OAKLAND COUNTY, MI - Individuals arrested for Operating While Intoxicated in Michigan often face confusion about their ability to drive before their court date. Oakland County DUI attorney Paul Tafelski of Michigan Defense Law (https://www.michigandefenselaw.com/blog/can-you-drive-after-dui-before-the-court-date-in-michigan/) is providing guidance on temporary licenses, driving restrictions, and how license status changes throughout the OWI legal process.
According to Oakland County DUI attorney Paul Tafelski, first-time offenders typically maintain driving privileges until formal restrictions are imposed at arraignment or a later hearing. The arresting officer confiscates the physical license and issues a temporary permit that allows continued driving under specific conditions. "Many people don't realize they can continue driving with the temporary permit while their case is pending," explains Tafelski.
Oakland County DUI attorney Paul Tafelski emphasizes that the type of temporary permit received depends on whether the driver submitted to chemical testing. Drivers who take a breath, blood, or urine test receive a DI-177 form that remains valid until the case is resolved. Those who refuse chemical testing receive a DI-93 form, which includes a temporary driving permit but triggers a strict 14-day deadline to request an implied-consent hearing.
Attorney Tafelski notes that temporary permits generally allow the same driving privileges as a standard license, including travel to work, school, and medical appointments. The permits are not restricted to essential purposes unless the court imposes specific bond conditions at arraignment. "The temporary license functions like a regular license in most cases, though drivers should understand the timeframes and requirements attached to each type of permit," he adds.
Tafelski points out that judges may impose driving restrictions as bond conditions at arraignment, though such restrictions are uncommon for first-time offenders without aggravating circumstances. Possible bond conditions include installation of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device, geographic restrictions, or curfews. Courts in Oakland County typically impose strict bond conditions for repeat offenders, high-BAC cases, or incidents involving accidents or injuries.
The firm explains that conviction triggers formal license sanctions from the Michigan Secretary of State. First offenders face a six-month suspension with 30 days of no driving followed by five months of restricted driving. "Understanding the difference between temporary permits before conviction and restricted licenses after conviction is critical for maintaining compliance," observes Tafelski.
Michigan Defense Law handles the administrative and criminal aspects of OWI cases, including challenging chemical test results and filing motions to suppress evidence. "Early intervention allows us to examine whether the traffic stop was lawful and whether testing procedures were properly followed," he notes. The firm represents clients at arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and trial in Oakland County Circuit Court, the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills, and courts throughout Michigan.
For those facing OWI charges in Oakland County, understanding temporary license provisions and potential driving restrictions may help individuals make informed decisions about their legal representation and case strategy.
About Michigan Defense Law:
Michigan Defense Law is an Oakland County-based law firm dedicated to criminal defense with a focus on OWI and DUI cases. Led by attorney Paul Tafelski, who has over 20 years of experience in Michigan criminal defense, the firm represents clients throughout Oakland County, Bloomfield Hills, and Michigan. For consultations, call (248) 451-2200.
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Website: https://www.michigandefenselaw.com/
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Company Name: Michigan Defense Law
Contact Person: Paul J. Tafelski
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Phone: (248) 451-2200
Address:2525 S Telegraph Rd suite 100
City: Bloomfield Hills
State: Michigan 48302
Country: United States
Website: https://www.michigandefenselaw.com/
