Grand Rapids OWI Lawyer

First-Time OWI Offenders

Individuals convicted of Operating While Intoxicated for the first time can face a maximum of 93 days in jail, probation, and fines ranging from $100 to $500. Furthermore, they may be subject to a maximum of 360 hours of community service. First-time offenders will have their driver’s license suspended for 30 days, followed by restricted driving privileges for 150 days, with six points added to their driver’s license. Upon conviction, there may also be other consequences, such as having to pay court costs, attending counseling, and limitations on out of country travel.

Individuals convicted of Operating While Impaired for the first time can face a maximum of 93 days in jail, fines and costs, probation, a 90 day restricted license, and four points added to their license. Upon conviction, there may also be other consequences, such as having to attend counseling as a part of probation, and limitations on out of country travel.

Individuals convicted of Operating with a High Blood Alcohol Content for the first time can face a maximum of 180 days in jail, fines and costs, 360 community service hours, and probation. First time offenders will have their driver’s license suspended for 45 days followed by 320 days of a restricted license with a mandatory ignition interlock device, and 6 points would be added to their driving record.

Second-Time OWI Offenders

Individuals convicted of a second OWI offense within seven years of a previous offense can face a jail sentence ranging from five days to one year. Furthermore, they may be fined $200 to 1,000 and can be required to complete a 30-to-90-day period of community service. Individuals who have been convicted of two OWI offenses within 7 years will have their driver’s license revoked for a minimum of one year, with vehicle immobilization or forfeiture required and six points added to their driver’s license.

If an individual only has one prior OWI conviction and that conviction occurred more than 7 years before their most recent conviction, it will be treated as an OWI First Offense case for purposes of criminal and licensing sanctions.

Third-Time OWI Offenders

A third-time OWI offense in the state of Michigan is a felony. Individuals facing a third OWI offense in their lifetime may potentially be sentenced to one to five years in prison and be fined anywhere from $500 to $5,000. Alternatively, the court could sentence the individual to 30 days to one year in jail if probation is also ordered. They may also be required to complete community service for 60 to 180 days. Vehicle immobilization or forfeiture will be ordered, and six points will be added to the individuals’ driving record.

If someone has three OWIs within 10 years, then their license is revoked by the Secretary of State for a minimum of five years. If the individual has two OWI convictions within seven years, then their license would be revoked for a minimum of one year. If the individual does not have three OWI convictions within 10 years or two convictions within seven years, then their case will be treated by the Secretary of State as if it is a first offense. In this situation, the person will have a 30-day suspended license followed by 150 days of a restricted license.