Michigan Drivers License Restoration Lawyers

Man in a suit handing car keys back to someone after they restored their driver's license

Losing your driver’s license certainly makes life difficult, particularly in Michigan where driving is practically a necessity. Without a license, you may not be able to: get to work on time, run errands, attend social functions, etc. Losing the ability to legally drive can make someone feel trapped.

The good news is there are options. Michigan has a legal process for drivers license restoration. This process involves an administrative hearing with the Secretary of State along with several other legal elements. The process is very involved and an attorney is absolutely vital for success in getting your driver’s license reinstated.

The criminal defense lawyers at Kelly & Kelly, P.C. are well versed in handling cases involving Michigan drivers license restoration, appeals and disciplinary proceedings.

If you lost your license due to a DUI, or excessive points, contact our legal team today.

We Can Help Restore Your License

If you are faced with charges that may dramatically influence your life, such as restricting your ability to drive or impacting your ability to keep your job, you want an attorney you can trust.

Our team of lawyers have over 30 years of successful experience in drivers license restoration cases. With this experience, we understand the ins-and-outs of Michigan’s legal system, and the legal process involved with license reinstatement and appeals.

Our attorneys will protect your rights and stand by your side throughout the entire process. This includes working with you to understand your unique circumstance and ensuring you receive fair treatment according to the law. We can help get your driver’s license back after suspension. Additionally, we help clients with appealing a breath test refusal, removal of an ignition interlock, and more.

Ignition Interlock Device

Woman in her vehicle blowing on a ignition interlock device to test her blood alcohol level.An ignition interlock device (IID) is also known as a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). In short, this device serves as a “breathalyzer” inside a vehicle in which the driver is required to blow into the mouthpiece in order to start the engine. These devices are often installed in a driver’s vehicle as a result of a drunk driving offense.

Drivers who receive a IID violation, are likely to have driving privileges revoked/denied; however, the revocation of driving privileges can be appealed in court. According to the Michigan Secretary of State,

“Operators who receive an ignition interlock violation resulting in a reinstatement of a revocation/denial of driving privileges may appeal the violation. Any appeal is due within 14 days of the effective date of the reinstatement. Note – an additional suspension due to an ignition interlock violation while on a High Bac restricted license is not appealable to the Department.”

If you receive a violation of your ignition interlock device, it’s important to speak with a Michigan criminal law attorney who understands your options, and the appeals process.

Michigan Drivers License Reinstatement

A request for reinstatement of driving privileges starts with an Administrative Hearing with the Michigan Secretary of State Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD), formally known as the Department of State Driver’s License and Appeal Division (DLAD). In this first stage, there is the possibility of having your license reinstated, however there are no guarantees.

If denied the reinstatement of restricted or full driving privileges, you may Appeal that determination to the Circuit Court requesting a hearing with a Circuit Court Judge and a representative of the Secretary of State (Michigan Attorney General’s Office) to challenge the DAAD Hearing Officer’s decision.

Michigan Driver’s License Appeals

Paper copy of a legal document that's titled Appeal of Suspension, Revocation, or Denial of Driver's License from the State of Michigan Judicial Circuit County

Michigan Driver’s License Restoration Appeals are handled by the Circuit Court. All requests must be submitted in writing to the State of Michigan and several documents are required for processing this request. It’s important to note that any small errors within the appeal will likely result in denial.

Please note, not all DAAD decisions are appealable to Circuit Court, so it is important to first consult with a knowledgeable Michigan License Restoration Attorney who can properly advise you if your case is appealable and what steps must be taken to achieve success. It is important that this is done before the appeals process begins, not after you have already been denied by DAAD.

This process is the only way to restore your license in Michigan; It’s highly recommended that you do not attempt this appeal by yourself.