Paul J. Tafelski Blog

Anyone charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Michigan has the right to an attorney. If you are found indigent, the court must appoint counsel; if you are found partially indigent, you may be required to contribute to the cost of your defense as determined by objective standards. However, court-appointed systems are administered locally, and the structure and resources available to appointed counsel can vary by funding unit and jurisdiction. At Michigan Defense Law, OWI defense attorney Paul J. Tafelski has defended hundreds of clients throughout Oakland County and Michigan. With over twenty years of experience as an Oakland County...

You can usually drive in Michigan before your DUI court date. First-time offenders typically keep driving privileges until formal restrictions are imposed at arraignment or a later hearing. However, your license is confiscated at the time of arrest and replaced with a temporary permit that comes with specific rules and time limits. At Michigan Defense Law, Oakland County DUI attorney Paul Tafelski helps clients understand their driving privileges after an OWI arrest. Our criminal defense lawyers represent drivers in Bloomfield, Oakland County, and throughout Michigan who face drunk driving charges and license restrictions. This guide explains what temporary licenses allow,...

Losing your driver’s license can be a frustrating and stressful experience, affecting everything from your daily routine to your ability to work. Michigan law sets specific rules for how long a revocation or suspension lasts and what drivers must do to regain their driving privileges. The process can be complicated, with various factors influencing eligibility for reinstatement. Knowing what to expect and how to navigate the system is key to restoring your license as soon as possible. If your license has been revoked or suspended in Michigan, getting it back requires careful attention to legal procedures. Whether you need to...

In Michigan, the legal framework governing driver’s license suspensions and revocations is outlined in MCL 257.321. The implications of a suspended or revoked license extend beyond the immediate loss of driving privileges. It can affect employment opportunities, daily responsibilities, and overall quality of life. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of Michigan’s traffic laws and the administrative processes involved in license reinstatement. Michigan Defense Law offers legal assistance to individuals facing license suspensions or revocations. Our Oakland County license restoration attorneys can provide guidance on the steps necessary for license restoration, represent clients in court proceedings, and communicate with...

Losing your driver’s license because of a medical condition can be frustrating, stressful, and disruptive to your daily life. In Michigan, the Secretary of State has the legal authority to suspend your license if they believe a physical or mental condition makes it unsafe for you to drive. This process is called a medical suspension, and it often catches drivers by surprise. Many people find themselves suddenly without driving privileges after a medical review or Driver Assessment Reexamination, even if their doctor believes they are capable of driving safely. Understanding how medical suspensions work, the role of the Physician’s Statement...

Having your license suspended can turn your daily routine upside down. Suddenly, something as simple as getting to work, picking up your kids, or making a medical appointment feels like an uphill climb. The loss of driving privileges can put your job, your family responsibilities, and your independence at risk. A hardship license can ease that burden. It doesn’t give you full freedom on the road, but it allows you to handle the most important parts of your life while you work through the suspension. To get that relief, you’ll need to follow the rules carefully. The Michigan Secretary of...

Losing your driver’s license changes everything. You’re stuck asking for rides, rearranging your life around bus schedules, or paying for Ubers that add up fast. Getting your license back feels like the first real step toward getting your freedom back. But here’s the thing: the Michigan license restoration process isn’t simple, and it’s definitely not easy. It’s not just filling out some forms and showing up to a hearing. This is a full-on legal process with strict rules, high standards, and no room for guesswork. A lot of people don’t realize how serious the hearing is until it’s too late....

Michigan drivers who have lost full driving privileges due to a suspension, revocation, or age-based limitation may still be eligible for limited driving through a restricted license. Governed by MCL 257.312, this type of license grants carefully controlled access to operate a vehicle for essential purposes like employment, education, or medical care. If you’re a first-time OWI offender, a minor with hardship needs, or an adult facing license penalties, understanding how restricted licenses work can be the key to regaining mobility while staying within the law. If you are seeking to restore your driving privileges in Michigan, especially in Oakland...

Restoring a driver’s license after a revocation or suspension due to multiple OWI convictions or other serious traffic violations can be a challenging process, especially for those who need to drive for work, school, or essential responsibilities. MCL 257.304 provides a legal framework for individuals in Michigan to obtain a restricted license, allowing limited driving privileges under specific conditions. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Michigan can help you understand that while it offers a pathway to reinstatement, failure to meet all legal requirements can lead to further penalties or delays in obtaining full driving privileges. The legal and administrative...

If you’re a CDL holder in Michigan, then you know your license is more than just a card in your wallet; it’s your livelihood. It’s how you support your family, keep your bills paid, and maintain the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to build. When that license gets suspended, everything is suddenly on the line. That’s why knowing the facts about license restoration isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary. Getting the right information, knowing what steps to take, and acting quickly can be the difference between getting back on the road or watching your career stall out. License restoration plays a major...