Preparing for Your License Reinstatement Hearing

Preparing for Your License Reinstatement Hearing

We all make mistakes, but our actions have consequences, and sometimes these consequences result in criminal charges. If you have been convicted of drunk driving or another traffic-related offense, you might have gotten your driver’s license suspended or revoked.

You may be worried that you will never get it back. After a certain period of time, you should be eligible for a reinstatement. You will need to check the status of your license and if you are eligible for a hearing, take advantage of it. It is a lengthy process, though, so here is what you will need to do to prepare.

Applying for a Hearing

Applying for a hearing requires a lot of documentation. Here is what you need:

• Completed Hearing Request Application.
• If you will have no witnesses at your hearing, then you will need to send a Community Support Letter to three to six people who can vouch for your sobriety (such as friends, family members, or coworkers)
• Have a qualified evaluator complete the Substance Use Evaluation. The Substance Abuse Evaluation is important, as it details issues regarding your substance abuse history, coping strategies, and support network. This report will be reviewed directly by the hearing officer, who will make the ultimate decision about your driver’s license. 
• A laboratory report from a 12-panel urinalysis drug screen. This type of drug screen tests for active components in 10 substances, including cannabis, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and methadone.
• If applicable, you will need additional documents, such as a recent ignition interlock report from your interlock provider. If you are taking any medication to treat pain or have a mental or physical health concern that may affect your ability to drive safely, you will need a DA-4P form from your doctor. In addition, you will need certifications of completion from AA or other support groups.

Once you have compiled all the necessary documentation, you can apply for the hearing online or via mail. 

At the Hearing

Once your packet has been submitted, your hearing will be scheduled within two or three months. You will be notified about the hearing a few weeks before it takes place.

You will need to have a basic understanding of what to say at your hearing, so you will want to practice your testimony. It is a good idea to have an attorney at the hearing to represent you. They will persuasively defend you and show the changes you have made since you were arrested. It may also be helpful to have additional witnesses at the hearing to discuss your sobriety and lifestyle changes.

Contact a Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer

Living without a driver’s license can be challenging. Find out how to get your license reinstated so you can drive to work, school, and other places without having to rely on anyone else. 

Count on the Michigan criminal defense lawyers at Lucido & Manzella, P.C. to help you with your license reinstatement. We will work to get you back in the driver’s seat so you can take back control of your life. Call us or fill out this online form to schedule a consultation.