Juvenile Facing an OWI Charge

[turtlewoman]

My son is 16 and got an OWI yesterday. I was told depending on the judge he may lose his license until he is 18, possibly 21. Is he going to be able to get a restricted license for school and work, and for how long will this stay on his record?

[aaron]

He can request a restricted license; whether or not he receives one depends upon the conviction charge, the duration of the suspension, and the perspective of the judge. Depending upon the charge, there may be a period of ineligibility for a restricted license. If his license is revoked, he would not be eligible for a restricted license.

A drunk driving offense is a criminal offense, and a criminal record doesn't disappear with time. Michigan also would record a conviction on his driver's license, where a traffic offense will appear for up to ten years.

[turtlewoman]

basically, he passed out, and hit a parked truck and fence. his breathlyzer test showed .16, and this is his first offense for anything. What do you think the odds are of him being able to get a restricted license?

[aaron]

That depends upon the conviction charge, and the predispositions of the judge. If you want specific advice, I suggest you have a drunk driving defense lawyer review the charges, police report, and your son's driving history.