Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
As strange as it sounds, a Portland man recently found out his driver’s license had been suspended just weeks earlier when he was pulled over by police. Kevin Berry, who though he was being pulled over for speeding, was informed by the police officer that his license had been suspended because of an unpaid traffic ticket dating back to 1981.
Berry was pulled over in Milwaukie when he learned that his driver’s license had been suspended on July 17. Not sure of whether police new what they were talking about, he checked with the DMV who confirmed the license suspension. How did this happen? A misspelling of Berry’s name at the DMV was the problem, according to a spokesperson who said that Berry’s name had mistakenly been spelled as “Berdy” when the record for the ticket was created.
A warning letter was sent to Berry about the driver’s license suspension in July, however Berry had just moved and did not receive the warning. Because the statute of limitations is no longer valid after 33 years, the DMV said that all Berry has to do is pay $75 to get his license reinstated, and that he does not have to pay the ticket – but Berry disagrees. He says “It’s the principle,” and believes he should not be responsible for paying the fee since the typo was the error of the DMV.
News reports at KATU and Newser do not indicate if the issue has been resolved.
Michigan driver’s license reinstatement attorneys no doubt hear some very strange stories, but this one tops them all. Berry never receives the first warning letter that his license will be suspended for non-payment of the ticket because of the misspelling of his name. Then, last month when another letter is sent out to inform him of the suspension, he has just moved and the letter does not get forwarded to his new address. Hopefully things will be resolved fairly.
Most individuals have their driver’s licenses suspended or revoked due to DUI or multiple traffic infractions, although unpaid child support is another reason for suspension. Whether your license is suspended for 30 days, 90 days, or revoked for a year or longer, life becomes extremely difficult. If your license has been suspended or revoked, the first step you should take is to consult with a highly experienced Michigan driver’s license restoration lawyer who will work vigorously to get you back on the road.