Practice Area
Driver’s License Reinstatement
Losing your driver’s license in Michigan can feel like losing your independence. For many people, it affects their ability to get to work, care for their family, and manage everyday life. Michigan’s license restoration process is one of the most demanding in the country, the Secretary of State’s Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD) denies a significant percentage of first-time petitions, often for reasons applicants never anticipated. Having an attorney who understands exactly what the hearing officer is looking for is not a luxury, it is the difference between getting your license back and waiting another year to try again.
License Reinstatement Situations We Handle
- OWI / Drunk Driving License Revocation: two or more OWI convictions result in mandatory revocation; restoration requires a DAAD hearing
- Drug Conviction License Revocation: certain drug convictions trigger automatic revocation regardless of whether a vehicle was involved
- Habitual Offender / Point Suspension: accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record within 2 years results in suspension
- Implied Consent Suspension: refusing a chemical test results in a 1-year suspension; challenging this requires a timely filed hearing request
- DWLS (Driving While License Suspended): defending new charges arising from driving on a suspended or revoked license
- Hardship / Restricted License Petitions: seeking restricted driving privileges while revocation is in effect
- Out-of-State License Issues: resolving Michigan holds affecting your ability to obtain or renew a license in another state
How the DAAD Hearing Process Works
If your license was revoked due to multiple OWI convictions or certain drug offenses, restoration requires a formal hearing before the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division. This is not a court proceeding, but it is a formal administrative hearing with its own rules of evidence and a specific set of standards the hearing officer applies. The burden is entirely on you to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that you are sober, that your sobriety is likely to remain stable, and that restoring your driving privileges is not a risk to public safety.
The hearing officer evaluates your substance use history, the sincerity and credibility of your sobriety narrative, the quality of your support letters, your AA attendance or other treatment participation, and the results of your alcohol and drug evaluations. Applications are frequently denied because a letter writer used the wrong language, the evaluation was conducted by someone the DAAD does not recognize as sufficiently qualified, or the applicant’s sobriety narrative contained inconsistencies the officer found unconvincing.
What a Successful Petition Requires
A well-prepared DAAD petition is not just paperwork, it is a carefully assembled case for your sobriety and your changed life. The key components include: a current substance abuse evaluation from a qualified evaluator using DAAD-recognized instruments; support letters from people with direct, personal knowledge of your sobriety who understand what the DAAD is actually asking them to attest to; documentation of any treatment, counseling, or support group participation; and a hearing testimony strategy that presents your sobriety story in a credible, consistent, and compelling way.
Chris prepares clients thoroughly for every aspect of the DAAD process, from selecting the right evaluator to coaching you on the specific questions hearing officers ask and how to answer them in a way that addresses the DAAD’s concerns directly.
How Chris Approaches License Reinstatement Cases
Chris has guided many clients through the DAAD process. He knows what hearing officers look for, what language in support letters raises red flags, and what common mistakes cause otherwise strong petitions to be denied. He also handles the criminal defense side of DWLS charges if you have been cited for driving while your license was suspended or revoked, and can work on both the reinstatement petition and any pending criminal charges at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to wait before I can apply to get my license back?
The waiting period depends on how many OWI convictions you have. Two OWI convictions within 7 years result in a minimum 1-year revocation; you must wait at least 1 year before petitioning. Three or more OWI convictions in a lifetime result in a 5-year revocation minimum. These are minimum periods, the DAAD can deny your petition and require you to wait another year before reapplying, so submitting a well-prepared petition on your first eligible date is important.
Do I have to be in AA to get my license back?
Not necessarily. The DAAD does not require AA attendance specifically, but it does require evidence that you have addressed your substance use problem and that your sobriety is stable. AA participation is very common in successful petitions and tends to be viewed favorably because it is documented and verifiable. Other support group participation, formal treatment completion, or a compelling sobriety narrative with strong supporting documentation can also satisfy the DAAD’s concerns. The key is credible, sustained evidence of recovery.
I moved out of Michigan. Can I still get my driving privileges restored?
Yes. Michigan’s revocation stays on your record and follows you to other states. If you have a Michigan hold on your license, you typically cannot obtain a valid license in your new state until the Michigan revocation is resolved. You can petition the DAAD even as an out-of-state resident. The hearing process is the same; the main practical difference is that your petition documentation and evaluation must account for your out-of-state sobriety support network.
Where is the DAAD hearing held for Washtenaw County residents?
DAAD hearings for Washtenaw County residents are typically scheduled at the Ann Arbor Secretary of State branch hearing office. These are administrative hearings, not court proceedings, but they are formal and consequential. Chris prepares clients thoroughly for the specific questions hearing officers ask and the documentary standards they apply, so you walk in knowing exactly what to expect.
What happens if my petition is denied?
If the DAAD denies your petition, you generally must wait one year before reapplying, though you have the right to appeal the denial to the circuit court. Understanding why the petition was denied, and addressing those specific concerns in a future petition, is critical. Chris reviews denial orders carefully and helps clients understand what needs to change before the next attempt.
Your first consultation is free and completely confidential. Call (734) 335-0810 or contact us online to speak directly with Chris.