Driver's License Restoration

Has your Michigan Driver’s License been revoked or suspended? Do you need a Michigan Driver’s License Clearance so you can get a license in another state?

Dealing with the Secretary of State and Driver’s License problems can be very difficult and confusing. Most people don’t know where to start when trying to get their Driver’s License back after a suspension or revocation. We understand how important the privilege of driving is and how important it is to get your license back. We are dedicated to serving our clients and our goal is to put the client at ease throughout this confusing process. Our Office has helped hundreds of people with their Driver’s License problems and can help you too.

Do I need a lawyer for my hearing with the Secretary of State?

It is always in your best interest to be represented by a good attorney in any legal proceeding. Your Driver's License Restoration process with the Secretary of State Driver Assessment and Appeal Division is no different. Although it is not mandatory to have a lawyer for your DAAD Michigan License Restoration hearing, you are in a much better position to have your license reinstated when you are working with an experienced attorney. Many times people do not hire a lawyer because they feel that they will automatically be denied because it is his or her first hearing. THIS IS NOT TRUE! Many people share those same thoughts, but in reality, it is very common for the applicant to get his or her license back on the first try when working with the right attorney.

Satisfied Michigan Driver’s License Restoration Clients

"My license was suspended/revoked 13 years ago. I'm very pleased that Mr. Ian Caldwell was recommended to me to work with. After his hard efforts and knowledge in the law of driver’s license restoration I now have my license back. Since the first day I talked to Mr. Caldwell he has been nothing but prompt and professional. After working with different lawyers over the years that is something that I'm not use to. He is always consistent in returning calls promptly and staying in touch to ensure that everything is getting done the correct way. I appreciate Mr. Caldwell’s heart and determination in the restoration of my driver’s license and would recommend him to anyone in a similar unfortunate situation."

M.M.

“I retained Mr. Caldwell after speaking with him on the phone, and then in person. I had spoken and met with other lawyers regarding my license restoration case and Mr. Caldwell was the best fit for me. He was very informative and courteous throughout the whole process. And he also demonstrated a great deal of working knowledge about the whole process in dealing with the DAAD board. This was my second offense within 4 years and I wanted to be very careful in choosing the right lawyer. After my positive outcome I have only great things to say about my whole experience.”

R.B.

“Ian Caldwell was upfront, knowledgeable & honest with me in handling my case. I wouldn't hesitate to call on Ian again and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing his services. I felt the outcome of my case would be successful based on Ian's guidance & knowledge. Ian was very personable and professional to work with”.

M.A.

“I retained Mr. Caldwell for a driver's license restoration hearing after it had been revoked for DUI 2nd offense. Ian's knowledge and preparation in this subject matter are greatly appreciated. He puts the client at ease because he is very down to earth and honest when communicating with him about these sensitive subjects. He always makes sure to put you the client first and goes to great lengths to make sure you are comfortable and prepared. I'm personally very grateful and appreciative for Ian's counsel and guidance during this troubling time in my life. I wholeheartedly recommend Ian A. Caldwell and his counseling services to anyone who is seeking DUI representation!”

M.B.

Michigan Secretary of State DAAD and DLAD

Under Michigan law, the Secretary of State has the authority to revoke driving privileges under certain situations. One of the most common situations which results in a driver’s license revocation is when a person obtains multiple DUI / OWI convictions within a certain period of time.

If a driver’s license has been revoked and/or denied as a result of multiple DUI / OWI convictions, then the person must go through the DAAD (Driver Assessment and Appeal Division) with the Michigan Secretary of State in order to restore the driving privileges. The old name for this Department is the DLAD (Driver’s License Appeal Division).

When applying for driving privileges after a revocation, it is important to consult with a driver’s license specialist in order to increase your chances of success. The hearing officer with the DAAD will only restore, or re-instate, driving privileges if certain conditions are met or “proved” by the petitioner.

Specifically, the petitioner must meet certain detailed criteria laid out in what is referred to as "Rule 13."

Rule 13 provides:

• (a) The hearing officer shall not order that a license be issued to the petitioner unless the petitioner proves, by clear and convincing evidence, all of the following:
• (i) That the petitioner’s alcohol or substance abuse problems, if any, are under control and likely to remain under control.
• (ii) That the risk of the petitioner repeating his or her past abusive behavior is a low or minimal risk.
• (iii) That the risk of the petitioner repeating the act of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by, or under the influence of, alcohol or controlled substances, or a combination of alcohol and a controlled substance or repeating any of the offenses listed in section 303(1)(d), (e), or (f) or (2)(c), (d), (e), or (f) of the act is a low or minimal risk.
• (iv) That the petitioner has the ability and motivation to drive safely and within the law.
• (v.) Other showings that are relevant to the issues identified in paragraphs (i) to (iv) of this subdivision.
• (b) Before ordering that a license be issued to the petitioner, the hearing officer shall require that the petitioner prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that he or she has completely abstained from the use of alcohol and controlled substances, except for controlled substances prescribed by a licensed health care professional, for a period of not less than 6 consecutive months, or has abstained for a period of not less than 12 consecutive months if the evidence considered at the hearing establishes that a longer period of abstinence is necessary. The evidence may include the following:
• (i) That the petitioner has ever submitted to a chemical test which revealed a bodily alcohol content that is not less than 2 times the level indicated in section 625a(9)(c) of the act.
• (ii) That the petitioner has 3 or more convictions for alcohol or controlled substance related offenses.
• (iii) That the petitioner has attempted to bring his or her alcohol or controlled substance abuse problems, if any, under control, but suffered a relapse by using, on at least 1 occasion, alcohol or controlled substance, or both, except for a controlled substance prescribed for the petitioner by a licensed health professional.
• (iv) That a substance abuse evaluation of the petitioner reveals a diagnosis of past or present alcohol or controlled substance dependency.
• (v) That the petitioner’s license was previously revoked or denied under section 303 of the act because of alcohol or controlled substance convictions.
• (vi) Other showings that are relevant to the issues identified in paragraphs (i) through (v) of this subdivision.

With all of these complex burdens and standards in mind, anyone who is thinking of applying for the restoration of his or her driving privileges should obtain the assistance of qualified counsel. If you are seeking the restoration of your Michigan driving privileges, please do not hesitate to contact the office. Mr. Caldwell has appeared in front of numerous Secretary of State DAAD hearing boards across the State and obtained positive results for many people.

Serving

Serving Metro Detroit, the following cities, as well as many other cities throughout Michigan

• Allen Park
• Anchor Bay Gardens
• Anchor Bay Harbor
• Anchor Bay Shores
• Ann Arbor
• Armada
• Auburn Hills
• Augusta
• Barton Hills
• Belleville
• Berkley
• Beverly Hills
• Bingham Farms
• Birmingham
• Bloomfield
• Bloomfield Hills
• Brandon
• Bridgewater
• Broad Acres
• Brownstown Township
• Cady
• Canton
• Center Line
• Chelsea
• Chesterfield
• Chesterfield Shores
• Clarkston
• Clawson
• Clifton Mill
• Clinton
• Commerce
• Davis
• Dearborn
• Dearborn Heights
• Detroit
• Dexter
• Disco
• Eastpointe
• Ecorse
• Farmington
• Farmington Hills
• Fenton
• Ferndale
• Flat Rock
• Franklin
• Fraser
• Freedom
• Garden City
• Grosse Ile
• Grosse Pointe
• Groveland

• Hamtramck
• Harper Woods
• Hazel Park
• Highland
• Highland Park
• Holly
• Huntington Woods
• Independence
• Inkster
• Keego Harbor
• Lake Angelus
• Lake Orion
• Lakeside
• Lathrup Village
• Leonard
• Lima
• Lincoln Park
• Livonia
• Lodi
• Lottivue
• Lyndon
• Lyon
• Macomb
• Madison Heights
• Manchester
• Meade
• Melvindale
• Memphis
• Milan
• Milford
• Milton
• Mount Clemens
• Mount Vernon
• New Baltimore
• New Boston
• New Haven
• Northfield
• Northville
• Novi
• Oak Park
• Oakland
• Orchard Lake
• Orion
• Ortonville
• Oxford
• Pittsfield
• Pleasant Ridge
• Plymouth
• Point Lakeview
• Pontiac
• Preston Corners

• Ray Center
• Redford
• Richmond
• River Rouge
• Riverview
• Rochester
• Rochester Hills
• Rockwood
• Romeo
• Romulus
• Rose
• Roseville
• Royal Oak
• Saint Clair Haven
• Saint Clair Shores
• Salem
• Saline
• Scio
• Sebille Manor
• Sharon
• Shelby
• South Lyon
• Southfield
• Southgate
• Springfield
• Sterling Heights
• Superior
• Sylvan
• Sylvan Lake
• Taylor
• Township
• Trenton
• Troy
• Utica
• Van Buren Township
• Walled Lake
• Warren
• Washington
• Waterford
• Wayne
• Webster
• West Bloomfield
• Westland
• White Lake
• Wixom
• Wolcott Mills
• Wolverine Lake
• Woodhaven
• Wyandotte
• York
• Ypsilanti