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A Michigan criminal defense lawyer explains why
If you lost your driving privileges in Michigan, you may be among the 73,000 people eligible to get your driver’s license back very soon.
Due to a change in state law, more than 100 violations and civil infractions are being reclassified. Michigan can no longer suspend people’s driving privileges over non-driving-related violations.
Many of the thousands of people eligible to get their privileges reinstated lost them over failure to appear in court or unpaid tickets or court fees, according to local media.
Figuring out whether you qualify to get your license back may be tricky.
Because every case is different, there is no complete list of violations the state plans to clear. For some people, restoration of driving privileges will be automatic, but for others, additional action will be required.
If you want to get your driver’s license back, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney to figure out if you are eligible under Michigan’s new rules. The Michigan Secretary of State recommends you have a copy of your driving history with you when consulting an attorney.
Michigan’s ‘Clean Slate to Drive’
Known as “Clean Slate to Drive,” the monumental shift in Michigan law took effect in late October 2021. The Office of the Secretary Of State has committed to informing every person who qualifies for reinstatement of privileges by mail.
The notice will be delivered to the address on your license and posted to your Michigan Department of State (MDOS) online account. The letter will list the violations and suspensions that will be cleared from your record. It will also indicate whether you need to take additional action to get your driver’s license back.
Due to simple errors and misinterpretations, it is almost certain that not everyone who qualifies will receive this letter. The state will almost certainly leave off some people that qualify too, which means you may have to take special legal action to get your drivers’ license back. If you don’t get a letter but think you deserve to have your license restored, you should talk to a criminal defense lawyer to go over your options.
Qualifying violations
While there is no complete list of violations covered by Clean Slate to Drive, we do know some of them. Driving privileges may be returned if you lost them due to violations of:
- Open intoxicants in vehicle
- Persons under 21 transporting or possessing alcohol
- False report or threat of bomb or harmful device at school
- Using a fake ID to purchase liquor
- Felonious driving
- Unpaid parking tickets
What’s the status of your Michigan driver’s license?
We don’t need to tell you how important it is to have a valid driver’s license and a working vehicle in Michigan. If you think you may qualify for getting your driving privileges reinstated, you should find out how the law applies to your specific situation, whether you qualify, and your legal options.
If you are wondering if Michigan’s new law applies to you, don’t delay. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney. Our firm is located in Flint and serves all of Michigan.