OWI DEFENSE
An OWI Charge Is Serious. Your Defense Should Be Too.
Serving clients in East Lansing, Lansing, Flint, Jackson, Charlotte—plus surrounding Mid‑Michigan communities.
An OWI charge can put your license, job, and freedom at risk—fast. I’m Tara Nichol, a trial-focused defense attorney based in East Lansing. I help clients get clear on the facts, deadlines, and options, and I prepare each case with trial in mind from the start. If you have an upcoming court date or you’re not sure what to do next, let’s talk.
Schedule a consultation: attorneytaranichol.com/schedule
When this comes up
- You were stopped and arrested for OWI after a traffic stop
- You took (or refused) a breath test or blood test
- You’re worried about your license, driving privileges, or getting to work
- You have a court date coming up and don’t know what to expect
- There are added concerns (accident, injury, prior history, or probation)
What I do (trial-focused approach)
- Review the stop, arrest timeline, and available reports/video for legal issues
- Explain the charge(s), the court process, and realistic outcomes in plain English
- Track deadlines and court requirements so nothing gets missed
- Build a defense strategy for hearings, motions, negotiation, and trial preparation when needed
- Prepare you for each court date so you can show up informed and ready
What to bring / what I need from you
- Ticket, bond paperwork, and any court notices
- The date/time/location of the stop and what happened (in order)
- Any breath/blood test paperwork or refusal paperwork
- Your license concerns (work travel, CDL, prior suspensions)
- Witness names/contact info (if anyone was with you or saw the stop)
- Any prior OWI history (if applicable)
Your Top Questions (FAQ)
Q: What should I do right after an OWI arrest?
A: Write down everything you remember while it’s fresh (timeline, where you were stopped, what was said, and whether you were offered a roadside PBT versus a breath or blood test after arrest). Save every piece of paperwork you received and note any upcoming court dates or bond conditions. Avoid discussing the case on social media or with anyone who could be a witness. Getting legal advice early helps you understand deadlines, license risks, and next steps. Read my Five Tips for a 1st OWI here: https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/first-owi-in-michigan-5-questions-id-want-you-to-ask-me
Q: Will I lose my license after an OWI?
A: License consequences depend on the specific charge, test results (or refusals), and your driving record. We’ll review the paperwork and timing so you understand what’s at risk and what options may be available. For information on possible driver license consequences, read my blog post: https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/your-drivers-license-after-an-owi-make-it-less-scary
Q: Does it matter if I refused the PBT or the chemical test?
A: Yes. A roadside PBT (preliminary breath test) and the post-arrest chemical test (breath or blood) are different, and refusing one can have different consequences than refusing the other. Which test was refused—and when—can affect both the immediate license impact and the strategy for your case. In a consult, I’ll review what happened and your paperwork so you understand what it means and what to do next. To learn more about this topic, read my blog post: https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/refusing-a-breath-test-in-michigan-myths-busted-and-explained
Don't wait - contact us immediately if you're facing OWI charges.
