Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Driving on a suspended license is serious enough, however recently a Racine, Wisconsin woman was caught operating a vehicle while her driver’s license was revoked. According to the Racine County Eye, 37-year-old Lisa Coca was driving while intoxicated when she chased a man who she claimed had her driver’s license.
The incident occurred at approximately 2 a.m. on July 18 when Coca spun her tires out while driving in front of a Caledonia police officer. Coca claimed that she was speeding because she was attempting to catch up with a man who supposedly had her driver’s license. She was driving in the area of Six Mile and Middle roads when she spun her tires and was pursued by the officer. At one point, Coca was driving at speeds of 50 mph in a 25 mph zone.
When Coca turned into a driveway, the police officer began walking toward her Ford Explorer, however she and a passenger exited the vehicle and, acting as if they did not know the officer was there, proceeded toward the home. The officer then instructed Coca to stay in her vehicle. The officer noted in his report that he smelled alcohol on Coca’s breath, and that she talked fast. She told police that her driver’s license was in the possession of the man whose car she had been following, however police learned that her license had been revoked due to a previous conviction for drunk driving.
Coca was ultimately charged with bail jumping, operating a vehicle while revoked, and a second offense suspicion of drunk driving.
In Michigan, having your driver’s license reinstated after it has been revoked is not an easy process; in fact, it is quite difficult. You must request a hearing with the DAAD (Driver Assessment and Appeal Division), however this is just the first step of a complicated process. There are many evaluations and tests you will have to provide that will support your claims of sobriety. Participating in a program such as AA is also critical to proving to the hearing officer that you will not relapse. Even then, there is no guarantee your driver’s license will be restored.
Because you must wait an entire year before requesting a new hearing if you should fail to win the first, it is vital you work with a highly experienced Michigan driver’s license reinstatement lawyer. Your attorney can guide you through the process, help ensure you have all of the necessary documentation, tests, and other proof of your sobriety, and provide the legal support essential to a good outcome.
Driving is not a right, it is a privilege. Regain your privilege to drive by working with a respected and results-driven attorney.