What Are Some “Collateral Consequences” of a Drunk Driving Conviction in Michigan?

Most people understand that a conviction for drunk driving (OWI) in Michigan can be costly. Court fines on a first-offense conviction often exceed $1,000.00. Also, it’s common knowledge that an OWI conviction will result in some sanctions in the courtroom, including probation, education, testing, and community service. In addition, your driver’s license will be affected with an OWI conviction, and points will be assessed on your master driving record.

But what about other, less obvious “collateral” consequences of an OWI conviction? What else can you expect to suffer with a first-offense OWI in Michigan? Here’s several potential consequences a person might face:

Insurance Premium Increases or Coverage Denial;
Immigration Issues, including the possibility of deportation;
International Travel, including the ability to travel to Canada;
Handgun Carry Permit (“CPL”) Revocation or Denial;
Employment/Professional Licensing Issues;
Vehicle Immobilization, Forfeiture or Plate Confiscation; and
Specialized License (Commercial “CDL”, Chauffer’s, Graduated Licenses) Revocation or Denial.

Attorney Daniel T. Geherin, owner of MiLicenseLawyer.com and author of The Michigan Drunk Driving and Driver's License Restoration Handbook, has dedicated his career to helping put drivers back on the road following a license suspension or revocation. He has an unparalleled 25-year track record of restoring licenses for drivers all over the State of Michigan, and he has close to a 98% success rate in appeal hearings at the Secretary of State Administrative Hearing Section.

Every day, Dan talks with his clients about all of the direct and indirect consequences of an OWI plea or conviction. Dan also takes calls from people who were ill-advised or not prepared to deal with the fallout of an OWI conviction.

Having a specialized, experienced and dedicated OWI Defense attorney is crucial to understanding all of the direct and secondary consequences of a plea or conviction. In many instances, a skilled drunk driving defense attorney can lessen the charge, which in turn may lessen (or eliminate) the direct and collateral consequences. We can also help defeat the charge altogether, by eliminating almost all of the consequences. At the very least, an elite DUI attorney can discuss all of these consequences with clients so there are no surprises.

If you or a loved one face an OWI charge in Ann Arbor or Southeastern Michigan, and you have concerns about the consequences, please call the Geherin Law Group. Dan, a drunk driving defense attorney and his team at GLG Michigan are available 24/7 at (734) 263-2780 or online info@GLGMichigan.com.