Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Ann Marie Cummins, a 44-year-old Rochester Hills woman, was recently charged with a second offense of operating while intoxicated and driving on a suspended license. Cummins pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Clement Waldmann in 52-4 District Court in Troy; her driver’s license has been suspended 24 times previously.
On Sunday March 31, Cummins was allegedly involved in an accident in which she rear-ended another vehicle and failed to stop. The driver of the vehicle that was rear-ended flagged down a Troy police officer and pointed out Cummins’ car. Upon being stopped by the officer, Cummins said that the reason she did not stop when she struck the other vehicle was because she knew she was not supposed to be driving.
During the course of the stop it was found that Cummins had a prescription muscle relaxer in her possession, and that her driver’s license had been suspended on 24 occasions. It was also discovered that six different law enforcement agencies had outstanding warrants for her arrest. Cummins was arrested for failure to stop and identify at an accident, driving while license suspended, and possession of a controlled substance after she told the officer she had no prescription for the muscle relaxers.
Michigan Secretary of State communications manager Fred Woodhams said that Cummins’ record indicates she is not able to register a vehicle due to the fact that her license has been suspended since 2005. He also said in a news article at the Oakland Press that those convicted repeatedly of driving on a suspended license may face two $500 driver responsibility fees, up to one year in jail, and a $1,000 fine.
Cummins may face additional criminal penalties for driving while license suspended because her driving privileges have already been suspended by the SOS, according to Woodhams.
While having a driver’s license suspended 24 times is highly unusual, Michigan drivers license reinstatement attorneys understand the importance of being able to drive. However, we also realize that many choose to do what this woman did – drive on a suspended license – out of simple need or necessity. This is very risky, and can lead to further legal complications.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, it is critical that you consult with a Michigan driver’s license restoration lawyer with a winning track record for reaching positive results.