DWLS and DWLR - Suspended and Revoked License Charges in Michigan

Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) and Driving While License Revoked (DWLR) are two different offenses covered under the very same state law. Legally speaking, they carry the same potential punishment.

Most (but not all) DWLS cases arise for rather benign reasons. By contrast, most (but not all) DWLR cases trace the underlying license revocation to multiple DUI convictions.

Both of these offenses carries a possible jail sentence, although it is generally assumed that, amongst other things, hiring a good lawyer will keep a person from getting locked up. Fortunately, that IS true, even in tough courts or in 2nd or subsequent offense cases where the prospect of jail becomes increasingly likely.

Staying out of jail is important, of course, but once that that has been accomplished, avoiding all the other negative consequences that go along with it is every bit as important, as well.

A conviction for DWLS or DWLR will automatically result in an additional driver’s license suspension or revocation, along with points on a person’s driving record. Avoiding these nightmarish consequences is best done by “avoiding” a conviction for driving on a suspended or revoked license. 

This is done through the plea bargaining process, and having a lawyer who specializes in this kind of case is certainly the best way to go about it.

Revoked license cases are generally the more “serious” of the two offenses. The more prior DWLS or DWLR convictions a person has on his or her record, the tougher things get. By the same token, jail becomes more of a “viable” option to a Judge if a person keeps driving, despite not having a license.

Where a DWLS or DWLR case occurs probably has more to do with how easy or tough it will be, than anything else. In that regard, Oakland County is generally the toughest of the 3 local counties, while Macomb and Wayne Counties are about equal in terms of being more “understanding” in suspended and revoked license cases.

At some point, a person will stand before the Judge to be sentenced. Again, having the right lawyer will provide an huge advantage, because as the Judge looks up, before that sentence is imposed, and listens to why he or she should not stick someone in jail, or on difficult probation) or whatever other consequences are on the menu), what is and is not said at that moment will probably be amongst the most important things ever spoken on the person’s behalf.

At the end of the day, and just as it is with DUI cases, success in a DWLS or DWLR case is best measured by what DOES NOT happen to you.