In Michigan, being charged and convicted with operating while intoxicated can cause a litany of challenges in a person’s life. In addition to the penalties after the conviction such as losing driving privileges, fines and jail time, it is a dark spot on their record that can be problematic when seeking certain jobs and trying to advance in life. This can impact people of all ages.
Fortunately those who meet certain criteria can have the OWI expunged. When considering this option, it is important to know if the circumstances of the arrest and conviction warrant it. Before moving forward with the process, it is useful to have professional guidance.
A person must meet specific conditions for an OWI expungement
Not everyone who has been convicted of OWI can get an expungement. The law changed in February 2022 to let those who have had an OWI receive the expungement, but it not a blanket law.
Only those who were convicted of a first-time offense can apply. The person must wait five years from when they were sentenced, received parole or finished probation. If the person has more than one conviction for OWI, they cannot receive an expungement.
A condition for the expungement is to have taken reasonable steps to rehabilitate themselves. They might need to take part in a program or undergo other forms of treatment and evaluation. In some instances, there was an accident during the OWI incident. If someone was injured or killed, then the driver cannot receive an expungement.
Know the steps to getting an OWI expungement
OWI is often a one-time mistake that people immediately regret and wish never happened. The conviction, however, stayed with them and caused obstacles in their life long after the incident. The state allowing people to have OWIs expunged under specific conditions has been beneficial.
When there has been an arrest and conviction for OWI, it is important to understand the process to getting an expungement. To take all the necessary steps, it is wise to have assistance. Consulting with those experienced in OWI expungements and other areas of criminal defense can be essential from the outset.