What Is the Difference Between a OWI & OWVI in Michigan?
In some states, a drinking and driving offense is called "Driving While Intoxicated" or DWI. In other states the same offense is referred to as "Driving Under the Influence" or DUI. In Michigan however, driving drunk is called "Operating While Intoxicated" or OWI. It's a serious charge, with severe penalties and lots of legal obstacles to clear before you will be able to drive again.
Other People Are Reading
-
Legal Definition
-
In Michigan, you can be legally found too intoxicated to drive if your blood/alcohol content is .08 or higher. You can also be found incapable of operating a vehicle through a field sobriety test, administered by a properly trained police officer. Additionally, Michigan police can charge drivers with "Operating While Visibly Intoxicated" if the other options are not available.
Court Penalties
-
If you are convicted of OWI in Michigan you could face any combination of penalties. The options for a first time offense include no more than 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, up to 360 hours of community service, a license suspension of up to three months. Probation is another option in the court ordered penalties. In probation you are required to submit to monthly investigations of your life by a probation officer including drug and alcohol tests, extra fees, travel and moving restrictions, and the installation of a breathalyzer in your car.
-
Other Penalties
-
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, an drunk driving charge in Michigan may lead to a child protective services investigation of your family, and your children could eventually end up in foster care. Additionally, the Michigan State Department may place points on your driver's license, even if you aren't convicted. These constitute a heavy fine, which must be paid to reinstate your driving privileges. This fine is in addition to the $500 fine ordered by the court.
Recovery
-
Setting your life back to the way it was before your OWI conviction will take time, patience, lots of work and money. Pay all your fines, attend any driving safety classes you are required to take and you may also have to buy special, prepaid car insurance. You will be facing higher insurance payments for several years. Additionally, the charge against your name is permanent and will be with you the rest of your life.
Sad Truth
-
Drinking in driving in Michigan is nothing to joke about. Every year, nearly 400 people die on the roads of Michigan as a result of intoxicated motorists. This number has been trending down due to the hard work of law enforcement officials and awareness campaigns.
-
