Temporary Driving Permit or Paper License in Michigan

What Happens to Your Driver’s License After an OWI Arrest?

If you are a licensed Michigan driver arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI), the arresting officer will confiscate your driver’s license. Under Michigan state law, the confiscated license must be destroyed, and in its place, you will be issued a temporary driving permit. Commonly referred to as a "paper license," this temporary permit is valid and grants the same driving privileges you had prior to your arrest.

While a paper license may feel like an inconvenience, it allows you to continue driving legally until the outcome of your OWI case is determined. If your driving privileges are at risk, contacting an experienced Michigan DUI lawyer is crucial to minimizing penalties and protecting your ability to drive.

Driving Privileges After TrialThe Outcome of Your OWI Case Determines Your Driving Privileges

Your future driving privileges depend heavily on the verdict in your OWI case:

• Not Guilty Verdict: Your regular driver’s license will be reissued by the Michigan Secretary of State.
• Guilty Verdict: The Secretary of State will impose penalties on your license, ranging from suspension to revocation, depending on your record and the circumstances of the offense.

Penalties for OWI Convictions in Michigan

The severity of the penalties imposed on your driver’s license after an OWI conviction depends on the number of prior offenses on your record. For sentencing purposes, timeframes are key:

• A second offense is considered as such if it occurs within seven years of the first.
• A third offense is considered a third offense if it occurs within ten years of the first.

License Penalties by Offense:

• First OWI Offense:
  • Driver’s license suspension for six months.
  • No driving allowed during the first 30 days.
  • Restricted license for the remaining five months.
• Second OWI Offense (within 7 years):
  • Mandatory revocation of your driver’s license for one full year.
  • No restricted or temporary driving privileges available.
• Third OWI Offense (within 10 years):
  • Mandatory revocation of your driver’s license for five full years.
  • No restricted or temporary driving privileges available.

Restrictions on Repeat Offenders

Michigan imposes strict penalties on repeat offenders, with no options for restricted licenses or temporary driving permits for second and third OWI convictions. If you are convicted of a second OWI offense within seven years or a third offense within ten years, you will not be allowed to drive during the mandatory revocation period.

Restoring Driving Privileges After RevocationDriver’s License Restoration Hearings

Once the revocation period ends, you must attend a driver’s license restoration hearing to regain your driving privileges. These hearings are complex and require you to:

1. Demonstrate proof of sobriety and abstinence from alcohol or controlled substances.
2. Provide documentation supporting your commitment to a sober lifestyle.
3. Present evidence, such as witness statements, to confirm your rehabilitation.

Challenges in Restoration Hearings:

Winning a restoration hearing is not easy, especially without legal representation. A denied hearing means waiting another full year before reapplying, further delaying your ability to drive.

Sobriety Court Exception

For some offenders, participation in Michigan’s sobriety court program may provide an alternative path to limited driving privileges. Sobriety court is designed for individuals committed to rehabilitation and involves intensive monitoring and treatment. Successful completion of the program may allow for earlier license restoration.

Why You Need a DUI Lawyer

Facing license confiscation and potential revocation can be overwhelming, but having an experienced DUI attorney by your side can make all the difference. A skilled lawyer can:

• Challenge the circumstances of your OWI arrest to reduce or dismiss charges.
• Advocate for minimal penalties during sentencing.
• Prepare you for driver’s license restoration hearings to improve your chances of success.

At the Barone Defense Firm, we specialize in protecting the driving privileges of Michigan residents and guiding clients through the complexities of OWI cases.

Why Choose Barone Defense Firm?

With decades of experience, the Barone Defense Firm has helped countless Michigan drivers fight OWI charges and restore their licenses. We provide:

• Comprehensive Legal Support: From challenging OWI charges to navigating restoration hearings.
• Personalized Defense Strategies: Tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.
• Statewide Representation: Serving clients in Bloomfield Hills, Ann Arbor, Troy, Grand Rapids, and beyond.

Contact Barone Defense Firm Today

Protecting your driving privileges starts with taking action. Whether you’re facing a license suspension or revocation, the Barone Defense Firm can help you navigate Michigan’s OWI laws and achieve the best possible outcome.

Call us at 248-306-9158 or contact us online. We proudly serve clients across Michigan, ensuring you have the support and expertise needed to protect your future.

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