Every driver’s license restoration case is unique in some ways. But some, like those where the driver has moved between states after having their license revoked, can be even more noteworthy.
No matter how different your case may seem, attempting to get a driver’s license restored after multiple DUIs is possible. But it does require some understanding of the process. Here’s what you need to know if you’re attempting to reinstate your license in Michigan or another state.
Standard Legal Requirements for Getting Your License Back After a DUI
Even though different cases have different facts and scenarios, there are certain legal standards that all cases must meet in order for a driver’s license to be restored after multiple DUIs. If you feel like your case has special circumstances, you still need to follow the regular process, which involves requesting a hearing with the Secretary of State and submitting evidence to support your sobriety and how you’ve addressed the substance abuse issues that led to those DUIs.
The basic steps are going to look fairly similar from case to case. But the details of your case may impact how you present evidence and testimony. So while it is possible for people to represent themselves, it’s a good idea to have an experienced DUI license restoration in your corner who can guide your journey and give you the best possible chance of a positive outcome.
For example, sometimes it is necessary for individuals to attend AA meetings in order to support their sobriety and help their case. But in many cases it is not. A knowledgeable attorney can help you determine the exact steps that are necessary for your specific circumstances.
Will a DUI Follow You From State to State?
A DUI on its own won’t necessarily impact your ability to get a driver’s license in another state. However, there is a national driver registry that keeps track of revoked licenses throughout the country. So you cannot get a new license in another state if your Michigan driver’s license has been revoked, unless you are successful in your driver’s license restoration case. Even after you’ve moved, you’ll need to fight your case with the Michigan Secretary of State in order to remove the hold on your license. Only then can you apply for a new license in your current state of residence.
Does Michigan Report DUIs to Other States?
A DUI can stay on your record even after you move to another state. But that isn’t necessarily relevant when it comes to your driving rights. Though some drivers do get a suspended license after a single DUI, the real trouble usually comes after multiple DUIs. That’s when your license gets revoked and you will no longer be included as a licensed drive on the national driver registry.
The bottom line is that if your license has been revoked in Michigan, that will also be the case in any other state you move to. Only after you win a driver’s license restoration case will you be able to get your driving rights back in any state across the country.
If I get a DUI in Another State, Does It Affect My Michigan License?
DUI convictions should be taken seriously in every location. The penalties passed out in criminal court vary by state. But they may impact your driving rights in Michigan. If another state shares your DUI with the Michigan Secretary of State, it may cause you to get revoked in Michigan (assuming you had a Michigan license). So if you get two or more DUIs, you should consider working with a driver’s license restoration lawyer to win back your driving rights before you can get a new license. If you had multiple DUIs in another state before moving to Michigan, you will need to fight your case in that state to have the hold on your license cleared before you can apply for a new one with the Michigan Secretary of State.
Does a DUI Simply Expire Over Time?
A DUI does not ever simply expire, especially when it comes to your driving rights. In some cases, with those who have just one DUI and have had their license suspended, those suspensions do only last for a set period of time, often 30 or 90 days. You still may need to go to your local Secretary of State office, but the process usually just involves some simple paperwork and a small fee.
However, when you have two or more DUIs and your driver’s license has been revoked, you will always need to go through the full license restoration process in order to win back your driving rights. Even if 30 years passes after your final DUI, you’ll still need to present evidence and testimony with the Secretary of State in order to get a new license.
Michigan DUI Laws Are Among the Most Relaxed in the US
Michigan is known as one of the more lenient states in terms of criminal penalties for DUI. However, this isn’t especially relevant when it comes to your driving rights. In this area, it does not matter whether you move to a state that’s much more strict or even one that is more lenient. If you’ve had your driver’s license revoked due to multiple DUIs, you’ll always need to go through the full restoration process in Michigan in order to win it back.
In fact, criminal penalties like jail time, fines, and community service are not particularly relevant to this process. States usually hand out these penalties during the initial court proceedings. And driver’s license restoration hearings usually take place a year or more later once you’ve had the chance to get sober and address the issues that led to your DUIs.
If you’re looking to restore your license after multiple DUIs, working with an experienced driver’s license restoration lawyer is a good way to navigate a complicated or unique case. They can evaluate your specific situation and help you determine the best course of action.