Let’s assume that you have a revoked driver’s license because you have multiple drunk driving convictions. You have decided to try to reinstate your driver’s license. What evidence can be submitted at your license reinstatement hearing?
You should understand that your hearing is very similar to a trial. Basically, a hearing officer acts as the judge. The hearing officer will listen to your testimony, reviews your evidence and ultimately makes the decision as to whether or not you will be given another chance to drive.
Your situation may be very different from someone else’s. The evidence that you submit should be tailored to specifically support your case for restoration. Now, let’s cover some common examples of evidence that may be submitted in support of your driver’s license reinstatement case.
If you attended an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program and you successfully completed it, you will want to submit this information to the hearing officer. This shows that you received professional help and treatment for your alcohol problem. Don’t forget that it is critical to convince the hearing officer that you have your alcohol problem under control and it will stay under control. Treatment records help prove this.
If you have attended Alcoholics Anonymous, you will definitely want to submit these records. For example, let’s assume you attended AA once or twice a week for a year and a half. You will want to submit all of your AA sign-in sheets. These records will be very helpful in documenting your commitment to staying sober. Depending upon your situation, you will have to demonstrate 6 to 12 months of sobriety prior to the hearing.
You will also want to obtain letters from a cross section of people such as family, friends, and coworkers (if possible). A letter from an AA sponsor can be very useful in your hearing. These letters are important in convincing the hearing officer that you’ve changed your ways, are now sober and are unlikely to repeat the act of drinking and driving in the future. If you’ve made significant changes to your life after you’ve become sober, the letter writers can also point this out.
Another important piece of evidence is the substance abuse evaluation. You will want to obtain this from a qualified substance abuse evaluator. This is very important because your evaluator will render a diagnosis as to your condition. The evaluator will provide his/her opinion as to the probability of you remaining sober for the long haul.
You’re entitled to one hearing per year to restore your driving privileges. Thus, it is important to submit all evidence which supports your case.