OWI (DUI)

In Michigan, the offense for drunk-driving is called Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). Michigan has some of the most unforgiving drunk driving laws in the country. In years past, if you received your third OWI arrest within 10 years, the charge would be a felony (imprisonment longer than one year). Just this year, the Michigan legislature passed “Heidi’s Law”, which means that there is no more ten year limit. That is, if you receive a third arrest for OWI, it does not matter how long ago the previous two OWI convictions were. You will now be charged with a felony.

It is now more important than ever to contact an attorney if you have been arrested for an OWI. Most OWI’s can be defended on grounds like an improper stop, police not following procedures with the testing devices, police conducting wrongful field sobriety tests (FST), or certain ever day ailments interfering with the chemical testing device. If you suspect any of these has happened to you, then contact our firm for your free initial consultation. Don’t just plead the case out or feel that an OWI is indefensible. If you are charged with an OWI, contact this firm and we will represent you vigorously and see to it that your rights are protected.

The penalties in Michigan are severe for an OWI and increase with each successive conviction. Below is a chart that explains Michigan’s penalties:

OWI 1st Offense
OWI 2nd Offense
OWI 3rd Offense

Criminal Penalties:
Up to 93 days in jail
5 days to one year in jail
1-5 years in jail

$100-500 fine
$200-$1,000 fine
$500-$5,000 fine

45 days of community service
30-90 days community service
60-180 days community service

License Penalties:
Suspension for 180 days
Revocation for 1 year
Revocation for 5 years

Restricted for 150 days
No restricted license
No restricted license

Plate confiscation
Plate confiscation

90-180 day vehicle immobilization
1-3 years vehicle immobilization

Possible vehicle forfeiture
Possible vehicle forfeiture

OVI (Op. visual impairment) 1st
OVI (Op. visual impairment) 2nd
OVI (Op. visual impairment) 3rd

Criminal Penalties:
Up to 93 days in jail
5 days to 1 year in jail
1-5 years in jail

Up to $300 fine
$200-$1,000 fine
$500-$5,000 fine

45 Days community service
30-90 days community service
60-180 days community service

License Penalties:
Suspended license for 90 days
Revocation for 1 year
Revocation for 5 years

(restricted for 90 days if eligible)
Plate confiscation
Plate confiscation

90-180 day vehicle immobilization
1-3 year vehicle immobilization

Possible vehicle forfeiture
Possible vehicle forfeiture

Don’t let this happen to you. Let us fight to protect your license, vehicle, freedom, and peace of mind.

If you have been charged with an OWI, then call us now for your free, no obligation consultation and see what Johnson and Wilk can do for you. Your freedom may depend on it!