What are the penalties for driving on a suspended license in Michigan?

In general, the penalties for driving on a suspended license in the state of Michigan, for a first time offender, include conviction of a misdemeanor offense with possibility of incarceration of not more than ninety (90) days and payment of fines not more than five hundred dollars ($500) plus the costs of conviction in court. Furthermore, administrative penalties from driving on a suspended license in Michigan are handled by the Secretary of State, and in virtually all cases, the length of suspension originally is restarted or doubled from the date of conviction, but these can be subject to case-specific considerations. Second offenses for driving on a suspended license in Michigan carry the possibility of not more than one (1) year of incarceration with fines of not more than one thousand dollars ($1000).

The reality of driving on a suspended license penalties is that first time offenders, unless involved in other criminal acts at the time of driving while suspended, will not face incarceration. In practice, although not guaranteed, even habitual offenders do not receive jail time. However, the administrative action based on repeat offenses can essentially create a compounding situation where a driver faces years of suspension before he or she can even attempt to reinstate his or her license.

For more information about your specific legal rights and options following an arrest for driving on a suspended license in Michigan, consult with a criminal defense lawyer, who can also advise you of your rights regarding reinstatement of license, including hardship based early reinstatements as well.