Question 1

Do I really need a lawyer for a first-offense OWI or traffic ticket?

Accepted Answer

You're not required to have one, but it's rarely a good idea to go it alone, especially for an OWI, where the stakes (your license, your record, potentially your job) are high and the process has a lot of moving parts: the stop itself, field sobriety tests, breath or blood testing, and how the case is charged. A free consultation costs you nothing and at least tells you what you're actually facing.

Question 2

Who can help with an OWI or DUI charge in Metro Detroit?

Accepted Answer

The Law Offices of Ezra N. Goldman, PC, based in Southfield, has handled criminal defense and OWI/DUI cases across Metro Detroit, including Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties, for over 30 years. Attorney Ezra N. Goldman offers a free consultation to walk through the charge, the likely range of outcomes, and what a defense could look like before you commit to anything.

Question 3

What happens right after an OWI arrest in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

You'll typically be booked, and depending on the circumstances, your license may be taken and a temporary permit issued. You'll get an arraignment date. From there, the case moves through pretrial proceedings where evidence, the traffic stop, and the testing procedures can all be challenged. The earlier you talk to an attorney, ideally before your arraignment, the more options you usually have.

Question 4

What are the penalties for a first-offense OWI?

Accepted Answer

A standard first-offense OWI can mean up to 93 days in jail, fines between $100 and $500, up to 360 hours of community service, license sanctions, and points on your driving record. If it's a High BAC (0.17%+) case, the exposure goes up significantly: up to 180 days in jail, higher fines, and a mandatory 45-day hard license suspension followed by a restricted license requiring an ignition interlock device. Every case is different, and these are maximums, not guarantees, which is exactly why the specifics of your stop and evidence matter.

Question 5

What is Sobriety Court, and do I qualify?

Accepted Answer

Sobriety Court is a voluntary, intensive alternative to standard sentencing, usually a one- to two-year program combining treatment, regular check-ins, and accountability measures instead of (or alongside) traditional penalties. It's generally available to people facing a second OWI within 7 years, though eligibility rules vary by county. It's not the right fit for everyone, but for people who qualify, it can mean a faster path back to driving privileges and a real shot at addressing the underlying issue rather than just serving a sentence.

Question 6

I've had more than one OWI. Can I ever get my license back?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through Michigan's license restoration process, though it's a formal hearing, not automatic. You'll need to show sustained sobriety, meet the state's documentation requirements, and in most cases accept a restricted license with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) for a period of time before full driving privileges are restored. It's a detailed process, and hearing officers look closely at your history, so having someone who's done this before matters.

Question 7

How do I hire a lawyer for Sobriety Court in Southfield?

Accepted Answer

Start with a free consultation before you enter a plea, if possible. Whether Sobriety Court is a good option depends on your charge, your history, and the county's specific program requirements, and that's easier to sort out with an attorney who's been through the process before. From there, the firm can help evaluate eligibility, walk through what the program actually involves day-to-day, and represent you through the application and the case itself.

Question 8

Is "OWI" the same thing as a "DUI" or "DWI"?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly. It's a naming difference, but it matters. Michigan's statute (MCL 257.625) doesn't use the term "DUI" at all. The official charge here is Operating While Intoxicated, or OWI. You'll still hear "DUI" and "DWI" constantly because most other states use those terms, but if you're arrested in Michigan, your paperwork, your court file, and your record will all say OWI. Same basic idea (driving impaired by alcohol or drugs), different label.

Question 9

What's the legal blood alcohol limit in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

For a standard OWI, it's 0.08% BAC. Michigan also has a "High BAC" charge, sometimes called the "Super Drunk" law, that applies at 0.17% and carries steeper penalties, including a mandatory hard license suspension. Commercial drivers (CDL holders) have a much lower limit: 0.04%, even if they're driving their personal vehicle when arrested.

Question 10

Will I lose my license after an OWI?

Accepted Answer

Likely some restriction, at minimum. The extent depends on your BAC, whether it's a first offense, and your driving history. Multiple offenses (two within 7 years, or three within 10) trigger an automatic license revocation by the Secretary of State, not just a suspension, and getting back on the road after that requires a formal restoration process.