OWI Defense

Serving clients in East Lansing, Lansing, Flint, Jackson, Charlotte, and surrounding communities in Mid-Michigan.  

An OWI charge can jeopardize your license, job, and freedom—quickly. I’m Tara Nichol, a trial-focused criminal defense attorney based in East Lansing. My mission is to help clients clearly understand the facts, deadlines, and options available under Michigan OWI law, preparing each case with trial in mind right from the start. If you have an upcoming court date or you’re unsure of 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 concerned about your license, driving privileges, or commuting to work.

- You have a court date approaching and don’t know what to expect.

- There are additional concerns like an accident, injury, prior history, or probation.

What I do (trial-focused approach):  

- Review the stop, arrest timeline, and available reports/video for any legal issues.  

- Clearly explain the OWI charges, the court process, and realistic outcomes in plain English.  

- Track all deadlines and court requirements to ensure nothing is missed.  

- Develop a defense strategy for hearings, motions, negotiations, and trial preparation if necessary.  

- Prepare you for each court date so that you can arrive 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 transpired (in order).  

- Any breath/blood test paperwork or refusal documentation.  

- Your license concerns (work travel, CDL, prior suspensions).  

- Witness names/contact info (if anyone was present or observed the stop).  

- Any prior OWI history (if applicable).  

Your Top Questions (FAQ):  

Q: What should I do right after an OWI arrest?  

A: Document everything you remember while it’s fresh (timeline, location of the stop, conversations, and whether you were offered a roadside PBT or a breath/blood test post-arrest). Keep every piece of paperwork you received, noting any upcoming court dates or bond conditions. Refrain from discussing the case on social media or with potential witnesses. Obtaining legal advice early on helps you grasp 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: The consequences for your license depend on the specific OWI charges, test results (or refusals), and your driving record. We will thoroughly review the paperwork and timelines to clarify what’s at stake and what options may be available. For information on potential driver license consequences, check 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, there’s a distinction. A roadside PBT (preliminary breath test) and the post-arrest chemical test (breath or blood) differ, and refusing one can lead to different consequences than refusing the other. The specific test refused—and when—can influence both the immediate impact on your license and the defense strategy for your case. In a consultation, I’ll evaluate what happened and review your paperwork so you understand its implications and your next steps. To dive deeper into 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 right away if you are facing OWI charges.  

Call 517-299-5659 or send a message now!  

Schedule Your Consultation Today.