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Michigan enforces some of the toughest Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) laws in the country. For out-of-state drivers, an arrest here can have far-reaching consequences, even after returning home. Whether you were visiting family, traveling for business, or driving through Michigan, understanding your rights and how these laws apply is essential to protecting your record and your freedom.
At Ben Hall Law, our East Lansing criminal defense attorneys represent out-of-state drivers facing OWI charges throughout Michigan. Led by a former police officer and prosecutor, Attorney Ben Hall and his team know exactly how these cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted, and how to build a strong defense that minimizes long-term damage.
If you are arrested for OWI in Michigan while holding a driver’s license from another state, the case will still proceed under Michigan law. The fact that you do not live here does not exempt you from prosecution or penalties.
Michigan participates in the Driver License Compact (DLC), an interstate agreement that allows member states to share information about traffic offenses, including OWI convictions.
This means your home state will likely learn about your Michigan case and may impose additional penalties, such as:
In short, a Michigan OWI conviction can follow you home and affect your driving privileges there, too.
Michigan’s OWI penalties vary depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior record, and the circumstances of your arrest.
For a first-time OWI offense, potential penalties include:
If your BAC was 0.17 or higher, you could be charged under Michigan’s High BAC OWI, also known as the “Super Drunk” law, which carries harsher penalties, including longer jail terms, higher fines, and an ignition interlock requirement for restricted driving privileges.
Repeat offenses or OWIs involving injuries, accidents, or minors in the vehicle can result in felony charges and significantly steeper consequences.
Out-of-state OWI cases are often more complicated because of travel requirements, communication across jurisdictions, and differing state laws. Fortunately, an experienced Michigan defense attorney can usually handle many court appearances on your behalf, reducing the need for you to return for every hearing.
A strong defense may involve:
Our firm understands how to navigate both Michigan’s court process and the interstate reporting system to protect your rights and minimize disruption to your life.
Because of the Driver License Compact, your home state will usually impose the same or similar penalties as Michigan once it is notified of a conviction. For example, if Michigan suspends your driving privileges, your home state may suspend your license as well.
Our legal team can help:
The goal is always to resolve your Michigan case with the least possible long-term impact.
If you are an out-of-state driver charged with OWI in Michigan, you have the same constitutional rights as any Michigan resident, including the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, and the right to challenge the evidence. Acting quickly after an arrest is critical to preserving these rights and protecting your driving privileges in both states.
At Ben Hall Law, our East Lansing criminal defense attorneys understand how overwhelming a Michigan OWI charge can be — especially when you live hundreds of miles away. We will guide you through the process, advocate for your best interests, and fight to protect your license, your record, and your future.
Call 877-BEN-HALL (877-236-4255) or contact us online today for a confidential consultation. Our team will help you understand your rights, review your options, and build a defense strategy tailored to you.
Benjamin J. Hall has proudly served both his community and country. He spent 5 years in the Marine Corps, including a tour in Iraq, and later worked nearly 10 years in law enforcement while attending law school. Ben has also been featured in local and national media, sharing insights on Michigan’s child protective services and offering a veteran’s perspective on 9/11.
“Mr. Hall was a huge help. Being a former police officer and a former prosecutor was evident in his knowledge of both traffic and criminal laws. Even when I was willing to accept an initial plea deal, he knew that there was so little evidence against me that we should counter the offer. I went from a potential criminal case to a fine and 0 points. I could not be happier with my outcome. Thank you Mr. Hall!”
Anonymous“I had an excellent experience with this law office. Ben Hall was able to handle my situation promptly and thoroughly, I was thankful we were able to avoided the hassle of going to court. I was looking for housing and if that isn’t an overwhelming task in itself, once I found a place that had vacancies they did not want to allow my support dog and the lady responsible for processing my application began sending me in circles and improperly handled the application process. It was to the point I didn’t think I was going to get housing when I contacted Ben Hall. He dove right in and explained to me the process and options and he guided me how to proceed and also contacted the housing development and let them know what their options were and how this was going to go if they continued to unjustly process my application… I received housing promptly with no further issues! So thankful for this option to pay such a minimal fee to have a lawyer in your corner and build a relationship with them. In a world were nothing is for sure it is a comfort to have such ease of access with this law office.”
Melinda“Ben was very generous with his time and expertise. He asked straightforward questions and offered excellent options to meet our objectives. Amazing turn around on short deadlines. We needed a legal opinion dealing with a conflict of interest on a local school board. WOW! Ben really understood the issues andbour concerns. He produced an amazing 8 page opinion in in a weeks time. And he worked with us on minimizing legal fees.”
DaveMichigan enforces some of the toughest Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
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