The penalties for OWVI in Michigan are slightly less severe than OWI.

However, it’s still punishable by up to 93 days in jail.

There’s a potential vehicle immobilization, but it’s unlikely.

The likely penalties are:

• four points (as opposed to six for OWI) added to a driving record,
• 90 day restricted license (as opposed to 180 days for OWI),
• up to 360 hours of community service, and
• the maximum fine is $300 (driver responsibility fees have been abolished) plus court costs.

The court can also impose up to two years of probation although one year is typical.

For some first offenders who care a lot about keeping their driver license, OWVI in Michigan is a good result.

It allows a restricted license for 90 days with no initial suspension period.

The reduced license penalty is the biggest benefit.

The reduction from six to four points and the reduction of the fine from $500 to $300 is negligible.

Neither is a game changer.

The reality is by rejecting the OWVI plea and fighting the case, the worst thing that can happen is a 30 day flat license suspension.

Everything else is almost the same.

The question becomes, why not fight the case if there are good issues to litigate?

This is why a great OWVI attorney and team is necessary as they’ll provide their client with reasonable arguments to fight a case.

If you don’t fight, you can’t win.

When a defendant is provided all of their alternatives, they can make an informed decision and not just be stuck with what their inexperienced lawyer says (who is doing nothing more than what the prosecutor says).

Therefore, an OWVI can be a good result but not always.

First time OWI offenses usually carry a one-year probationary term.

Every judge is different about their policies. In order the reduce a probation term to less than one year it’s necessary to know the judge and what can persuade them to do so.

Oftentimes, a good DUI defense lawyer will suggest to the judge to consider early termination after six months.

The lawyer will file a motion at the appropriate time to request early termination.

It would be necessary for the defendant to have paid all fines and costs, performed all community service, never fail a drug or alcohol test and always show up on time and respectfully.

It also helps to have the prosecutor’s consent, but it isn’t always necessary.

It’s usually necessary to have the probation officer’s consent.