63rd District Court
DWLS Online Case Negotiation

What is DWLS Online Case Negotiation?

It's a program offered by the 63rd District Court (Kent County) that will help guide you through the steps it takes to clear your license suspension(s) and possibly resolve your new pending Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) charge. Depending on your record and your individual situation, the prosecutor’s office may extend a plea offer for a less serious charge, lower fines, or both.

Why should I use the program?

There are many steps to getting your license back, and to the legal process involved with a DWLS charge. The program will help walk you through those steps. You'll also get helpful reminders to keep you on track. And you can interact with the prosecutor's office online, reducing your need to physically go to the courthouse to speak to them.

Is there a fee for DWLS Online Case Negotiation?

No. You may be responsible for fines and fees owed to the court or the Secretary of State, just as you would without the online program, but there is no fee whatsoever for the online program. It is a service of the 63rd District Court and the Kent County Prosecutor's office to help you.

How does it work?

Simply visit the program site at www.courtinnovations.com/MID63 after you have been arraigned. The system will guide you through steps to get your license back. The program is based on an initial 45-day time time frame for getting your license cleared, in some circumstances, you may get an additional 15 days. You must have all the steps completed and any fines or fees paid that are involved with your suspension. A prosecutor will review your case, and then may extend an offer to plead to a less serious charge and/or one with lower fines.

Why does the court allow online negotiation?

The court and the prosecutor's office understand that even good drivers sometimes have trouble paying their traffic tickets on time and as a result get their license suspended. This can lead to DWLS multiple offense cycle that is hard to get out of, because people need to drive to work to support their families. The main goal of this program is to encourage suspended drivers to get all their suspensions cleared up and get their driver’s license back so they can legally drive again. This tool helps make that process easier.

How will I know when decisions have been made about my case or my court date?

We will email and text you status messages throughout the process. Your case status webpage will also be updated.

What are the steps involved in getting my license cleared?

First, you need to find out where your license was suspended. If you do not know where the suspensions are, get a copy of your driving record at the nearest Secretary of State's (SOS) office for $9.

Second, get the suspensions cleared. Clear any unpaid tickets/fines in the court the ticket originated from. If driver's responsibility fees are involved, arrange payment by calling the Department of Treasury at 517.636.5240. You may also have to pay a $125 reinstatement fee to Secretary of State.

Third, get a valid Michigan driver's license. After you've cleared your suspension, visit any Secretary of State's office to get your license. Check to make sure you have the appropriate identification and documents to get your license.