Michigan OWI for Outside Sales Professionals: Driving & Career Ramifications

Outside sales professionals often live on the road — driving to meet clients, attending networking events, and covering a wide territory. Success depends on mobility and trust.

But an OWI charge in Michigan threatens both, because beyond the criminal penalties every driver faces, salespeople risk temporary loss of driving privileges and career setbacks that can disrupt client relationships and employer confidence.

Therefore, if you’re an outside sales professional facing an OWI, it’s essential to work with a defense attorney who understands both the legal system and the professional realities of sales careers — so you can protect your livelihood, preserve your reputation, and move forward strategically.

This article explains how a Michigan OWI can affect outside sales reps, covering legal consequences, job and reputation risks, and practical strategies to safeguard your career.

What are the legal consequences of an OWI in Michigan?

Michigan OWI laws apply to everyone, including sales professionals.

First offense: A misdemeanor, with possible jail (up to 93 days), fines up to $500, community service, and a license suspension — 30 days of no driving, followed by 150 days of restricted driving.
High BAC (0.17+): Harsher penalties — up to 180 days jail, $700 fine, and one year suspension (restricted license possible after 45 days with ignition interlock).
OWVI (“Impaired Driving”): A lesser charge that can sometimes be negotiated. Instead of a full suspension, it allows restricted driving immediately, which can preserve your ability to work.
Repeat offenses:
- Second OWI (within 7 years) → mandatory jail, higher fines, and 1-year license revocation.
- Third OWI (within 10 years) → felony, with up to 5 years in prison and long-term license revocation.

For details on Michigan OWI penalties, see our Michigan OWI Penalties Guide.

Will an OWI cost me my job?

Unlike licensed professions (medicine, law), sales doesn’t involve a state licensing board. The impact is more about employer policies and job requirements.

Job security: Many companies require disclosure of arrests or convictions. If you can’t drive for 30 days, that alone can create risk to your employment. We advise reviewing your handbook with your attorney before making disclosures.
Company car & insurance: If you drive a company vehicle, an OWI may trigger insurance exclusions or company policies that limit your driving privileges. Some employers enforce zero tolerance for DUI in a company car.
Future job hunting: A conviction will appear on driving and criminal records. Employers hiring sales staff often review MVRs. Having an OWI may require explanation. Michigan does allow a one-time expungement of a first OWI after 5 years, which we can help pursue, but the incident will still remain on your driving history.

How could this affect my reputation and client relationships?

Sales depends on credibility and relationships. You may worry how coworkers, bosses, or clients perceive the charge.

Coworkers and managers: If your transportation changes or you temporarily can’t drive, colleagues may notice. After consultation with your attorney, it may help to confide in a trusted manager or teammate. Many colleagues are more supportive than expected — stepping in to help cover meetings or provide rides.
Clients: In most cases, clients never learn about a misdemeanor OWI unless it’s reported publicly. If questions arise, we help you craft concise, professional messaging to reassure them that the matter hasn’t affected your work.

The attorneys at the Barone Defense Firm minimize the personal and professional impact of an OWI. We even help with communication strategies — similar to corporate PR support — so you can address concerns without damaging trust.

What should sales professionals do after an OWI?

Hire an experienced OWI attorney immediately. We handle cases across Michigan and build defenses to reduce or dismiss charges. When possible, we negotiate reductions that protect your ability to keep driving for work.
Take proactive steps. From substance use evaluations to documenting positive behavior, we guide clients through measures that improve case outcomes.
Address employer obligations carefully. We help you review policies and decide if, when, and how to disclose. Doing this strategically avoids both policy violations and unnecessary career damage.
Manage insurance and liability. Expect higher personal insurance costs, and some employers may temporarily bar you from driving company cars. We help you prepare for these scenarios.
Learn from the incident. Put safeguards in place for client dinners, networking events, or travel. We help you frame this as a one-time lapse with concrete changes made, which strengthens both legal and professional credibility.

Final thoughts

For an outside sales professional in Michigan, an OWI can be disruptive — but it does not have to end your career. With skilled legal defense, proactive steps, and the right communication strategy, many salespeople overcome this setback and go on to succeed.

At Barone Defense Firm, we don’t just fight your case in court — we help you manage the professional consequences, protect your reputation, and rebuild trust with employers and clients. Our mission is to help you win back your life and your livelihood.