Reinstating Your Driver's License: Key Evidence That You Need To Bring To Your Hearing

Let's assume that you have a revoked driver's license because you have multiple drunk driving convictions. You've decided that the cost and inconvenience of not being able to legally drive is really detrimental to your future plans, and you want to have your license reinstated. What proof can be submitted at your license reinstatement hearing?

It's important to realize that your hearing is very similar to a trial. Basically, a hearing officer acts as the judge. The hearing officer carefully listens to your testimony, reviews your evidence and ultimately makes the decision as to whether or not you will be given another chance to drive.

Your situation may be very different from someone else's. The evidence that you submit should be tailored to specifically support your case for restoration. Now, let's discuss some common examples of evidence that may be submitted in support of your driver's license reinstatement case.

One of your best choices is to have successfully completed an alcohol or substance abuse program and have the documentation to prove it to the hearing officer. This shows that you received professional help and treatment for your alcohol problem. Remember, one of the things you must prove is that your alcohol problem is under control and will stay that way into the future. Treatment records help prove this.

If you have attended Alcoholics Anonymous, you will definitely want to submit these records. For example, let's assume you attended AA once or twice a week for a year and a half. You will want to submit all of your AA sign-in sheets. These records will be very helpful in documenting your commitment to staying sober. Depending on your situation, you will have to prove 6 to 12 months of sobriety before your hearing.

You will also want to obtain letters from a cross section of people such as family, friends, and coworkers (if possible). A letter from an AA sponsor can be very useful in your hearing. These letters are important in reinforcing to the hearing officer that you've changed your ways, are now sober and are unlikely to repeat the act of drinking and driving in the future. They can be key indicators that you are dedicated to abstaining from alcohol or other impairing substances.

Another important piece of evidence is the substance abuse evaluation. You will want to obtain this from a qualified substance abuse evaluator. This is very important because your evaluator will render a diagnosis as to your condition. The evaluator will provide his/her opinion as to the probability of you remaining sober for the long haul.

You're entitled to one hearing per year to reinstate your driving privileges. Thus, it is important to submit all evidence which supports your case.

Mark Langschied is a Michigan attorney/lawyer who practices in the area of driver's license restoration.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain in this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. You should consult a lawyer for individual advice regarding your own situation.