Getting a Restricted License
Once you’ve served a portion of your driver’s license suspension, you may have the option in Michigan to get a restricted driver’s license that allows you to drive to places such as work, school, or medical appointments if you or a family member has a serious, ongoing medical condition. A restricted driver’s license also may allow you to drive to court for your drug case, to drive to fulfill conditions of your probation, if that was part of the sentence for your drug conviction, or to drive to a mandated substance abuse treatment program.
Even though a restricted license may be an option, it’s not a guarantee. The Secretary of State may grant a restricted license to drivers who are eligible, but you have to apply for and be approved for a restricted license. Once you’re approved, you can only drive where the restricted license states you may. For example, if you get a restricted license to drive from home to work, you can only travel between your residence and your job. If you take a side trip someplace and are pulled over, you may be charged with driving under a suspended license and face criminal penalties — and your suspension may be lengthened.
When you have a restricted license, you must carry proof of your destination and be prepared to show that to a police officer or state trooper if you get pulled over. That may include proof of your employment and work hours, or proof of your class schedule if you have a restricted license to drive to school.
If your license has been suspended because of a drug conviction and you want to know if you might be eligible for a restricted license, an experienced Michigan criminal lawyer can discuss the specifics of your case and whether a restricted license might be an option for you.
Getting Your License Restored
Once your suspension period is over, you have to take steps to reinstate your license. That includes paying a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State’s Office, and demonstrating that you’ve fulfilled any other conditions of your suspension. A Michigan driver’s license restoration lawyer can explain how to go about getting your license back after a drug conviction, and help you through the process.
If your license was revoked, you have to take extra steps to get your license restored — and unlike a suspension it’s not a matter of simply paying a fee and being allowed behind the wheel again. To restore a revoked driver’s license, you have to petition for a hearing and demonstrate that you deserve to have driving privileges again. A qualified Detroit, Michigan defense lawyer can explain how the hearing process works and your options for getting your driver’s license back.
