our previous discussion, let's explore strategies for overcoming common obstacles:

• Probation and Self-Directed Sobriety: Demonstrate a commitment to sobriety beyond court requirements. Highlight positive milestones, support systems, and steps taken to address the underlying causes of your license loss.
• Open Cases and Responsible Action: If you have pending legal issues, be upfront with your attorney. Work together to demonstrate responsible behavior and a willingness to address these matters head-on.
• Medical Marijuana and Prescriptions: Work with your doctor to document the absolute necessity of any prescriptions. If using medical marijuana, be prepared to discuss its impact on your driving ability and explore alternative treatment options if possible.

Learn more about overcoming unique challenges in license restoration cases here.

Winning a driver's license appeal requires a skilled legal team that understands the nuances of Michigan law and the specific concerns of hearing judges. Contact Dan Geherin and his team at MiLicenseAttorney.com for a free consultation. We're available 24/7 to fight for your right to get back on the road.

Experienced License Appeals Attorney in Ann Arbor Fights for Your Rights

Attorney Daniel T. Geherin, license appeals attorney and author of The Michigan Drunk Driving and Driver's License Restoration Handbook, has dedicated his career to helping put drivers back on the road following a license suspension or revocation. He has an unparalleled 25-year track record of restoring licenses for drivers all over the State of Michigan, and he has close to a 98% success rate in appeal hearings at the Secretary of State Administrative Hearing Section. 

“Dan and his team are true professionals and were instrumental in helping with my drivers license restoration process. They were extremely knowledgeable and I was well prepared for my interview. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking legal advice.”

 

Learn more about our license appeal success stories here.

 

If you need help with your driver’s license reinstatement in Michigan after a DUI related arrest, please call for a consultation at (734) 263-2780. We’re available 24/7, and are fully committed to providing personal attention, personal options and personal justice to every single client we represent. 

Success Stories from License Appeals Attorney, Dan Geherin

Let's face it, there aren't too many Michigan attorneys who specialize in driver's license appeals. Most attorneys shy away from the practice area altogether.  Many attorneys "dabble" in license cases, but are not specialists and thus do not devote the necessary resources, training and education to this very important practice area. And some criminal defense attorneys say they handle license cases, but they haven't conducted a license appeal hearing in years and cannot point to any objective results showing their experience or success.  

 

Geherin Law Group has extensive experience fighting for the rights of individuals just like you who are find themselves in legal trouble.

 

Hear from some of our past success stories from our Google reviews:

 

“So thankful to Dan and his team! We won and I finally received my full driver's license back! They were great to work with. Amazing attorney! I would highly recommend to any family or friend.” 

 

“Dan and his team are true professionals and were instrumental in helping with my drivers license restoration process. They were extremely knowledgeable and I was well prepared for my interview. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking legal advice.”

 

Learn more about our license appeal success stories here.

 

If you need help with your driver’s license reinstatement in Michigan after a DUI related arrest, please call for a consultation at (734) 263-2780. We’re available 24/7, and are fully committed to providing personal attention, personal options and personal justice to every single client we represent. 

First Steps Toward Driver's License Restoration

The consultation is your opportunity to ask questions and get a clear picture of the path forward. We understand the importance of getting back on the road, and we'll work diligently to help you achieve that goal.

Every day, Dan and his team field calls from potential clients who have been arrested for DUI in Ann Arbor, nearly every client wants to know that they have the best fit for their drunk driving case. Our firm often suggests that potential clients do their homework and take into consideration peer reviews and objective rankings such as those by US News-Best Lawyers.  And, Dan and his team offer a free, no-obligation consultation so that clients can truly do their research and ultimately make the ideal decision for the best DUI attorney in Ann Arbor for their needs.

Learn more about taking the first step to restoring your driver’s license here.

If you need help with your driver’s license reinstatement in Michigan after a DUI related arrest, please call for a consultation at (734) 263-2780. We’re available 24/7, and are fully committed to providing personal attention, personal options and personal justice to every single client we represent. 

How Can I Live Without A Driver’s License? Consult With A Recognized Driver’s License Reinstatement Specialist

One of the “forgotten” consequences of a criminal case is the possible effect it could have on your driver’s license.  Even an arrest for a DUI can lead to a lengthy license suspension. A conviction for DUI (not to mention a second or subsequent offense) might lead to your license being REVOKED for many years.  Even point accumulation, drug offenses, and other traffic offenses can result in significant loss of driving privileges in the State of Michigan.

“How can I work without a license?”

“How can I take care of my family if I can’t drive?”

“Are there any attorneys in Ann Arbor who specialize in license cases?”

Learn more about protecting your rights by consulting a driver’s license reinstatement specialist here.

If you need help with your driver’s license reinstatement in Ann Arbor after a DUI related arrest, please call for a consultation at (734) 263-2780, or visit us online at GLGMichigan.com. We’re available 24/7, and are fully committed to providing personal attention, personal options and personal justice to every single client we represent. 

Is AA Attendance a Requirement for Michigan Driver’s License Restoration?

Is AA attendance a requirement for a successful license restoration process in Michigan?

There are many other equally effective alcohol treatment programs, including: Limited Outpatient Treatment; Intensive Outpatient Counseling; Rational Recovery; SMART Recovery; Religious Programming; and Relapse Prevention Programs. And there are many people who simply don’t require any treatment, education or counseling, and instead have relied on more traditional ways of achieving sobriety.  These people can (and often do) still win license restoration in Michigan.  

There’s no “magical formula” for how driver’s license appeals are won in Michigan. Success in these hearings requires hard work, a firm dedication to sobriety, and attention to detail. A client’s chances of success increase dramatically by using an actual license appeals specialist to guide them. Learn more here!

For all driver's license restoration cases in Michigan, please contact Dan Geherin, a license appeals attorney in Michigan. We’re available 24/7, we know the process inside and out, and we’ll fight aggressively to restore your license

For more information, visit us at MiLicenseAttorney.com, or call 24/7 (734) 263-2780.

What You Must Know About the “Moving Violation Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death” Law in Michigan

Michigan enacted a misdemeanor charge called "Moving Violation Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death” pursuant to MCL 257.601d. In a nutshell, these statutes require proof that the driver committed any Michigan moving violation (i.e., speeding; failing to yield; red light or stop sign) resulting in the accident which caused serious bodily injury or death.  

Despite its misdemeanor designation, this charge is extraordinarily serious and has significant impact both in the courtroom and for the driver’s license. Judges often impose jail sentences, up to one year, for these convictions, even if the driver has no prior criminal or traffic history. Why? Because the injury or death is so impactful on the survivors or family that there is often a passionate plea for incarceration. Long-term probation, community service, high fines and costs, and a criminal conviction are also common.

Learn more here!

For all license reinstatement appeal cases in Michigan, please contact Dan Geherin and his team at MiLicenseAttorney.com.  We’re available 24/7, we know the process inside and out, and we’ll fight zealously to restore your license.  

For more information, visit us at MiLicenseAttorney.com, or call 24/7 (734) 263-2780.

Ask These Questions Before You Choose the Best Driver’s License Appeals Attorney

If you’re in a desperate search to restore your license, how do you find and choose the best “needle in a haystack?” You ask these questions of potential attorneys:

“How many years have you been practicing driver’s license appeals?”

“Can you point me to results of success you have had with my particular issue?”

“Do you handle all license appeals (revocation appeals, and medical appeals), or just refusal hearings?”

“Have you taught at seminars, written articles or books, or trained other attorneys in the license appeals process?”

“Do you regularly practice in front of the Secretary of State Hearing Judges who will decide my case?”

For all license reinstatement appeal cases in Michigan, please contact Dan Geherin and his team at MiLicenseAttorney.com.  We’re available 24/7, we know the process inside and out, and we’ll fight zealously to restore your license.  

For more information, visit us at MiLicenseAttorney.com, or call 24/7 (734) 263-2780.

How Do You Choose the Best Driver’s License Appeals Attorney in Michigan?

Short of losing your freedom or your family, losing your driving privileges can be one of the most devastating actions the government can take against you. People who have lost their Michigan Driver’s License due to drunk driving convictions, breath tests refusals, medical reasons or even point accumulation feel a horrible and consequential impact that  can last years. They’re left wondering how they can keep (or get) a job, take care of their family, or even get to necessary medical appointments.  

For all license reinstatement appeal cases in Michigan, please contact Dan Geherin and his team at MiLicenseAttorney.com. We’re available 24/7, we know the process inside and out, and we’ll fight zealously to restore your license.  

For more information, visit us at MiLicenseAttorney.com, or call 24/7 (734) 263-2780.  

We’re the key to putting you back in the driver’s seat!  

"Can My OWI/DUI Conviction be Expunged?"

“Is OWI a Misdemeanor Crime?”

“Can I have a diversion or delayed sentence to avoid an OWI conviction on my record?”

“How long will this conviction be on my public record?”

“Will there ever be a change in the expungement laws to allow me to remove this OWI?”

Unfortunately, OWI/DUI is either a misdemeanor or felony under Michigan law. A person who is arrested for OWI has to provide fingerprints, and a comprehensive criminal history report (“CCH”) is generated. This CCH report can easily be accessed by the public via State Police websites and other background search sites.  And, if a person either pleads guilty or no contest to the charge, or is found guilty at trial, the CCH reveals a conviction. That conviction can never be removed, and will remain on a person’s CCH for the rest of his or her life unless Michigan changes its expungement eligibility laws. There are no available diversion/delayed sentence programs for OWI/DUI, so there’s no way to “earn” the dismissal of the conviction after a period of probation like there is for many other criminal offenses.  

If you’ve been charged with an OWI/DUI in Michigan, the best way to avoid a lifetime conviction on your record is to avoid a conviction in the first place. Dan and his team at Geherin Law Group in Michigan have won many OWI cases over the past 23 years. Contact a licensing lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan today to learn your rights!

Why Can’t an OWI/DUI Conviction be Expunged?

On September 24 2020, the Michigan legislature sent a package of bills (collectively referred to as, “Clean Slate Initiatives”) to the Governor which would expand expungement eligibility for thousands of Michigan residents who have been convicted of certain crimes. The laws will: lessen waiting times; make some charges automatically erasable; expand the number of convictions eligible; and shelter some juvenile cases from public view. What’s missing from this new package of bills? OWI/DUI Expungement.  

If you’ve been charged with an OWI/DUI in Michigan, the best way to avoid a lifetime conviction on your record is to avoid a conviction in the first place. Dan and his team at Geherin Law Group in Michigan have won many OWI cases over the past 23 years.

Contact a licensing lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan today to learn your rights!

“What does it mean to have my license restricted?”

Often, clients who have been suspended or revoked ask Dan about getting a “restricted” license.  Questions like these:

“What does it mean to have my license restricted?”

“Are the restrictions automatic, or do I have to provide proof to the SOS?  To the police?”

“How long will the restrictions last?”

“What if I get caught driving outside of my restrictions?”

We're available 34/7, we know everything there is know know about restricted licenses in the state of Michigan, and we'll fight to restore your license. For more information, visit us at MILicenseAttorney.com, or call 24/7 at (734) 263-2780.

What is a "Restricted" License in Michigan?

Many people take for granted their Michigan Driver’s License—until they lose it to a suspension or revocation. Then they realize how truly difficult it is to work, take care of a family, and perform basic life responsibilities. For those Michigan drivers who have been suspended or revoked due to criminal/drunk driving conviction(s), they face a long road (no pun intended) to ever getting back on the road lawfully.

For more information about what a restricted license is in Michigan, visit our website! 

How does a tamper / circumvent ciolation arise?

Some interlock companies are better than others at explaining how to avoid a tamper/circumvent violation.  Some will even help drivers send in documentation proving an innocent explanation before a reinstatement occurs.  Others will leave the fight up to the driver by herself. 

  

As a general rule, if the vehicle battery dies or if mechanical work is needed, the driver must document the problem (i.e., collect receipts, take pictures, preserve texts/phone calls, etc.) and ask the interlock company and/or SOS for permission to disable/replace the device.  This is often the only way to potentially avoid or appeal a major violation for tamper/circumvent.  If a reinstatement occurs, the driver has a short time window (usually 14 days from the reinstatement date) to request an appeal at the Secretary of State.  If that appeal is denied, the driver can often file a Legal Appeal in his County of Residence Circuit Court. 

 

If you have received a Major Violation notice, please call us immediately. After all, the process of license reinstatement in Michigan is difficult enough! If you have any other questions/concerns about the BAIID device and any claimed violations, call Dan and his team at MichiganLicenseLawyer.com   We’re available 24/7, we know everything there is to know about BAIID Ignition Interlock devices, and we’ll fight zealously to protect or restore your license.  For more information, visit us at MiLicenseAttorney.com, or call 24/7 at (734) 263-2780.