Pulled over for OWI in Ann Arbor? Here is what happens next.

Three things matter in the first days.

• If you refused the chemical test, you have 14 days from the officer's notice to request a hearing with the Department of State, or your license is suspended for a year. See the 14-day hearing guide.
• Find your court date. It is on your citation or bond paperwork. Arrests in the City of Ann Arbor go to the 15th District Court; the townships and other cities go to a 14A or 14B court.
• Decide about a lawyer. Local OWI lawyers are in the directory. This site cannot give legal advice.

Possibly, in two different ways.

• A refusal: a 1-year suspension (2 years for a second refusal in 7 years) unless you request a hearing within 14 days.
• A conviction: the Department of State suspends the license. For a first OWI it is 180 days, with no restricted license in the first 30 days; for High BAC (0.17+) it is 1 year. Repeat convictions lead to revocation.

Until then you drive on the paper temporary license, if otherwise eligible. See the license sanctions guide. Rules can change.

Often, after a waiting period. For a first OWI conviction, the Department of State may issue a restricted license after the first 30 days of the 180-day suspension. For High BAC, a restricted license is possible after 45 days, only with an ignition interlock. Some repeat offenders can get one through a sobriety court interlock program. See the license sanctions guide.

Under MCL 257.625(9)(a), a first OWI is a misdemeanor punishable by one or more of:

• up to 93 days in jail (up to 180 days for High BAC, 0.17 or more);
• a fine of $100 to $500 ($200 to $700 for High BAC); and
• up to 360 hours of community service.

Costs and other conditions can be added, and license sanctions follow separately. Penalties can change; see the penalties guide.

OWI (operating while intoxicated) means driving under the influence or at 0.08 or more. OWVI (operating while visibly impaired) means your ability to drive was visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs. A first OWVI carries up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $300, and a 90-day suspension with a possible restricted license. See the penalties guide.

It depends on where you were stopped.

• City of Ann Arbor: 15th District Court, 301 E. Huron Street.
• Pittsfield Township: 14A-1, 4133 Washtenaw Avenue.
• Ypsilanti and nearby townships: 14A-2, Ypsilanti. Ypsilanti Township: 14B.
• Chelsea, Dexter and western townships: 14A-3. Saline, Milan and southern townships: 14A-4.
• Felony OWI: Washtenaw County Trial Court, 101 E. Huron Street.

Addresses and phone numbers are on the local resources page.

If you refused the chemical test after arrest, you have 14 days from the officer's notice to request a hearing; otherwise the Department of State suspends your license for 1 year, or 2 years for a second refusal within 7 years. Refusing the roadside preliminary breath test is usually a civil infraction instead. See the 14-day hearing guide.

You are not required to have one. A lawyer can handle the refusal hearing and the court case, and the court can appoint a lawyer if you cannot afford one. The choosing a lawyer guide covers what to ask, and local firms are in the directory. Listings are not recommendations.

Yes. Under MCL 257.625(9)(c), an OWI after 2 or more prior convictions is a felony no matter how many years have passed, with a fine of $500 to $5,000 and 1 to 5 years in prison or probation with 30 days to 1 year in jail. Felony cases go to circuit court. See the penalties guide.

Yes. Michigan's OWI penalties and license rules are set by the legislature and the Department of State and can change. This site summarizes the law as of the date shown on each guide, with links to the official sources. Confirm anything that matters to your case with the court, the Department of State, or a licensed attorney.