Should I tell my attorney or the Secretary of State when I last used or drank alcohol?

YES, you should absolutely tell your attorney when you last used or drank alcohol. 

It is a minimum requirement for driver’s license restoration that you, the petitioner, remain clean and sober for at least one year prior to applying for a hearing with the Secretary of State.   

Photo by ronstik/iStock / Getty Images
Photo by ronstik/iStock / Getty Images

This is also why it is absolutely imperative for you to remain clean and sober during this time period and live a lifestyle of recovery.

If, during this period of time, you choose to use or drink you would have to start the process completely over.  Furthermore, if you were to wind up with an incident such as a Domestic Violence, Drunk and Disorderly, Disturbing the Peace, or worse . . . another DUI as a result of your drinking it will become incredibly more difficult for you to restore your driver’s license, and in some cases it may even become impossible.

If you have not remained sober for one year, it would be best for you to get sober and then after you have fulfilled the minimum requirement of at least one year’s sobriety, then, petition for a hearing.

During the driver’s license restoration process you are going to be required to produce several letters of reference from people who know you, and are familiar with your past usage and current lifestyle of recovery.  You will not be able to retain this documentation without living clean and sober.

Have a great day and stay sober.

-Kiernan Gamel