Genesee County, Michigan – A new program is coming to the 67th District Court in Genesee County to help those who have lost their driver’s licenses get them back. The program will provide structured support to anyone who are having trouble getting their licenses back. The program is called Operation Drive, and it has been successful in other regions of Michigan for a long time. It is now being brought to the Genesee County area with the help of new grant funding.
The Michigan State Court Administrative Office gave the grant to the 67th District Court, which made it possible for the license restoration program to start in Genesee County. Court officials said that the money lets the court use a proven strategy that helps people get their licenses back by dealing with the legal and practical problems they confront.
For a lot of people, losing their driver’s license causes a lot of complications. Some people keep driving because they have to, even when they don’t have clear instructions or help. This puts them at risk of more offenses that could delay their reinstatement even longer. Operation Drive is meant to break that cycle by offering individuals clear information, helping them through the legal process, and encouraging them to satisfy all the conditions needed to legally go back on the road.
The initiative works by getting different segments of the local justice system to work together. Judges, judges, city attorneys, county prosecutors, police officers, and both appointed and private defense attorneys all work together to help people understand and finish the steps needed to get their licenses back. This integrated organization has already worked well in other Michigan communities.
Court leaders said that Deputy District Court Administrator Andrea Johnson was very important in getting the program to Genesee County.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the efforts of Andrea Johnson (Deputy District Court Administrator),” said Helen Davis, 67th District Court Administrator.
“She played a pivotal role in securing the grant, gathering the information, and finally submitting the application. Andrea’s dedication and attention to detail made this opportunity a reality for Genesee County.”
Judge Derek Meinecke started Operation Drive in 2014 at the 44th District Court in Oakland County, which serves Royal Oak and Berkley. Meinecke told the Michigan House Transportation Committee in October 2023 that the initiative has already helped recover 1,480 driver’s licenses, which shows how effective it is and how it will have a long-term effect.
In July 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Public Act 121 of 2024, which gave the effort additional backing across the state. The law set aside money for district courts in Michigan to start their own Operation Drive programs. Genesee County was chosen as one of the recipients.
Court officials indicate that the program will start in the next few months. As the program gets closer to begin, more information and updates will be made public. This gives residents who want to get back behind the wheel legally more optimism.