What Happens With My First OWI Charge In Michigan?

Assuming that it’s just a straight Operating While Intoxicated charge and there were not aggravating factors (i.e., a death, any significant bodily injury, anyone under the age of 16 in the vehicle, or a Super-Drunk BAC of 0.17 or higher), the most important consequences are:

• Up to 93 days in jail
• A mandatory fine of $100, which can be raised up to $500
• Up to 360 hours of community service
• Immobilization of your car for up to 180 days
• An ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
• 180-day license suspension with 30 days of hard suspension
• 6 points on your license

The licensing sanctions are mandatory, as issued by the Secretary of State, so even if the Judge wants to cut you a break, the license suspension and points on your license have to be issued if you are convicted of an OWI.

If your charges are reduced to impaired driving, the consequences include:

• Up to 93 days in jail
• A flat fine of $300
• Up to 360 hours of community service
• Immobilization of your car for up to 180 days

However, very importantly, the 180-day suspended license with an OWI becomes a 90-day restricted license with no hard suspension in an impaired driving. In addition, instead of 6 points on your record, it is 4 points.

One special offense worth mentioning is Super-Drunk charges. For Super-Drunk driving, the penalties are as follows:

• Up to 180 days in jail
• Mandatory minimum fine of $200, up to a possible maximum fine of $700
• Up to 360 hours of community service
• Immobilization of your car for up to 180 days.

In addition, the Secretary of State mandatory sanctions are now:

• 1 year license suspension, with 45 days hard suspension where you cannot drive for any reason.
• 320 days of restricted license
• 6 points on your driver’s license
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.

With impaired driving, ignition interlock device installation is not among the potential allowed sentences. For drunk driving (OWI), it is permissible if ordered by the Judge. For Super-Drunk driving, it is mandatory.

For more information on OWI Law in Michigan, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (248) 509-0056 today.