Increasing Your Odds at a Driver License Restoration Hearing
Here are several steps you can take to raise your odds of success at a driver's license restoration hearing. It is aimed at 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 reinstatement. Before the hearing, an attorney can help you:
- strategize
- gather evidence
- file the correct paperwork
- prepare you to testify.
At the hearing, a lawyer 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 credibly prove four elements
- That your alcohol and/or substance abuse problem is under control 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 safely and within the law.
- You must prove six-to-twelve months of sobriety. In my experience, most will have to prove 12 months of continued sobriety before the hearing.
In summary, you need to prove that you have put your alcohol/substance abuse problem behind you and that you are a good prospect for safe driving. Keep in mind that you must prove these things by clear and convincing evidence.
Here is What You Can Do to Improve Your Odds of Success
Complete 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 present 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 helps many. By attending AA you show your continued commitment to getting over your alcohol/substance abuse problem. It shows that you take it seriously. Make sure you know the serenity prayer and 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. Your AA sponsor can testify at your hearing or submit a letter in your support.
Sobriety letters. Sobriety letters help you prove that you have been sober and are committed to staying 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.
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