In Michigan, OWIs are taken very seriously, even for a DWI/OWI 1st Offense. This means that if you are charged and convicted with OWI, you will face a harsh punishment. Judges and prosecutors take these cases very seriously, and are not inclined to be lenient.
Call us today for a consultation on your DWI/ OWI case.
Yes, the following terms are mostly used interchangeably in common usage in Michigan:
Under Michigan law (MCL 257.625) the legal terms are Operating while Intoxicated (OWI) and Operating while Visibly Impaired (OWVI) Both of these terms refer to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If this is your a OWI offense, you will face lesser punishments than repeat offenders. However, the sentence will still be stiff and may surprise you.
If you are convicted of OWI in Michigan, on a first offense charge you will face up to:
In 2003 the legal limit for intoxication was lowered from .10% to .08%.
OWVI (Operating while visibly impaired) means that it was (allegedly) obvious to the officer that you were unable to operate a vehicle. There is no minimum blood alcohol level to qualify for this charge.
OWI (Operating while intoxicated) is a more precise and serious Michigan charge that refers to a situation where the influence of drugs or alcohol has seriously impacted your ability to operate a vehicle. This offense is commonly proven by a blood alcohol level of .08% or more.
If this is your first offense drunk driving charge, our attorneys may be able to get an OWI charge reduced to OWVI (operating while visibly impaired). If you are convicted of OWVI, you will face essentially the same sentence with a few minor differences.
Michigan has repealed the very unpopular driver responsibility fees.
If you re under the age of 21 and found to be driving while under the influence you will face charges is your blood alcohol level is .02 to .07% or if you have any amount of alcohol in your system. (Except in circumstances of religious ceremonies).
If you refuse to submit to the datamaster breathalyzer or preliminary breathtest or if you intentionally use less effort than required for a valid test on the breathalyzer you will automatically lose your driver’s license for a period of one year with no restrictions to allow you to drive anywhere including to and from work. You may demand a hearing with the Secretary of State to try to get your license restored.
The people of Michigan are not lenient when it comes to these offenses, and neither are the courts.
Please contact us for a free consultation on any Michigan OWI/OWVI charge.