As in all states, drivers in Michigan can face license suspension or revocation for a variety of reasons. And if you get behind the wheel with a suspended or revoked license, you risk criminal charges and serious penalties.
Some of the more common reasons drivers lose their driving privileges include:
Also, drivers who get too many moving violation tickets may face license suspension. Michigan has a traffic violation point system, and drivers who accumulate too many points within a specified period of time will can lose their driving privileges.
Once your period of suspension or revocation is complete, you might still need to pay fees or complete other conditions prior to being allowed to drive again. Reinstatement fees generally are $85 or $125.
Driving on a suspended or revoked license can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances.
In most cases, driving on a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor. For a first misdemeanor conviction, the driver faces up to 93 days in jail, a maximum $500 fine, and cancelation of registration plates. For a subsequent violation, the driver is looking at up to a year in jail, a maximum $1,000 fine, and cancelation of registration plates.
If you are driving with a suspended or revoked license and someone is injured or killed, you face the possibility of being charged with a felony. Felony convictions involving a death carry up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $2,500 and $10,000. A felony conviction where someone was seriously injured will result in up to five years in prison and $1,000 and $5,000 in fines. Felony convictions can also lead to vehicle forfeiture or immobilization.
A conviction for driving on a suspended or revoked license can have serious consequences. An attorney who is familiar with these charges in your area will be best able to give you advice about your case.
Start here to find criminal defense lawyers near you.