Earlier this month, a Grand Rapids woman, 36-year-old Crystal Louise Rincones, allegedly drove the wrong way on U.S. 131 resulting in a head-on collision that seriously injured the driver of the other vehicle, 49-year-old Vickers Charles Hansen. Now, Secretary of State records indicate that Rincones was not supposed to be driving, as her license had been suspended on many occasions over the past 16 years.
According to a news article at Mlive.com, Rincones’ driver’s license had been suspended for various reasons over the years, including numerous DUI convictions, and failure to pay parking tickets and reinstatement fees. The accident occurred on August 5 in the southbound lanes of U.S. 131 near 36th Street, according to police.
According to Rincones’ driving record, she had periodic license restrictions so that she could drive to treatment of what was described as a “serious medical condition,” although the nature of the medical condition was not disclosed.
Since 1998, Rincones has been arrested for operating while impaired and driving with an unlawful blood-alcohol content, cited for driving with no proof of insurance, unpaid parking tickets, driving while license suspended, a drug offense, speeding, and more. Just last year, she was involved in a one-car accident that resulted in the injury of three people; this was after Grand Rapids had put a hold on her license due to parking tickets that remained unpaid.
Following the August 5 crash, Rincones was said to be in critical condition; she was transported to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital.
Driving on a suspended or revoked license in the state of Michigan is very serious. It is understandable that there are emergency situations in which someone whose license has been suspended must drive, however it appears that Rincones has a reckless disregard when it comes to the law. Many people believe that driving is a “right,” when in fact it is not a right but a privilege.
Whether a drivers license is suspended or revoked due to operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, because of unpaid traffic tickets or unpaid child support, or due to a drug offense, it is never advisable to drive on a suspended license. You believe you won’t get caught, but it is not worth the risk. You cannot control other motorists, and could be involved in an accident that although not your fault, will reveal the fact that your driver’s license is suspended.
The best thing anyone whose license has been suspended or revoked can do is to consult with a highly experienced Michigan driver’s license restoration attorney who will review your case to determine whether it may be possible to have your license reinstated.