Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Most people know that driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances can result in license suspension. Speeding and reckless driving can also result in suspension. While these examples are actually related to the act of operating a vehicle, there are other reasons your license could be suspended that are not directly related to driving.
For example, in Michigan and all other states except four, failure to comply with a child support order will result in suspension of your driver’s license. While the violations that may result in license suspension vary from state to state, some non-driving offenses include:
- Drug-related conviction (possession, distribution, trafficking of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, other illegal narcotic substances)
- Unlawful use of driver’s license or altered license
- Using fictitious or altered license plates on a vehicle Failure to appear in court for ticket and/or moving violation, or failure to pay Dept. of Motor Vehicle fine
- Not having proper insurance coverage on an automobile
Other offenses that are driving-related can lead to suspension of your driver’s license, depending on the state in which you live. Across all 50 states in the U.S., those who violate ‘implied consent laws’ may face automatic license suspension. Implied consent laws pertain to taking a breath test if asked by an officer if you are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. If you refuse to take a test, your license may be suspended. Many people are not aware of implied consent laws, however when you obtained your driver’s license you did so with the understanding that you must comply with testing when requested by police.
Other offenses which may cause you to lose your driving privilege in Michigan include leaving the scene of an accident. It is important to note that accumulating points for various violations such as speeding, road rage, or even failure to obey traffic signs and signals can result in driver’s license suspension. In Michigan, once you accumulate 12 points your license will be suspended. Considering that reckless driving results in six points and speeding 16 mph or more over the limit results in four, you can see it does not take long to rack up the points.
Regardless of why your license was suspended or perhaps even revoked, Michigan drivers license reinstatement attorneys understand how difficult it is to function and live a normal life when you cannot drive. Driving is one of those things we do so often without even thinking; we jump in the car to go to work, school, or run to the store for something we are out of.
If your driver’s license has been suspended due to DUI or for other reasons, consult with an experienced and capable Michigan driver’s license restoration lawyer now.