Fight to Keep Your License After a DUI Arrest in Detroit

When you're arrested for DUI in Detroit, the clock starts immediately. Michigan's administrative license suspension process operates on strict deadlines, often leaving just 14 days to request a hearing with the Secretary of State. Missing that window typically results in automatic suspension, regardless of whether criminal charges have been resolved. Forrester Law steps in during this critical period to file hearing requests, gather evidence, and build a case aimed at preserving your driving privileges while the criminal case proceeds separately.

Detroit drivers face unique challenges when dealing with license suspension. Many rely on their vehicles for work in the automotive sector, healthcare facilities, or service industries spread across Wayne County. Losing driving privileges can mean job loss, missed court dates, or inability to manage family obligations. Representation at the administrative level focuses on procedural errors during the arrest, gaps in officer testimony, or valid reasons to maintain limited driving rights through a restricted license that allows travel to work, school, or medical appointments.

Administrative hearings differ significantly from criminal court proceedings. The hearing officer evaluates whether the arresting officer had reasonable grounds for the stop, whether you were legally arrested, and whether you refused or failed a chemical test. These hearings occur by phone or in person at a Secretary of State office, and the standard of proof is lower than in criminal court. Officers often rely on patrol video, breathalyzer logs, and arrest reports to support the suspension. Your attorney can cross-examine the officer, challenge equipment calibration records, and present medical or procedural defenses that might not be available later in the criminal case.

Winning at the administrative level doesn't guarantee dismissal of criminal charges, but it can preserve your ability to drive while the case unfolds. Even when full reinstatement isn't possible, securing a restricted license allows you to maintain employment and meet essential obligations. The hearing also provides an early opportunity to assess the prosecution's evidence, identify weaknesses, and shape the defense strategy for the criminal case. Outcomes vary based on prior offenses, refusal to test, and whether the arrest involved injury or property damage.

If you're facing automatic suspension after a DUI arrest in Detroit, requesting a hearing and securing experienced representation can protect your driving privileges during a vulnerable time. Early action increases the chances of a favorable outcome and keeps your options open.

The administrative process moves independently of the criminal case, but both affect your future. Many people assume they can handle the DMV hearing alone or wait until the criminal trial to fight back. By then, the suspension has already taken effect, and reinstatement becomes a separate, often expensive process. Effective representation at the hearing stage addresses immediate consequences and lays groundwork for the broader defense.

• Timely filing of hearing requests before the deadline passes
• Cross-examination of arresting officers and review of patrol procedures
• Challenge to breathalyzer or blood test procedures and calibration logs
• Arguments for restricted or hardship licenses based on employment or family needs in Detroit
• Guidance through reinstatement requirements if suspension becomes unavoidable

Detroit's sprawling geography and limited public transit make driving essential for most residents. Losing your license affects not just convenience but your ability to earn income, attend court, and manage daily responsibilities. If you're navigating license suspension proceedings after a DUI arrest in Detroit, acting within the deadline and building a defense focused on your specific circumstances can make the difference between keeping your driving privileges and facing months without them. Reach out to discuss your hearing options and next steps.