After you receive a traffic citation or get arrested for a traffic-related offense, you may worry about the consequences you could face if convicted, such as the loss of your driving privileges. In certain circumstances, a traffic violation or criminal offense can result in the suspension of your Michigan driver’s license.
Difference Between Suspension and Revocation
Depending on the nature of a driver’s offense and the circumstances of their case, a driver may face a suspension of their driver’s license, or in rare, more serious circumstances, a revocation of their license. A driver’s license suspension involves a temporary loss of driving privileges. A driver who has their license suspended can apply for reinstatement after serving the suspension period and meeting other conditions required for reinstatement. Conversely, a revocation of a driver’s license means the permanent loss of driving privileges. When a driver has their license revoked, they may have to petition the Michigan Department of State to reapply for a driver’s license.
Common Reasons for License Suspension in Michigan
A driver can face a suspension of their license for various reasons in a criminal case, such as:
- Conviction for OWI
- Refusing a chemical test after an OWI arrest (implied consent law violation)
- Conviction for reckless driving
- Conviction for driving without insurance
- Conviction for a traffic offense that imposes enough points to put the defendant over the threshold for a driver’s license suspension
- Conviction for vehicular assault or homicide
Driver’s license suspensions may occur for other reasons, such as:
- Failure to pay traffic tickets, fines, or court costs in a criminal sentence, or a criminal restitution order
- Failure to appear in court
- Failure to maintain auto insurance
- Failure to pay child support
- Medical unfitness (e.g., severe vision impairment even with correction, untreatable seizures or narcolepsy, etc.)
Length of Suspension and Reinstatement
A driver’s license suspension in Michigan can last for a few months to a few years, depending on the nature of the offense or the circumstances surrounding the suspension. Suspensions may also last indefinitely when caused by a driver’s failure to obtain auto insurance or pay fines, restitution, or child support.
A driver may request reinstatement of their license after serving the required suspension period (if applicable) and fulfilling other requirements for reinstatement, such as:
- Paying applicable fines
- Completing required driver improvement or substance abuse treatment programs
- Paying the required license reinstatement fee
- Filing proof of insurance, if required (e.g., SR-22 form)
Consequences of Driving on a Suspended License
Motorists who drive on a suspended license can face various legal consequences, including new criminal charges for driving without a valid driver’s license. A conviction can result in penalties such as fines, possible jail time, and an extension to an existing license suspension period. Furthermore, a conviction for driving on a suspended license may lead the court or the Department of State to impose stricter reinstatement requirements for regaining a driver’s license after the suspension period.
How an Attorney Can Help
When you face a license suspension, an attorney can help you by:
- Reviewing suspension notices to explain your rights and appellate options
- Developing a case strategy to challenge suspension
- Representing you in hearings before the Michigan Department of State
- Guiding you through the license reinstatement process
Contact a Traffic Violations Attorney
If you commit a traffic offense or crime in Michigan, a citation or conviction can lead to the suspension of your driving privileges Contact DeBruin Law, PLLC, today for a free, confidential consultation with a criminal defense lawyer to learn more about the circumstances under which a court or the state government may suspend a Michigan driver’s license and what we can do to support you.