Ann Arbor, Michigan – Corey Harris, the man who gained online fame for driving during a virtual court hearing despite having his license suspended, was revealed to have never held a driver’s license in any state, according to a judge at a recent hearing. Harris, wearing a yellow shirt with “trust me” emblazoned across the front, returned to Washtenaw County Court after a video of his unusual Zoom hearing on May 15 went viral on social media.
Local media in Detroit had raised questions about Harris facing a misdemeanor charge from a 2023 traffic stop, as his suspension had supposedly been lifted in 2022. However, Judge Cedric Simpson clarified in court that Harris never actually possessed a driver’s license, neither in Michigan nor any other state.
Harris first had his driving privileges suspended in 2021 for failing to pay child support, a fact confirmed by Angela Benander from the Michigan Department of State. Despite new laws that allowed for the lifting of such suspensions, Harris failed to complete the necessary steps to reinstate his driving privileges.
Judge Simpson emphasized that Harris was required to take specific actions to have the suspension removed from his record, but failed to do so. Even though Harris paid the reinstatement fee and the suspension was lifted recently, his lack of honesty throughout the process was highlighted by Simpson during the hearing.
Prosecutors mentioned that Harris had admitted to not having a valid license during the 2023 traffic stop. With Harris now working towards obtaining a proper driver’s license, his lawyer expressed his commitment to completing the necessary steps. Despite the complexities of the situation, Judge Simpson emphasized the importance of honesty and accountability in the process of obtaining a driver’s license.
The case of Corey Harris serves as a reminder of the importance of following the appropriate steps in order to regain driving privileges, even after a suspension has been lifted. As Harris navigates the process of obtaining a driver’s license, his experience sheds light on the challenges individuals may face when dealing with issues related to driving without a valid license.