If you’ve been living without a driver’s license, you understand the difficulty of having to rely on family and friends for rides, of having to take public transportation, and of walking or bicycling to get wherever you need to go. But the pain of being license-less can be remedied with the help of a Lansing criminal defense lawyer. By petitioning the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD) of the Michigan Department of State, you may be able to have your license reinstated.
What Does the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division Do?
DAAD is responsible for providing hearings to persons hoping to have their previously suspended or revoked license reinstated. It reviews many different types of evidence before making a ruling on whether or not you can get your license back. This evidence can include:
- A substance abuse evaluation, dated within 3 months prior to submission
- 3-6 notarized letters outlining your drinking and drug use habits
- The Final Report of your ignition interlock device, if applicable
- 10-panel urinalysis drug test results
In addition, DAAD will consider your own testimony and any additional information you deem relevant to your case. Such additional information can include:
- Your participation in drug or alcohol treatment programs
- Your participation in drug or alcohol education programs
- Your participation in drug or alcohol counseling
Using all of this evidence, along with your own testimony and the testimony of those witnesses you chose to testify on your behalf, DAAD will make a decision on whether or not your license can be reinstated.
Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD) — A.K.A the Administrative Hearings Section (AHS)
In recent years, the Michigan Department of State has begun calling DAAD the Administrative Hearing Section (AHS). AHS came into being through Executive Order 2011-4 in February, 2011, and is the official independent and autonomous agency within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs responsible for driver license reinstatement hearings. However, because DAAD is still the entity referred to in most legal cases, we continue to use that name here.
Preparing for Your Appeal Hearing
To begin preparing for your appeal hearing, contact an experienced Lansing criminal defense lawyer today. Because the outcome of your case will depend on more than just the evidence you bring to it, it’s important to work with an attorney to prepare your best possible defense. This defense can include evidence that:
- Your use of drugs or alcohol is under control and will remain under control
- You are not at risk of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol again
- You are motivated to drive safely in the future and are well-equipped to do so
- You have evidence of your continued sobriety
In addition to helping you to prepare your own testimony, a Lansing criminal defense lawyer can help to prepare your witnesses. This prepping can involve coaching a witness on what to expect, how to behave, and what the goal of the testimony is. By working with a Michigan criminal defense attorney, you can rest assured that you and your witnesses will be well prepared for your hearing.
Contact a Lansing Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Living without a license can be a challenge, but reinstating your license doesn’t have to be. With the help of a Lansing criminal defense lawyer, you may be able to get your licenses back. At DeBruin Law, we know the ins and outs of the DAAD and how to prepare for your appeal hearing. We’ll collect evidence, gather testimony, and prepare you and your witnesses to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Call us at 517-324-4303 to discuss your case through a free consultation today.