Aggressive Criminal Defense Against Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Charges Throughout Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, St. Joseph, and Berrien County
The attorneys of The Aggressive Criminal Defense Law Firm defend clients throughout western Michigan who have been charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI).
Most of our clients are college students, professionals, tradesman, business owners and others who have been arrested for the first time. Others are facing OWI 2nd Offense and Felony OWI 3rd Offense. We know that a drunk driving arrest can be frightening. You can rely on us to guide you through the process and work diligently to protect your interests, including keeping you out of jail, protecting your criminal record and protecting your driving privileges.
The first step is knowing the potential penalties for the charges you face.
Penalties for a Michigan OWI Conviction
Operating while intoxicated means you were unable to safely operate the vehicle because of the level of drugs or alcohol in your system. It also means driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more.
OWI 1st Offense – Operating While Intoxicated I – OWI First Offense
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Fines of $100 to $500
- 360 hours (45 days) of community service
- Possible order of ignition interlock device during probation
- Discretionary immobilization of vehicle
OWI 2nd Offense – Operating While Intoxicated II – OWI Second Offense
- From five days to one year in jail
- Fines of $200 to $1000
- Not less than 30 days or not more than 90 days of community service
- Possible order of ignition interlock device during probation
- Mandatory immobilization of vehicle
OWI 3rd Offense– Felony Operating While Intoxicated III – OWI Third Offense
- From one to five years in prison
- Probation with jail not less than 30 days nor more than one year
- Fines of $500 to $5000
- Sixty to 180 days of community service
- Possible order of ignition interlock device during probation
- Mandatory immobilization of vehicle
Michigan's Super Drunk Laws
Beginning October 31, 2010, Michigan's "super drunk" laws go into effect. If your blood alcohol content is .17 or above on a first offense, you will face stiffer penalties, including:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- $200 to $700 in fines
- One-year driver's license suspension with no exceptions for the first 45 days, restricted driving privileges thereafter with an ignition interlock device
- Immobilization of vehicle if caught driving without an ignition interlock installed
Our lawyers are experienced in resolving drunk driving charges, including OWI. To arrange a free initial consultation about your case, please contact us by e-mail, call 269-743-1978 or call toll free 888-211-4326 . From offices in Kalamazoo, Paw Paw and Grand Rapids, we represent clients throughout western Michigan. We offer discounts to students, seniors and members of the military.
Some of Our Many Positive Results
Steve G.: Through negotiations, we had the charge reduced to DWI with no probation and no jail. Client completed a highway safety program and a Victim Impact Panel and the charged was reduced again to Careless Driving, a civil infraction rather than a criminal charge, and the OWI charge and the DWI were dismissed.
Michael G. (A Colorado college student): We immediately got the Refusal of PBT charge dropped and then the OWI reduced to Visibly Impaired. We got client a restricted license that allowed him to drive to keep his job. Then, after a 12 month delayed sentence, the Visibly Impaired was dismissed and client pled to Careless Driving. No jail time, no probation and no community service, no criminal record.
Learn More on Our Client Testimonials Page.
