Suspension vs. Revocation: Why the Difference Matters After an Out-of-State DUI

When Michigan takes action against your driver’s license, the distinction between suspension and revocation is critical—especially if your DUI occurred in another state.

A suspension is temporary and typically ends automatically after a set period, provided all fees are paid. Revocation, however, is far more serious. Once revoked, your license is completely taken away, and there is no automatic reinstatement. You must apply and be approved through the formal driver’s license restoration in Michigan process.

 

This process is handled by the Secretary of State’s Administrative Hearings Section and focuses heavily on proof of sobriety, substance abuse evaluations, and evidence of long-term alcohol abstinence. For many drivers, especially those with multiple or out-of-state DUIs, legal guidance is essential to avoid costly delays or denials.

Learn more about how DUIs from other states affect your Michigan license here.

 

Out-of-state DUIs don’t stay out of state—and neither do their consequences.

The Power of Exceptional Legal Representation

Facing a difficult legal situation? The right legal representation can make all the difference.

This excerpt from a recent client review showcases the impact Geherin Law Group's dedication can have:

"Their dedication to my case and genuine care for my well-being have been life-changing." - Robert, May 2024

The Geherin Law Group prioritizes both legal expertise and client well-being. Their tireless work and unwavering support have helped countless individuals, like Robert, reclaim their lives.

Learn more about how you can get a second chance after a driver’s license suspension here.

Need a law firm that goes the extra mile? 

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. 

Hope and Second Chances for Veterans

Feeling lost after a driver's license suspension?

For veterans, a suspended license can create a significant barrier to daily life. But there is hope. This excerpt from a recent client review highlights how Geherin Law Group's understanding approach and unwavering support helped a veteran regain control:

"From the moment I reached out to Dan and his team, I felt a sense of hope and reassurance... They were incredibly understanding of my situation..." - Robert, May 2024

Geherin Law Group recognizes the unique challenges veterans face and is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation. Their commitment goes beyond just legal strategy; they genuinely care about their clients' well-being.

Learn more about how you can get a second chance after a driver’s license suspension here.

Are you a veteran facing a legal challenge? 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. 

Why You Should Hire an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney to Represent You!

Having a specialized, experienced and dedicated OWI Defense attorney is crucial to understanding all of the direct and secondary consequences of a plea or conviction.  In many instances, a skilled drunk driving defense attorney can lessen the charge, which in turn may lessen (or eliminate) the direct and collateral consequences.  We can also help defeat the charge altogether, by eliminating almost all of the consequences. At the very least, an elite DUI attorney can discuss all of these consequences with clients so there are no surprises.

Learn more about collateral consequences of a drunk driving conviction in Michigan here.

 

If you’re looking for a skilled drunk driving defense attorney 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. 

What Are Some “Collateral Consequences” of a Drunk Driving Conviction in Michigan?

What are less obvious “collateral” consequences of an OWI conviction? What else can you expect to suffer with a first-offense OWI in Michigan?  Here’s several potential consequences a person might face:

 

·      Insurance Premium Increases or Coverage Denial;

·      Immigration Issues, including the possibility of deportation; 

·      International Travel, including the ability to travel to Canada;

·      Handgun Carry Permit (“CPL”) Revocation or Denial;

·      Employment/Professional Licensing Issues;

·      Vehicle Immobilization, Forfeiture or Plate Confiscation; and

·      Specialized License (Commercial “CDL”, Chauffer’s, Graduated Licenses) Revocation or Denial.  

 

Learn more about collateral consequences of a drunk driving conviction in Michigan here.

If you’re looking for a skilled drunk driving defense attorney 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. 

How the Pandemic Changed License Appeal Hearing’s

Until March 2020, Michigan license appeal hearings were held at a Secretary of State branch office closest to the Petitioner’s address. Then the Pandemic hit……

Since May 2020, the Michigan Secretary of State has primarily utilized technology (Microsoft Teams) to conduct the hearings remotely.  

Each week since May 2020, Dan conducts an average of 2-3 license appeals via remote technology. Ironically, the pandemic allowed him to increase the number of license restoration clients he can help, because it has eliminated the time involved in traveling from branch to branch. He’s appeared before each Hearing Officer on countless occasions.  Dan has successfully filed and won hundreds of Circuit Court Appeals in Washtenaw County and throughout Southeastern Michigan.  

Learn more about where your driver’s license appeal hearing will take place here.

Contact an attorney today for driver’s license restoration 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. 

Are your attorneys experienced in driver's license restoration?

Yes. Our attorneys have handled hundreds and hundreds of license restoration appeals at the Department of State DAAD since 2000. On average, we litigate three to four appeal hearings per month, and take on approximately 60 new license restoration clients per year. Our attorneys are widely recognized as specialists in this area, and have written publications and presented training to other lawyers on the topic of driver's license restoration.

Contact an attorney today for driver’s license restoration 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. 

Proven 98% Success Rate!

Need a DUI attorney in Ann Arbor?

Want your freedom back that accompanies having a valid driver’s license?

Geherin Law Group understands your frustration and wants to help you get back on the road as soon as possible.

Dan has posted a 98% success rate in winning license revocation appeals.  In the last 10 years alone, his firm has helped put 300+ clients back on the road lawfully and legally.  And, to prove that these results are legitimate, he even posts the case numbers of successful appeals on his website here so that potential clients can see his extensive success.

If you or a loved one has suffered a Michigan license revocation and don't know where to turn, please consider calling us for a free initial consultation.  We'll review your driving record; honestly assess your eligibility; and discuss with you a specific game plan on how to restore your privileges.  Too many drivers attempt to "go it alone," and get caught in the red tape of the Michigan Secretary of State system.  Let us fight that battle with you, and do so with caring, expertise and dedication.

For more information, schedule an appointment, or call us 24/7 at (734) 263-2780. 

How Long After a Drunk Driving Arrest Will I Have a Court Date?

Some prosecutor’s offices are so backed up that a 6-month waiting period between an OWI arrest and an official charge isn’t uncommon. Some courts are so behind and short-staffed that court dates are being set months into the future. This becomes extraordinarily stressful for clients who were planning a move or who have travel plans. And what about those clients who had their driver’s license confiscated? How long is it reasonable for them to wait before their OWI cases are resolved? Unfortunately, the answer to that question isn’t comforting:  months and months, depending upon the police agency and court.  What if that person wants to fight their case and have a trial?  They may end up waiting a year or more due to the current Covid case backload, and perhaps even indefinitely.  

Find out how long after your drunk driving arrest that you’ll have a court date here.

Need Your Driver’s License Reinstated in Michigan?

If you’re facing a criminal traffic offense in Washtenaw County or Southeastern Michigan, and you want to discuss options, please call or email Dan Geherin, drunk driving attorney in Ann Arbor, 24/7 at (734) 263-2780 or online info@GLGMichigan.com.

Get a Fair Trial with the Help From Drunk Driving Attorney, Dan Geherin

When it comes to OWI arrests and procedures, it’s fair to say that every single police agency, prosecutor’s office, and court in Southeastern Michigan operates differently. In Washtenaw County, for first-offense drunk driving arrests, a driver is typically released from the station, hospital or jail and is notified of criminal charges weeks (or sometimes months) later.  However, if there’s an “aggravating factor” such as a high blood alcohol level, a prior conviction or an injury accident, police will often seek a warrant for the person’s arrest or request an immediate Arraignment. In Livingston County and parts of Wayne County (including Plymouth), even a true first offender may expect to see a Judge or Magistrate for an Arraignment the day after an OWI arrest.  

Find out how long after your drunk driving arrest that you’ll have a court date here.

Need Your Driver’s License Reinstated in Michigan?

If you’re facing a criminal traffic offense in Washtenaw County or Southeastern Michigan, and you want to discuss options, please call or email Dan Geherin, drunk driving attorney in Ann Arbor, 24/7 at (734) 263-2780 or online info@GLGMichigan.com.