How to Keep Your License After DUI License Suspension in Michigan

You can keep your license in most cases. There are a number of ways to reinstate a license. Our Traverse City  DUI defense attorneys are experienced in negotiating with the court about your charges, how appeals proceedings work, and Driver’s License Appeal Division requirements for license retention.

When you are charged with a DUI/OWI, your license suspension and misdemeanor or felony charges are handled in two different processes. The court will decide your criminal penalties, but the secretary of state is responsible for your license. This also means that the appeals process for your license is different than the appeals process for a conviction.

Lawyers at Alward Fisher have helped clients in Traverse City and across Michigan and the Midwest keep their licenses after being charged with OVI.

Potential Suspensions Can Seriously Interfere With Your Life

Driver’s license suspensions vary based on the severity of your charges and the circumstances around your case. The chart below can help you understand some of the consequences involved.

Charge	Fine	Jail Time	Community Service	License Consequence
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) – 1st Time Offense	Up to $500	Up to 93 days	Up to 360 hours	30 days suspension and 150 days restriction
Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)- 1st Time Offense	Up to $300	Up to 93 days	Up to 360 hours	150 days restriction
OWI or OWVI – 2nd Offense	Up to $1,000	Up to 1 year	30-90 days	Minimum 1 year revocation
OWI or OWVI – 3rd Offense	Up to $5,000	Up to 5 years	60-180 days	Minimum 5 year revocation

 

It is important to note that your particular charge may have other consequences. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you understand the full ramifications of your case.

We Can Get Your License Back

To have one of our attorneys look at your case and explain your license reinstatement options, call our offices. Our legal team is ready to answer your questions. Email us or reach out to us by phone at 231-668-9836 to discuss how to keep your driver’s license after a drunk driving arrest.