Increase Your Odds of Success at Your Driver License Reinstatement Hearing
Here are several steps you can take to raise your odds of success at a driver's license restoration hearing. It addresses individuals who have a revoked license due to too many DUI, OWI, or drunk driving convictions.
Hire an attorney who practices in the area of Michigan drivers license restoration. Before the hearing, an attorney can help you:
- strategize
- obtain evidence
- file the correct documents
- prepare you to testify.
At the hearing, an attorney can:
- elicit testimony from you
- question any witnesses
- submit key evidence
- argue your case to restore your license.
What do you need to prove?
To restore your Michigan drivers license, you must convincingly prove four elements
- That your alcohol and/or substance abuse problem is controlled and will likely remain under control in the future.
- That you have a low risk of drunk driving and a low risk of past abusive behavior.
- That you have the ability and impetus to drive carefully and within the law.
- You must prove 6 – 12 months of sobriety. In my experience, most will have to prove 12 months of continued sobriety before the hearing.
Basically, you need to show that you have put your alcohol/substance abuse problem behind you and that you are a good prospect for safe driving. You must prove these elements with convincing and clear evidence.
Here is What You Can Do to Improve Your Odds of Success
Finish your alcohol treatment or counseling. If you were required to attend alcohol/drug abuse treatment or counseling, complete the program. At your hearing to restore your driver's license, your attorney can show these records as proof that you addressed the problem and that you are committed to overcoming it.
Actively participate in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or another structured support group. AA truly assists many. By attending AA you show your ongoing commitment to conquering your alcohol or substance abuse problem. It shows that you take it seriously. Ensure you commit to memory the serenity prayer and the twelve steps.
How much should you attend? The best advice is the greater number the better. The greater the frequency and length of AA attendance the better. If possible, get an AA sponsor. Your AA sponsor's documentation of attendance and committment can be very helpful. It can be very helpful if you AA sponsor testifies or submits a letter of support.
Letters of sobriety. Letters of sobriety help you prove that you have been sober and are committed to remaining that way. Well in advance of your hearing, lay the groundwork for getting a cross-section of family, friends and co-workers to write supporting letters. These letters are crucial to your success at your hearing to restore your driver's license.
