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Lost Your License to Drunk Driving? A Lawyer Can Help You Get it Back
Learn how to regain your driving privileges following an OWI-related license suspension or revocation in Michigan.
January 08, 2012 /Government PR News/ -- Throughout Michigan, and particularly in college towns like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, police are cracking down on drunk driving. Known in Michigan as operating while intoxicated, or OWI for short, drunk driving convictions can carry serious penalties, not least of which is the loss of driving privileges.
In most parts of Michigan, commuting is a daily necessity. It is next to impossible to attend classes, go to work or even complete mundane errands without being able to drive. Although fines and fees, potential jail time, community service, and other possible OWI consequences are not to be taken lightly, losing your license can make it particularly difficult to move on with your life following an OWI conviction.
Of course, many of those accused of OWI successfully fight the charge with the help of a qualified Michigan defense attorney. But, even if you have already been convicted of OWI, it is not too late for help from an aggressive criminal defense law firm in getting your driving privileges reinstated.
How to Get a Suspended or Revoked License Back In Michigan
What happens to your license following an OWI conviction depends on several factors. One is the nature of the charge.
For instance, for a first time OWI in Michigan, the typical license consequence is a 30 day suspension, followed by license restrictions for 150 days. On the other hand, a high blood alcohol content OWI (one in which the driver's BAC was .17 or higher) can mean complete suspension for a full year, at least if a defendant does not take legal steps that may help them obtain a restricted license.
More serious OWI offenses can result in drivers' license revocation. There is an important legal distinction between license suspension and license revocation. When a drivers' license is suspended, it is generally not especially difficult for a defendant to get his or her license back (albeit usually with certain restrictions) at the end of the penalty time after paying a driver license reinstatement fee. Once a license is revoked, however, there are significant hurdles that must be overcome in order to regain driving privileges.
A second OWI offense of any kind within seven years of a previous OWI conviction typically results in driver's license revocation for a minimum of one year. For those with a previous license revocation in the last seven years, the minimum skyrockets to five years.
To say the least, it can be a challenge to regain driving privileges after a license revocation. Unlike drivers with suspensions, a driver with a revoked license cannot simply expect to get his or her license back shortly after the minimum revocation period has passed.
After the minimum revocation period has expired, a driver must make a request to the Secretary of State's office that their license be reinstated. This requires a Driver License Appeal hearing conducted before Administrative Law Examiners.
It can be extremely important to retain an attorney to prepare for your appearance at the appeal hearing. At the hearing, it will be your responsibility to show that you will no longer drive while impaired by alcohol and you are not at risk for another OWI offense. You will be expected to produce evidence and argue for your case; the hearing is similar to a court action. Unfortunately, most revocations are not lifted after the first appearance, forcing many former OWI defendants to continue having to face the life challenges presented by an inability to drive; the service of an aggressive criminal defense law firm can give you the best chances of acing the appeal and getting back behind the wheel as soon as possible.
Get Legal Help With Your Suspended or Revoked License
In order to protect your rights, you should always politely ask to speak to an attorney as soon as police initiate contact with you on suspicion of OWI. Competent legal counsel at the early stages of an OWI case can help you avoid the most damaging license consequences before they are ever imposed.
If, however, your license has already been suspended or revoked, you can still benefit from the services of a Michigan OWI lawyer. Your attorney can help you regain your right to drive and restore your reputation as a safe driver. Contact a defense attorney today to explore your license reinstatement options.
Article provided by Aggressive Criminal Defense Law Firm
Visit us at www.aggressivecriminaldefenselawfirm.com
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