Losing a Michigan driver’s license after multiple alcohol-related driving convictions affects work, family, and daily life. Many people search for a Michigan driver’s license restoration attorney because the process is not intuitive and mistakes are costly. Many people assume getting it back is a simple application. It is not. Michigan’s license restoration process is one of the strictest in the country, and most first-time attempts fail.
This article explains how the process works, where people run into trouble, and why having an attorney can make a real difference.
The Legal Standard: More Than Just Sobriety
To restore a Michigan driver’s license, you must prove two things to the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight (OHAO):
- Your alcohol problem is under control
- Your alcohol problem is likely to remain under control
This is a high legal burden. It requires clear and convincing evidence, which is stronger than “more likely than not.” The hearing officer must be firmly convinced you are safe to drive and that you will remain sober.
This standard alone stops many people from qualifying, even if they feel they have turned their life around.
The Evidence Requirements Are Strict
A license restoration case is built on documents, testimony, and credibility. Small mistakes often lead to denial.
Substance Use Evaluation
You must submit a professional substance use evaluation on a state-approved form. This evaluation must:
- Match your driving and criminal history
- Accurately describe your past alcohol use
- Show a clear diagnosis and prognosis
- Support long-term abstinence
If the evaluator misunderstands the law or misses key facts, the hearing officer will notice. Many denials result from evaluations that are incomplete, inconsistent, or poorly supported.
Alcohol and Drug Testing
You must submit recent, properly administered test results. Timing, testing method, and lab compliance all matter. An incorrect test or expired result can sink a case.
Letters of Support
Letters from friends, family, and coworkers must meet specific requirements. They should confirm abstinence, describe changes in behavior, and align with your evaluation and testimony.
Generic or inconsistent letters often hurt more than they help.
The Hearing Itself Is Not Casual
The hearing is a legal proceeding. The hearing officer controls the questions and weighs credibility closely.
You will be asked about:
- Your full drinking history
- Prior relapses
- Treatment and support systems
- Daily habits and lifestyle changes
- How you handle stress without alcohol
Answers must be honest, precise, and consistent with your documents. Even small contradictions can result in denial.
Common Reasons Cases Are Denied
Many people are denied for reasons they did not expect, including:
- Too little sobriety time
- Minimizing past alcohol use
- Inconsistent paperwork
- Weak relapse prevention plans
- Letters that conflict with testimony
- Evaluations that do not meet legal standards
Once denied, you must usually wait a full year before trying again.
Why Having an Attorney Matters
An experienced license restoration attorney does more than file paperwork.
Case Screening
A good attorney will tell you if you qualify before filing. This avoids wasted time and automatic denials.
Evidence Preparation
Attorneys work with evaluators who understand the legal standard. They help ensure:
- Evaluations are accurate and complete
- Letters of support meet state requirements
- Test results are timely and valid
Hearing Preparation
Attorneys prepare clients for the exact questions hearing officers ask. This reduces surprises and improves credibility.
Strategy and Advocacy
An attorney knows how different hearing officers evaluate cases and how to present your history in a way that meets the law’s requirements.
Out-of-State and Relapse Cases Are Even Harder
People who live outside Michigan or who previously relapsed face added scrutiny. These cases require stronger proof and careful planning. Legal guidance is especially important in these situations.
Why Choose Attorney Megan Smith at Tanis Schultz
Attorney Megan Smith with Tanis Schultz focuses on Michigan driver’s license restoration and clearance cases. She understands how hearing officers evaluate evidence and what it takes to meet the clear and convincing evidence standard.
Clients benefit from:
- Honest case screening before filing
- Careful preparation of evaluations and support letters
- Direct hearing preparation so there are no surprises
- Clear guidance
Every case is handled with attention to detail and a practical approach focused on approval, not guesswork.
Speak With a Michigan Driver’s License Restoration Attorney
If your Michigan driver’s license has been revoked or you need a clearance to lift a Michigan hold, do not risk a denial by filing on your own.
Contact Attorney Megan Smith at Tanis Schultz to discuss whether you qualify for license restoration or clearance and to learn how to move forward with confidence.
A brief consultation can help you understand your options and avoid another year without driving.