Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
The New Year’s holiday has just passed, and no doubt many Michigan residents were charged with OWI after partying the New Year’s Eve night away. Having your driver’s license suspended is not a good way to start the new year, however if you were one of the misfortunate ones who now find yourself without driving privileges, there is help. The first step is to contact a highly experienced Michigan driver’s license reinstatement attorney.
If it is your first OWI offense, your license was likely suspended for 30 days, which will be followed by restricted driving for 150 days. However, if your BAC (blood alcohol content) was .17 or more, this is considered Super Drunk in Michigan, and often results in a one year suspension. By consulting with a skilled lawyer, it may be possible for you to obtain a restricted license, which is a license that allows you to drive to and from work, school, or for other “necessary” purposes.
If you were charged with OWI and have been convicted of Operating While Intoxicated in the past 7 years, the sanctions on your license are even more worrisome. Your driver’s license was likely revoked, which is more serious than a suspension. Unlike a suspension in which a driver typically gets his license back following the suspension period, a revoked license requires going before the DLAD/DAAD (Driver License Appeal Division). Even then, there is no guaranteed your driver’s license will be reinstated, as the process is complex and the burden of proof that you are no longer drinking alcohol and are not a risk for drinking alcohol in the future tough.
Regardless of your situation, if you now find yourself with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, the first step you should take is to contact a Michigan driver’s license reinstatement lawyer with a winning track record. Attempting to win back your license on your own will likely end in disappointment; get it right the first time by obtaining the support and guidance of a skilled attorney.