How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?

In Michigan, a DUI conviction (typically called Operating While Intoxicated [OWI]) stays on your driving record forever. Having a DUI on your driving record adds points to your driver’s license, which will affect how much you pay for auto insurance. The more points you have, the higher your insurance rate will be.

Additionally, having a DUI affects your driving privileges, especially if you have multiple DUI convictions on your driving record within a certain time frame.

Additionally, when an individual receives a third DUI, it ‘s charged as a felony – no matter how long ago the first and second DUIs were received.

A third offense DUI carries multiple penalties, including mandatory jail time and the loss of your driver’s license.

Facing a DUI charge? Unhappy with your current attorney? Request a free consultation now.

BREAKING NEWS

On August 23, 2021, Governor Whitmer signed a bill into law allowing Michiganders with one DUI offense to apply to have it expunged from their record. After going into effect in February 23, 2022, DUI expungement will benefit more than 200,000 people in the state who are carrying a criminal record that is impacting their lives in a number of ways.

Click here for the full article.

Interested in discussing how this law applies to you? Would you like to start working with our attorneys on your expungement case so you’re ready when the law is in full effect? Contact us immediately.

DUI is a Criminal Charge in Michigan, Not a Traffic Violation

A DUI conviction results in six (6) points on your driving record.

A lesser charge is Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI), which is often used as a plea bargain when someone is charged with a DUI.

An OWVI conviction results in four (4) points on your driving record.

Just like a DUI conviction, an OWVI conviction is on your Michigan driving record forever.

How Long Will My License be Suspended After a DUI?

DUI convictions greatly affect your driving privileges since convictions result in automatic suspensions, sometimes driver’s license revocations.

Automatic suspensions can range from 30 days to one year, depending on the details of your case and criminal history listed on your background check.

If you get two (2) DUI convictions within seven years, the Secretary of State (SOS) will revoke your license indefinitely.

You must wait a year from your last DUI conviction to try to get your license back.

If you get three (3) or more DUI convictions within 10 years, the SOS will revoke your license indefinitely.

You must wait at least five years from your last DUI conviction to try to get your license back.

Driver’s License Restoration Procedures

The restoration of your driving privileges is up to a hearing officer who makes his/her decision after viewing the documents you submit.

This documents need to prove that you’re sober and will stay sober.

There’s no guarantee you’ll be granted a license.

However, our team of experienced driver’s license restoration attorneys proudly boasts a 98% success rate in this area.

Additionally, hearing officers will often issue a restricted license instead of a full license the first time a person appears before them.

Having a restricted license allows you to drive during certain times of the day to certain places.

Typically, you may drive to work and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, or substance abuse treatment.

You’ll also be required to drive a vehicle with an interlock device and must do so successfully for one year.

This must be done before appearing before a hearing officer again to try and receive your full license.

The Takeaway

DUI convictions can affect your insurance rates and driving privileges, which is why it’s essential to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who specializes in DUI defense.

Facing a DUI charge? Would you like your driver’s license restored? Request a free consultation now.