DUI Penalties

Michigan OWI for Financial Professionals: Legal Troubles and Career Impact

Published on: September 10, 2025 | by Barone Defense Firm

Financial professionals, whether advisors, planners, brokers, or CPAs, are entrusted with clients’ financial futures, and if they maintain a clean record and act responsibly, they can build successful, respected careers.

But an OWI charge in Michigan can jeopardize that trust because it raises legal, ethical, and reputational red flags that regulators and clients cannot ignore, and without experienced guidance, it can snowball into professional consequences.

Therefore, it is crucial for licensed professionals facing an OWI to work with a defense attorney who understands both criminal law and the licensing implications, so they can protect their career, preserve their credibility, and chart a path forward.

Michigan OWI for Doctors: Consequences and Strategies

Published on: September 10, 2025 | by Barone Defense Firm

Doctors dedicate years of training and sacrifice to earn their medical licenses, and when they practice responsibly, they build careers based on trust, skill, and compassion.

But an OWI charge in Michigan threatens that hard-earned reputation and license, because it raises both legal and professional questions that the Board of Medicine, employers, and colleagues cannot ignore, and without skilled guidance, the consequences can extend far beyond the courtroom.

Therefore, it is critical for physicians facing an OWI to work with a defense attorney who understands both the criminal process and the licensing implications, so they can protect their ability to practice, safeguard their reputation, and move forward with confidence.

Michigan OWI for CDL Holders: Protecting Your Trucking Career After a DUI

Published on: September 10, 2025 | by Barone Defense Firm

Commercial drivers spend years building careers that depend on skill, responsibility, and keeping a spotless record, and when they maintain that standard, they can earn steady livelihoods and the trust of employers.

But an OWI charge in Michigan threatens all of that, because CDL holders face not only the same DUI penalties as every driver, but also harsher licensing rules and employment consequences that can derail a trucking career overnight.

Therefore, it is critical for CDL drivers accused of OWI to work with a defense attorney who understands both the criminal penalties and the CDL-specific sanctions, so they can protect their livelihood, preserve their license, and keep their career on track.

Michigan OWI for Outside Sales Professionals: Driving & Career Ramifications

Published on: September 10, 2025 | by Barone Defense Firm

Outside sales professionals often live on the road — driving to meet clients, attending networking events, and covering a wide territory. Success depends on mobility and trust.

But an OWI charge in Michigan threatens both, because beyond the criminal penalties every driver faces, salespeople risk temporary loss of driving privileges and career setbacks that can disrupt client relationships and employer confidence.

Therefore, if you’re an outside sales professional facing an OWI, it’s essential to work with a defense attorney who understands both the legal system and the professional realities of sales careers — so you can protect your livelihood, preserve your reputation, and move forward strategically.

When Should I Hire a DUI Attorney in Michigan?

Published on: June 5, 2025 | by Barone Defense Firm

If you’ve just been arrested for DUI (also called OWI – Operating While Intoxicated) in Michigan, you might be wondering:

“Do I need an attorney now—or should I wait until I get a court date, blood test results, or an official letter in the mail?”

Here’s the truth: Waiting can cost you.

Is It Worth Hiring a DUI Attorney If My Case Looks Really Bad in Michigan?

Published on: June 5, 2025 | by Barone Defense Firm

If you’ve been charged with DUI (also called OWI in Michigan), and the evidence looks stacked against you—maybe your blood alcohol level was .17 or higher, or there was an accident involved—you might be thinking:

“What’s the point of hiring a lawyer? The case is already lost.”

This mindset is not only wrong—it’s potentially life-altering.

Do I need a DUI attorney for a first offense in Michigan?

Published on: June 5, 2025 | by Barone Defense Firm

If you’ve been charged with DUI (also known as OWI in Michigan), you might be thinking:

“It’s my first offense—I probably don’t need a lawyer unless things get really serious, right?”

This is one of the most dangerous assumptions people make after a DUI arrest.

Michigan DUI/OWI – How to Stay Out of Jail

Published on: January 1, 2023 | by Patrick Barone

Even a person convicted of a first offense DUI/OWI in Michigan with no prior record faces the possibility of up to 93 days in jail, and judges in some courts are well known for putting first-time offenders in jail. Also, repeat drunk drivers may face up to five years in prison for felony drunk driving, and where a death or serious injury occurs, the offender may be looking at 15 years or more behind bars. Even second DUI offenders face a minimum mandatory 5-day jail sentence, while felony drunk drivers are looking at a minimum of 30 days to a year.

You Can End Up in Jail Even Before Your Michigan OUI Case Begins

DUI Michigan convictions aren’t the only reason people may face jail time. Before the case even gets underway, and while you are still presumed innocent, some courts set extremely high cash bonds that are simply out of reach for many offenders. If the bond is too high, then you stay in jail until the bond is posted. Also, in addition to the money posted, you will be ordered to comply with certain bond conditions.

What Should I Expect on a Michigan First Offense OWI Charge?

Published on: December 2, 2022 | by Patrick Barone

First, our OWI law firm in Michigan will answer the top 9 questions about the OWI meaning. Other than one letter, little difference between OWI and DUI exists.

A Michigan first offense OWI charge carries severe conviction penalties including jail time community service hours, court fines, and possibly job loss. Look for an OWI lawyer near me whose legal services include trial experience and plea bargaining strategies.

What is OWI, in the State of Michigan? A first-offense OWI in Michigan is a crime categorized as a misdemeanor in Michigan, unless the number of offenses reached a 3rd OWI in Michigan. Our state still uses different acronyms for being over the legal limit (OUIL).
What’s the difference between DUI and OWI meaning? Each acronym stands for the same general crime, drunken driving, or drugged driving. Each state’s legislature names its laws on impaired driving or intoxicated driving. Generally, DUI is for “driving under the influence.” O.W.I. stands for operating while impaired in Michigan.

Michigan Drunk Driving Lawyer Explains NEEDS Assessment

Published on: March 28, 2022 | by Barone Defense Firm

Michigan law provides that for every person convicted of drunk driving must be subjected to substance use evaluation prior to sentencing. More specifically, Michigan Compiled Laws sec. 257.625b indicates that such individuals must undergo a screening and assessment to determine if the person would benefit from “rehabilitative services,” which may include such things as alcohol or drug education or treatment programs.

A conviction for operating under of influence of drugs has a similar requirement. This is because Michigan statutory law calls drunk driving “operating while intoxicated” (OWI). Drinking and driving is not against the law. To violate Michigan’s OWI law a person must be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you operate a vehicle after drinking enough alcohol to become intoxicated, or consume enough drugs to become intoxicated, then you’ve committed the offense of drunk driving. In other words, DUI and OWI are essentially the same thing.

What is a NEEDS Survey?