Can I Get Arrested for Driving with a Suspended License in Michigan?

Getting pulled over is stressful enough, but if your license is suspended the stakes are even higher. You might be wondering, “Can I get arrested for driving with a suspended license?” In Michigan, driving on a suspended or revoked license isn’t just a traffic ticket; it’s a serious offense with real consequences.

If you didn’t know your license was suspended or thought you could take a chance, getting caught can have serious consequences. You may face jail time, heavy fines, and long-term effects on your driving record.

At LaBre Law Office, we’ve helped people across Edwardsburg and surrounding areas get back on track after mistakes like this. Read our latest blog below if you’re facing charges or worried about what comes next. We’ll break down the penalties, explain what you’re up against, and help you understand how a Michigan driver’s license restoration lawyer can guide you through the legal process.

Can You Be Arrested For Driving with a Suspended License?

Driving on a suspended license in Michigan is a misdemeanor offense. That means an arrest is not only possible—it’s likely, especially if it’s not your first run-in with the law.

First Offense

• Misdemeanor
• Up to 93 days in jail
• Fine of up to $500
• Additional court fees and probation are possible

Second or Subsequent Offense

• Misdemeanor
• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Extended license suspension
• Possible vehicle immobilization

If you cause an accident while driving on a suspended driver’s license, you could face felony charges, years in prison, and a much longer path to getting your valid driver’s license back.

Why Was My License Suspended?

Many people we spoke with did not know their license was suspended. They also misunderstood why it happened. Some of the most common causes of license suspension in Michigan include:

• Failure to appear in court
• Failure to pay fines, traffic tickets, or judgments
• Accumulating too many points on your driving record
• Driving under the influence (DUI/OWI)
• Refusing a chemical test (breathalyzer refusal)
• Driving without insurance
• Child support enforcement issues

Even if you didn’t receive a notice in the mail, the court may still hold you responsible. Ignorance of the suspension is not a guaranteed defense, but in some cases, a skilled attorney can use that fact to reduce your charges or argue for leniency.

Can I Get a Restricted License?

Michigan allows some drivers to apply for a restricted license. This license gives limited driving privileges for important reasons like work, school, or medical appointments. However, these are not automatically granted.

In most cases, you must:

• Serve a portion of your suspension period
• Pay all outstanding fines
• Prove that you’ve addressed the cause of your suspension
• Possibly attend a hearing with the Secretary of State

You may also need to present substance abuse assessments, documentation of employment, or proof of hardship. If this sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone. A license restoration lawyer can help you build a strong case. They can assist you in getting limited driving privileges or full reinstatement.

Will I Go to Jail for a First Offense?

It’s possible, but not guaranteed. If it’s your first time getting caught driving without a valid license, the court may look at other penalties like:

• Probation
• Community service
• Reduced fines
• Diversion programs (in some jurisdictions)

That said, your outcome depends on several factors:

• Your overall criminal history
• Whether there were any aggravating circumstances (like an accident)
• How you conduct yourself in court
• Whether you have strong legal representation

A good attorney can often negotiate reduced charges or argue for alternatives to jail time. But walking into court alone and hoping for the best is never a smart strategy.

Repeat Offender? It Gets Much More Serious.

If this isn’t your first offense, the stakes get higher. Multiple convictions can lead to:

• Long-term or permanent revocation of your license
• Classification as a habitual offender
• A required ignition interlock device
• Additional time behind bars

Getting your license back in these situations is not easy. You’ll need to go through a formal Michigan driver’s license restoration process that may include:

• A hearing with the Secretary of State
• Substance abuse evaluations (if alcohol-related)
• Documentation of sobriety, employment, and rehabilitation
• A strong legal strategy to support your case

The legal system isn’t designed to make this easy. But with the right help, it’s not impossible.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Whether you’re facing a first-time offense or habitual offender status, having the right legal team can make a difference.

At LaBre Law Office, we:

• Investigate the facts of your case
• Review whether the traffic stop was valid
• Explore all possible defenses (including whether you knew your license was suspended)
• Advocate for reduced charges or sentencing alternatives
• Guide you through the license restoration process

If you’re seeking legal advice, don’t wait until your court date is around the corner. Early legal intervention can change the outcome and, in some cases, keep you out of jail entirely. We fight hard for every client, every time—because Excellence is our Standard.

Facing Charges? Your Next Move Matters

If you’ve been charged with driving on a suspended license, now is not the time to take chances. You need answers. You need options. And you need someone who knows how to protect your rights.

At LaBre Law Office, our criminal lawyers in Michigan will review your situation, explain your legal options, and work with you to develop a plan. Whether that means fighting the charge, restoring your license, or keeping you out of jail, we’re ready to help.

You don’t have to face the system alone. Let us stand between you and the worst-case scenario. Call us today at (269) 431-2058 or complete our confidential online form to schedule a consultation. Let’s protect your future starting today.

Copyright © 2025. LaBre Law Office. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

LaBre Law Office
68897 Cass St,
Edwardsburg, MI 49112
(269) 431-2058
https://labrelaw.com/