MICHAEL R NOVAK V SECRETARY OF STATE
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STATE OF MICHIGAN
COURT OF APPEALS
MICHAEL R. NOVAK,
UNPUBLISHED
January 9, 1998
Petitioner-Appellee,
v
No. 199826
Allegan Circuit Court
LC No. 96-019991 AL
SECRETARY OF STATE,
Respondent-Appellant.
Before: MacKenzie, P.J., and Hood and Hoekstra, JJ.
MEMORANDUM.
Respondent appeals as of right from a circuit court order vacating respondent’s order
suspending petitioner’s nonresident driving privileges for six months as a consequence of petitioner’s
refusal to submit to a chemical test pursuant to the implied consent law. We reverse. This case is being
decided without oral argument pursuant to MCR 7.214(E).
A person who refuses to submit to a chemical test may request a hearing, which is limited to a
determination of the following issues: (1) whether the peace officer had reasonable grounds to believe
that the driver committed a crime described in MCL 257.625c(1); MSA 9.2325(3)(1); (2) whether the
driver was arrested for the crime; (3) whether the driver unreasonably refused to submit to the test upon
the officer’s request; and (4) whether the driver was advised of his or her rights concerning the chemical
test as set forth in MCL 257.625a(6); MSA 9.2325(1)(6). MCL 257.625f(2) and (4); MSA
9.2325(6)(2) and (4); McMillan v Sec’y of State, 155 Mich App 399, 402; 399 NW2d 538 (1986).
After the hearing, if the driver does not prevail, then the Secretary of State may suspend the driver’s
nonresident operating privileges for six months. MCL 257.625f(7)(a); MSA 9.2325(6)(7)(a).
Circuit Court review of the hearing officer’s determination is provided for by statute, but is
limited to a review of the record prepared pursuant to § 625f to ascertain whether the hearing officer
properly determined the issues enumerated in § 625f or whether a restricted license should be issued.
MCL 257.323(4); MSA 9.2023(4); McMillan, supra, p 402.
In the instant case, petitioner requested no hearing before a hearings officer and, therefore, no
record was prepared pursuant to § 625f. In the absence of such a record, the circuit court lacked
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authority to review the order of suspension and to vacate respondent’s order of suspension by trial de
novo. McMillan, supra, 403-404. In the absence of a hearing, the suspension of petitioner’s
nonresident operating privileges was automatic. MCL 257.625f(1)(a); MSA 9.2325(6)(1)(a);
McMillan, supra, p 404.
We vacate the circuit court order and reinstate respondent’s order of suspension. We do not
retain jurisdiction.
/s/ Barbara B. MacKenzie
/s/ Harold Hood
/s/ Joel P. Hoekstra
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