Lost Driver's License in Michigan? Your Career May Be at Risk

Losing your driving privileges after an OWI affects much more than your ability to get from point A to point B. A lost driver's license in Michigan can impact your employment, limit career advancement, and create financial hardships that last for years.

Many Michigan workers rely on their vehicles to commute, meet clients, or travel between job sites. If your license has been revoked, transportation challenges can lead to missed work, increased commuting expenses, and fewer employment opportunities. For professionals in sales, healthcare, skilled trades, or commercial driving, the consequences can be even more severe.

Learn more how a losing your driver’s license after an OWI can affect your career here.

Attorney Dan Geherin has spent decades helping clients restore their driving privileges after alcohol-related convictions. The sooner you begin the license restoration process, the sooner you can start rebuilding your career and your future.

Ready to move forward? Contact us today to learn whether you're eligible for driver's license restoration and take the first step toward getting back on the road.

Why Legal Representation Matters for Driver’s License Restoration

Many Michigan residents discover that restoring a revoked license is more complicated than they expected. If you have a lost driver’s license in Michigan due to multiple DUI convictions or other serious driving offenses, the restoration process requires careful preparation and compelling evidence.

Applicants must provide proof of sobriety, complete a substance use evaluation, obtain letters of support, and present their case before a hearing officer. Missing documentation or inconsistencies in testimony can result in a denial and a lengthy waiting period before reapplying. Read more on our website!

Attorney Dan Geherin has extensive experience helping clients throughout Ann Arbor and across Michigan navigate the driver's license restoration process. From preparing documentation to representing clients at hearings, experienced legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

If you're ready to pursue restoration, Michigan License Lawyer can help you build a strong case and work toward regaining your driving privileges. Schedule your consultation today!

Lost Driver’s License in Michigan? Understanding License Revocation

Having a lost driver’s license in Michigan due to a revocation can create significant challenges in your daily life. Unlike a suspension, which typically ends after a set period, a revocation completely terminates your driving privileges and requires you to petition the Michigan Department of State for restoration.

To qualify for restoration, applicants must demonstrate that any alcohol or substance abuse issues are under control and likely to remain under control. This often involves completing a substance use evaluation, gathering letters of support, and attending a hearing before the Administrative Hearings Section.

Because even small mistakes can lead to a denial, understanding the requirements and preparing a strong case is essential. An experienced driver's license restoration attorney can help guide you through the process and improve your chances of success.

Read more on our website!

If you're dealing with a lost driver’s license in Michigan, Michigan License Lawyer can help you understand your options and take the first steps toward restoring your driving privileges. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation! 

Police Officers Must Have Reasonable Grounds to Request a Chemical Test

Police officers must have reasonable grounds to request the chemical test, and they must also follow regulations on how they advise the driver about a potential refusal.  It’s also important to note that there are some reasonable and acceptable grounds for refusing these tests.  Not all refusals are guaranteed to be violations of the Implied Consent law, and the actions of the police officer can be challenged at the Secretary of State and in court, if necessary.  

Learn more about refusal/ implied consent suspensions in Michigan here.

 

If you have questions regarding your driver's license reinstatement in Michigan after you refused a chemical test, read more here or contact Geherin Law Group, PLLC. today 24/7.

What to Know About Refusal/Implied Consent Suspension Appeals in Michigan

Every Michigan driver’s license holder “impliedly consents” to have his/her breath, blood or urine tested upon reasonable request of a peace officer during an OWI investigation.  If you refuse a police officer’s request for a chemical test, your license may be automatically suspended for one year.  This is called an “Implied Consent Refusal,” and your prompt response to this allegation is crucial.  We suggest you call an experienced DUI attorney in Washtenaw County immediately after a refusal allegation so that you don’t miss important deadlines.  

Learn more about refusal/ implied consent suspensions in Michigan here.

 

If you have questions regarding your driver's license reinstatement in Michigan after you refused a chemical test, read more here or contact Geherin Law Group, PLLC. today 24/7.

OWI Revocation Appeals in Michigan

If you’ve been convicted of multiple drunk driving or substance abuse cases, especially in a short period of time, your Michigan license has likely been revoked.  This means you must apply for the reinstatement of your license, and must jump through several “hoops”.  For the majority of cases, the application process goes through the Michigan Secretary of State, not through the courts.  This means you’re subject to all of Lansing’s red tape and regulations. Most of these hearings are conducted through the Michigan Secretary of State’s Administrative Hearing Section (AHS), previously known as the Driver’s Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD).  AHS utilizes 10 different Administrative Law Judges (aka, “Hearing Officers”) who preside over these hearings and ultimately decide if a person should have his/her license reinstated.  

Learn more about the red tape when it comes to OWI revocation appeals 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. 

Avoid License Sanctions with an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney on Your Side

Dan has advised clients charged with criminal offenses on how to avoid license sanctions and best protect their ability to drive for over 25 years.  He’s well-versed in all of the criminal laws that might carry “hidden” driver’s license sanctions.

All alcohol and drug-related driving offenses carry license sanctions.  However, there are significant differences in sanctions depending on the charge and your driving record, so having a drunk driving defense attorney is great—but having an attorney who specializes in DUI and license restoration is ideal.

Learn more about what criminal charges have driver’s license consequences 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. 

What is a Michigan Driver’s License “Reinstatement Fee?”

You probably don’t realize how valuable and necessary a Michigan driver’s license is---until you lose the privilege. How do Michigan residents lose the privilege to drive?  Most commonly, by getting arrested for drunk driving; refusing a chemical test; for medical reasons; or for accumulation of too many points.  Once a your license is taken away, through a short-term suspension or long-term revocation, it’s often very difficult to get it restored. 

Learn more about Michigan's driver's license reinstatement fee 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, license appeals specialist in Ann Arbor 24/7 at (734) 263-2780 or online info@GLGMichigan.com.

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.

Can You be Punished for Moving Violations that Caused Injury or Death?

In 2010, Michigan abolished its felony statutes on Negligent Homicide and Felonious Driving, both of which covered accidents in which a driver could be punished for his negligence if it resulted in a serious injury or death. In their place, 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.

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.

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 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. 

Court Shutdowns and Coronavirus

Courts are only hearing “essential” motions, typically those where a defendant is in jail/prison custody.  Nearly all Circuit Court license appeals have been postponed indefinitely, but that will hopefully change in May.  If it does not, we will be asking courts to consider conducting these Michigan driver’s license restoration appeals by Zoom technology, as more and more courts are opening their doors via that technology.  

For more information about the potential impact of COVID-19 on your license appeal, check out our website for more information!