In Michigan, it is a crime to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Referred to as operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Michigan, driving under the influence (DUI) can result in a criminal conviction. This raises an important question: if you are convicted of OWI/DUI in Michigan, how long will it stay on your record?
When it comes to your criminal record, a DUI/OWI will stay on your record for life. Unless you qualify for expungement as a first-time offender, you will always have this conviction on your record. It will also remain on your driving record for life, although for second offense DUIs, the conviction will only be considered a prior offense for a period of 7 years.
At Mas/Stig-Nielsen, we are fierce advocates for clients charged with OWI/DUI in the Traverse City region. We know that a DUI conviction can have a significant impact on our clients’ lives, which is why we fight to help them get the best possible outcome. To learn more or to talk to a Traverse City DUI defense attorney, contact our law offices today.
How Long Will a DUI Stay on My Record in Michigan?
OWI/DUI is a crime in the state of Michigan. If you are convicted of this offense, you will face significant consequences, such as a fine, jail time, community service, a driver’s license suspension, and points on your driver’s license. You may also be required to attend an alcohol treatment program and install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Because DUI is a criminal offense, it will remain on your record for life. Beyond the initial legal consequences, it can affect your life for years to come. This may include having difficulty finding a job, paying increased insurance premiums, or simply the embarrassment of having a publicly available criminal record.
In some cases, it may be possible to have your DUI record expunged. First-time DUI offenders can seek to have their record expunged, provided that the offense did not cause an injury or death. Only one OWI/DUI conviction can be set aside in a person’s lifetime.
Our Michigan expungement lawyers can help you evaluate your eligibility for a DUI expungement. After 5 years have passed, you might be able to have the conviction set aside. This can help you move forward with your life after a DUI.
Because a DUI will stay on your criminal record for a lifetime (unless you qualify for expungement), it is a good idea to hire a Traverse City DUI defense attorney if you have been charged with OWI. While you may think that you have no option but to plead guilty to the charge, it is often possible to negotiate a more favorable deal, including a lesser charge. This can help to reduce the impact of a conviction on your life.
Will a Prior DUI Affect a Current OWI/DUI Charge?
In Michigan, the “lookback” period for a DUI offense is 7 years. This means that if you are convicted of driving under the influence, it can be considered as a prior offense for a period of 7 years. If you get a second (or greater) DUI charge during this time, you will face much steeper consequences than you would for a first offense DUI.
If you are charged with a second DUI after the 7-year period has elapsed, then it will be charged as a first offense. However, a third DUI offense will always be charged as a felony DUI – regardless of how many years have elapsed since your prior convictions. In other words, if you have 2 DUI convictions on your driving record, the lookback period is your lifetime.
The lookback period can significantly affect the amount of punishment that you receive for a DUI conviction. That is why it is so important to work with a seasoned Michigan DUI defense lawyer if you have been charged with operating while intoxicated.
For insurance purposes, a DUI conviction will typically lead to increased premiums for a period of 3 to 5 years. The exact length of time will depend on factors such as your driving record and the facts of your DUI case. This added expense can have a significant effect on your life, which is another good reason to hire a Traverse City criminal defense lawyer if you have been charged with OWI/DUI.
Help for People Charged with OWI/DUI in Michigan
If you are convicted of an OWI/DUI in Michigan, it will stay on your criminal record for life unless you qualify for expungement. This can affect your finances, your employment, and other aspects of your life long after you have completed your sentence. Our Traverse City DUI defense attorneys can help you get the best possible outcome for your case.
At Mas/Stig-Nielsen, our criminal defense lawyers are skilled at advocating for clients charged with all types of crimes, including DUI/OWI. We will fight to get you the best possible outcome for your DUI charges, which may include a favorable plea deal, a reduction of the charges, a dismissal, or even a not guilty verdict at trial. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a Traverse City DUI attorney, give us a call at (866) 985-4287 or fill out our online contact form.
