Michigan OWVI
Operating While Visually Impaired

If you have been arrested in Michigan for OWI – Operting While Intoxicated you will certainly want to fight for at least a reduction to Operating While Visibly Intoxicated – OWVI. The penalties are reduced and you are given a drivers license restricted from day one. Contact Attorney McNeil today to see if you may be eligible for a reduction in your charges.

Call 1-866-387-2757 and speak with an attorney personally today!

OWI vs OWVI

Operating While Intoxicated is the charge usually authorized by the prosecuting official. When I was a prosecuting official for a municipality I would often times charge OWI when I knew that I would offer Operating While Visibly Impaired as a plea offer. This is an important distinction because the penalties,while still severe, are less than OWI and a skilled defense attorney will know best how to argue for a reduction.

OWVI Defense – How an Attorney Can Help

An attorney is important in this process as many prosecuting attorneys have a set number and policies on how they will offer a reduction. Some courts offer a reduction as a matter of course and others will not offer a reduction without approval from their superior. A skilled attorney can investigate your case and put it in a light that is the most favorable to securing a good outcome.

OWVI First Offense Penalties

Operating While Visually Impaired 1st Offense - Up to $300 fine and one or more of the following:

• Up to 93 days in jail.
• Up to 360 hours of community service.
• Driver license restriction for 90 days (180 days if impaired by controlled substance).
• Possible vehicle immobilization.
• Four points on driver record.
• $500 Driver Responsibility Fee for two consecutive years 

OWVI Second Offense Penalties

Operating While Visually Impaired 2nd Offense – $200 to $1,000 fine and one or more of the following:

• Five days to one year in jail.
• 30 to 90 days community service.
• Driver license denial/revocation for a minimum one year.
• License plate confiscation.
• Vehicle immobilization 90 to 180 days unless vehicle is forfeited.
• Possible vehicle forfeiture.
• Four points on driver record.
• $500 Driver Responsibility Fee for two consecutive years.

OWVI Third Offense Penalties

Operating While Visually Impaired 3rd Offense – $500 to $5,000 fine and either:

• One to five years in prison.
• Probation with 30 days to one year in jail.
• 60 to 180 days community service.
• Driver license denial/revocation for a minimum of five years.
• License plate confiscation.
• Vehicle immobilization one to three years unless forfeited.
• Possible vehicle forfeiture.
• Registration denial.
• Four points on driver record.
• $500 Driver Responsibility Fee

Call 1-866-387-2757 and speak with an attorney personally today!